Oolong, also known as O-liông tê (black dragon tea), is a variety of tea obtained from the leaves of the tea plant. Despite the Chinese name, Oolong is not a black tea, and it must be noted that Oolong tea is not produced only in China, but also in other Asian countries (Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, India, Vietnam), as well as in some African countries (Malawi and Kenya) and now even Hawaii. The leaves are withered under the strong sun and then oxidized, but the degree of fermentation is not always the same for all varieties of Oolong tea. In fact, this oxidation level is between 8 and 85 percent.

Depending on the region where it is grown, Oolong has certain characteristics. Some varieties taste like honey, and are fruity and sweet, while others are green and refreshing with bouquet aromas. There are also Oolong tea varieties that feature woody, roasted aromas.

In China, Oolong tea is cultivated in 3 regions, each of them producing several different varieties. Dān Cōng is a variety produced in the Guangdong province. The Fújiàn province, on the other hand, produces two varieties called Tiě Guānyīn and Huángjīn Guì. However, the following varieties, grown on the Wǔyí cliff, in the Fújiàn province, are the most popular and expensive:

•    Bái Jī Guān
•    Dà Hóng Páo
•    Ròu Guì
•    Shuǐ Jīn Guī
•    Shuǐ Jīn Guī
•    Shuǐ Xiān

Taiwan is also famous for several Oolong teas, namely:

•    Ali Shan
•    Dòngdǐng
•    Dongfang Meiren
•    Lishan
•    Pouchong

In fact, due to the variable climate and relief, Taiwan produces some of the best Oolong tea, which is sold at a premium price. Other Oolong varieties include:

•    African oolong
•    Darjeeling oolong
•    Indonesian Oolong
•    Nepali oolong
•    Thai oolong
•    Vietnamese oolong
•    Hawaii Oolong

The preparation instructions may also differ from one variety of Oolong tea to the other. However, in general 2.25 grams or two teaspoons of Oolong tea leaves are sufficient for 170ml of water. The water temperature should be in the 82 to 88 degrees Celsius range and the steeping time is between 3 and 4 minutes. As in the case of other tea varieties, Oolong leaves can be used for more than one infusion, provided that they are of high quality. One unusual particularity of Oolong tea is that the brew becomes better if the leaves are reused. The same leaves can be used for 3 to 5 infusions, with the 3rd or 4th being the finest.