The Unique Taste of Oolong Tea

Become an Oolong Tea Connoisseur

There may not be as many varieties of Oolong tea as there are grapes, but the art of tasting tea is similar to tasting fine wine. Tea connoisseurs classify the tea by its taste, smell and aftertaste. Just as wines can be floral or fruity, so can Oolong tea. Like wine, some of the better Oolong teas are left to age so as to improve the flavor. Flavors and taste can vary slightly between different batches of tea processed even if from the same plant.

Oolong tea leaves are lightly roasted, one process that can give subtle differences in taste. Tea that is roasted less generally tastes more fruity.

Other factors come into play in influencing the flavor of the teas, some of which are as follow:

• The time of the year the leaves are picked.
• Which type of leaves are picked (leaves are left on the plant longer for oolong.)
• How the leaves are processed.
• How long the tea has aged.
• Where the tea is grown. Teas grown at high altitudes are sweet to the taste, and more expensive than other tea.
• Weather conditions and temperatures
• Soil condition

Now, onto the Oolong tea tasting

Tea tasting is a ritual which some adhere to more precisely than others. In Taiwan, appreciating Oolong tea is an art that has been developed to perfection. The first cup of tea poured is always tossed out (remember, Chinese tea cups are very small). This step washes the tea leaves and cleans them from any trace of dust. The second cup is picked up and smelled. The next step is to taste it. Just sip a little tea, let it roll around on your tongue and then slowly swallow it. Remember, the after taste experience is all part of the tea-tasting.

In order to properly participate in Oolong tea tasting, equipment is needed. Chinese tea pots are often clay and generally much smaller than western teapots. The cups are also miniature; those used for tasting are just a little bigger than a large thimble. They come in all shapes and sizes, though they are always much smaller than the western teacup.

Teapot and cups sit on a tray. Often this is a wooden (or metal) tray with slats and openings so any spills can drain into them. Some sets are even more elaborate with draining tubes attached, so any spilled tea and the first cup of tea that is tossed out will drain out (often into a bucket that's placed underneath the table.)

You do not have to have a special set-up in order to enjoy the fine and subtle flavors of Oolong tea. Anyone can enjoy the taste no matter what sized cup they use. Having said that, it is a cultural experience to taste tea like a connoisseur, complete with small teacups, Chinese style teapot and special tray. There's something about coffee mugs that detracts from the delicacy of freshly brewed Oolong tea, which by rights should only be served in the finest porcelain.