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Magnolia Tea Guide

We Love Tea :-)

The Origin of The Oolong Tea

Oolong Tea comes from the plant Camellia Sinensis, which is found all over East Asia. Once harvested, it goes through a process called half-fermentation, which gives it its unique bitter-bland taste. Tea production began during the time of the famous emperor Ming, but only became popular during the time of the Sung dynasty. There was even a legend that suggested that it was an emperor himself who had discovered the distinct flavour and soothing effect of tea drinking, and this might have cemented tea-drinking in the culture of the Chinese.

From Fujian to the World

The Chinese used Oolong tea leaves for barter, and this might explain how many countries have discovered the same unique tea-drinking experience as the Chinese did. The Fujian Province in China was the first to grow and produce the Oolong Tea, and eventually people were able to grow this outside of the province. For the best cup of Oolong Tea, however, nothing still beats a cup of Oolong Tea harvested and manufactured from Fujian itself.

Eventually, China, Taiwan, and Japan, the leading manufacturers of Oolong tea, have made Oolong tea bags. The production of these tea bags begins when the finest buds and leaves of the tea are picked and fermented. According to the experts, the tea leaves are ready when their color reaches seventy percent (70%) green and thirty percent (30%) red. When this time comes, it is time to stop fermenting.

The leaves are then separated according to their grades, with the first grade being the highest, according to its aroma and color. This is the most expensive of all the grades. The fifth grade is the lowest grade and is sold cheaply. After this, the leaves are packed in small bags for us to enjoy.

05-02-2010

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