What is Oolong Tea?
Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese tea made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. This is the same plant that produces black and green tea leaves. The difference is how the tea is produced.
Processing Oolong Tea
Oolong tea is partially oxidized. It is oxidized more than green tea, but not as much as black tea. This partial oxidization is responsible for oolong tea's colour and unique taste. Oolong teas are traditionally rolled, twisted, or curled into tight balls or thin strands. Rolling is a critical aspect of oolong processing that alters the appearance, aroma, and colour of the final tea leaves.
Tasting Oolong Tea
Since oolong tea is oxidized at different levels depending on the certain processing technique, its flavour can vary from light to full-bodied, sweet to toasty, and floral to grassy. The colour of the tea leaves and the hue of the brewed tea can also vary from green to golden to brown.