It's All About Tea — oolong

Years before tea became a standard beverage in Europe and North America, Chinese tea merchants created the myth of "Monkey Picked Tea."

At the time, tea for westerns was a wonder. They loved the unusual and exquisite taste. However, tea took so long to make its journey from China to Europe and North America. Most people were utterly clueless about how tea was grown and processed.

One myth that did prevail and kept tea drinkers interested and craving more tea was that the tea was picked by brilliant and well-trained monkeys. (Read more)

A Russian Caravan tea blend is described as the ideal melange of woody, smoky aroma and velvety sweet taste. It originated over years of loose leaf teas being transported over the harsh wintery Russian steppes. Finally, the tea would arrive to Russia’s elite, fully smoked out from the numerous campfires lit along the way. Today we can enjoy a perfect blend of loose-leaf Chinese teas creating the taste that was once so craved, centuries ago. (Read more) 

In our previous article, The Aromatic Dancong Oolongs, we’ve focused on what is Dan Cong (Fenghuang) Oolong, and the various single varietals that exist within this tea category.  

This time we will take a look at the intricate history of this indeed well-known aromatic tea, as well as the processing methods. 

Even if you haven’t yet had a chance to try this wonderfully fragrant tea, learn all about it together with us! (Read more)

What is your favorite tea type? For many the answer is — oolong!
What makes oolong so favored? Perhaps its multidimensionality, the variety present within this single tea category. A lightly roasted oolong has a resemblance most similar to green teas, while a dark roasted oolong will resemble black tea. Nevertheless, it is neither. It is in between and can not be imitated. (Read more)

Today Tie Guan Yin Oolong Tea, also known as Iron Goddess of Mercy or Iron Boddhisatva of Mercy, is listed in the top ten teas of China list. It is prevalent both in Taiwan and China, although the processing methods vary slightly.

For sure, when entering a tea shop in these countries, you are bound to see Tie Guan Yin on the menu. Even cafes in the West often list Iron Goddess as their oolong tea option. Production styles vary heavily. While in Taiwan Tie Guan Yin is known for its dark, heavily roasted taste, in China Anxi Tie Guan Yin Oolong Tea producers, in particular, tend to stick to a light, floral roast. (Read more)