Another unique tea that we found had such an interesting personality we could not resist. And the winner of the Austin 2010 Oolong challenge!
This is the new spring 2011 Yu Shan, which is similar to last year's winner, but has a bit more floral notes and honeysuckle and a mysterious back of the throat feel.. Really, really smooth and inviting.
This tea is really limited and very special. Steep after steep reveals a kaleidescope of flavors. Bold, nutty, almost earthy, just rained next to ocean peach pie someone left the attic door slightly open bouquet of flowers cinnamon baked toast honey crisp rolling on the floor sitting with my book watching the world - kind of thing.
Pesticide-Free
AKA Tung Ting Jade Oolong, Formosa Jade Oolong, Cui Yu
Water: 195°F | Leaves: 1.5 -2 teaspoons per 6 ounce cup | Infusion Time: 2 minutes. Second steep, 30 seconds, increasing a few seconds each subsequent steep.
Basic Steeping Tips
- Use filtered or spring water, whenever possible
- Don’t over-boil water
- Remove leaves after recommended time (adjust to taste)
- If you want stronger tea, use more leaves instead of steeping for a longer time.
Leaves can be re-steeped 2-3 times resulting in various flavor differences. Don’t throw out those leaves until they have given it all up!
Polyphenol in oolong tea is effective in controlling weight. It activates the enzyme that is responsible for dissolving triglycerides. Studies have confirmed that a 2-3 cup per day intake of oolong tea contributes to enhancing the function of fat metabolism and controlling obesity.
Jade Oolong is named for its jade green brew color. This tea typically leans towards being less fermented than most oolong teas, usually between 10%-20% oxidized. The edges of this tea, much like the Sechong Oolong, tend to be browned, which indicated slight oxidation. Jade Oolong tends to be floral, light, slightly sweet, an overall very unique tea.
Jade Oolong is not picked during the first flush due to the rough treatment of the oolong production process. The leaves are allowed to mature slightly, and are picked from mid spring until late summer. Usually, three leaves are picked, however, for the Jade Oolong, five leaf clusters are picked and rolled, much in the style of the gunpowder tea, which results in a piece of stem in the finished tea.
