Oolong or 'Wu Long' translates as Black Dragon and refers to a method of production that produces a tea somewhere between oxidised black tea and non-oxidised green tea. This is why they are sometimes known as semi-oxidised and in China "Blue" teas. Dependent on how oxidised they are, we are given an incredible variety of spectacular flavours and fragrances to experience. The processing of these highest quality oolongs is carried out by a tea master whose experience and technique will have been learned over at least thirty years and is as important as the growing conditions to the quality of the final product. They are rich in antioxidants, are believed to lower cholesterol and aid digestion and relaxation. Although the prices of the most famous varieties may seem a little high it is worth pointing out that the same leaves will withstand between 8 to 10 infusions making each cup cost just a few pence. This section contains the 'Jade' or lightly oxidised teas from Taiwan. You might also like to try one of Taiwan's world-beating 'Amber' Oolongs.
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As low as £30.00This high grown, hand picked tea is grown on the Ali Mountain in central Taiwan. The special processing that increases the health giving Gamma Amino Butyric Acid content also changes the flavour of this tea too. It is very soft and mellow with a honey like quality that, health benefits aside, make it worthwhile drinking. To qualify as being a 'gabaron' tea and to give the required recommended dosage it must have 150mg per 100g of GABA, this contains over twice that amount.
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As low as £9.00This heavily oxidised Oolong is close to a good black Chinese tea in character but has less strength. This mildness makes it an extremely popular afternoon tea. Woody, malt, orchid-like aromas are noticeable in the toasty, apricot infusion.
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As low as £70.00Considered the best 'Jade' or green oolong made in the world. Its aromatic notes of peach and apple are noticed both in the mouth and nose whilst the high content of healthy amino acids ensure a natural nectar-like sweetness. Our customers have noticed flavours such as floral, macadamia butteriness, honey, caramel and peaches. As with all the best Oolong teas, it can be hours later that these marvellous qualities are still being revealed on the palate. This batch is from the very highest point in the garden from the premium crop, in Spring.
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As low as £19.00This Gabalong oolong tea has almost twice as much GABA content than is required to be classified as Gaba tea. It has an incredibly rich flavour in the cup. Notes of caramel toffee are complemented by the ripe fruit flavours like cooked apples. There are also hints of chocolate and mountain flower notes that flicker in the cup as it cools. A healthy and delicious tea!
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As low as £22.00I had often imagined a tea being made that could combine my two favourite oolong teas into one. I also imagined it would be impossible. I'm sure you will imagine how thrilled I am that someone has done it! Our supplier in Taiwan made this tea in the summer as an experiment. Needless to say, it is a resounding success! Whilst, not an 'Oriental Beauty' tea it has much in common, sharing the need for insects to bite the leaves. Naturally, it too has the beautiful honey, fruit and floral character found in 'Oriental Beauty' but also some of the buttery, green and cooler flavours found in a top 'Jade' Oolong. It differs from other 'Oriental Beauty' teas for some important reasons. Firstly, it is grown in a different place and much higher up the mountain at 1500 metres.
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As low as £18.00The infusion is sweet with a lingering taste malty taste and a fragrance reminiscent of orchard fruits and high mountain pines. Due to its slightly higher roasting the green flavours found in other Jade Oolong changes to a fruitier character. One of the interesting ways careful processing can bring out desired characteristics from the same raw leaves.
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As low as £27.00This oolong is grown in the Deer Valley in Taiwan's Nantou County, close to the famous Dong Ding or Tung Ting Peak. This is from the premium spring flush and so yields a fresh, floral green or a 'Jade' style oolong. There is a butteriness in the aroma and cup due to its light oxidation, which also brings a Camellia and Lilac flavour out of the tea. Oolong tea like green tea is rich in healthy polyphenols which remove free radicals from the body. Chinese doctors also recommend it for helping to control obesity by activating the enzyme responsible for dissolving triglyceride (fatty deposits) and enhancing the function of fat metabolism. Of course more important than this is that it makes a delightful cup of tea!
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As low as £19.00This fine oolong leaf is rolled with ginseng to produce a very healthy tea. The delicious flavour of the tea is complemented by the sweet aftertaste of the ginseng which lingers pleasantly in the mouth for ages. It gets sweeter as it cools and through its many infusions.
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As low as £19.00This Gabalong Oolong tea is grown on an organic farm in Nantou, Taiwan and has almost twice as much GABA content than is required to be classified as Gaba tea. It is made from leaves picked in the 'Deer Valley' in Taiwan. It has an incredibly rich flavour in the cup. Notes of caramel toffee are complemented by the ripe fruit flavours like cooked apples. There are also hints of chocolate and mountain flower notes that flicker in the cup as it cools. This is in turn enhanced by adding milk flavouring to give the distinctive, creamy cup 'Milk' oolong is desired for.
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As low as £48.00This is without a doubt the best tea in the world. It has an incomparable flavour and fragrance born of the unique area in which it is grown and made. It is hard to do the tea justice with a description but you can detect apricot, muscat grape, geranium, elder, wildflower honey, sandalwood, rose, caramel, gardenia and lilac to name but a few. We buy several 600g entrants to the annual competition, selecting from the 'First Rank', the highest quality 2%. Those who get to try this beautiful tea will be amongst a very privileged few.
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As low as £19.00The beautiful fragrance of Rose has long been used to impart a special flavour to tea, with which it shares some characteristics. We've chosen a high mountain Oolong tea as the base for this distinguished blend. The flavour lingers for an age on the palate with a long, sweetness that intensifies with each mouthful and even more so as it cools. The colour of the liquor is a deep yellow. I particularly enjoy it in the early evening. The jade oolong used to make this tea is grown at 1800 metres.
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As low as £22.00Otherwise known as 'Oriental Beauty', this rare tea has a very complex character. It produces a floral, deep infusion with a flavour reminiscent of peach skin, honey and chestnuts. this is grown in Miaoli County, one of just a few places in the world where conditions are right to produce it.
