For tea lovers seeking unique flavors and a taste of Taiwans rich tea culture trying Taitung Black Oolong Tea is a must try experience.
Origins and History
Nestled along Taiwans coast lies Taitung—a place celebrated for its breathtaking natural landscapes and unspoiled surroundings. With the Pacific Ocean to one side and the Central Mountain Range to the other side, Taitung enjoys a special microclimate that proves perfect for cultivating tea. Thanks to its humidity levels rainfall aplenty and volcanic soil rich in minerals Taitung creates an optimal environment for nurturing tea leaves that boast both flavor and nutritional richness.
The Taitung Black Oolong Tea comes from tea gardens perched at elevated locations where the chilly mountain breeze and mist covered mornings contribute to the growth of tea plants. The unhurried growth process enhances the flavors and enriches the natural compounds in the leaves resulting in a rich and intricate tea. The unique terroir of Taitung coupled with time honored tea making methods bestows this tea with its quality that distinguishes it from other oolong and black teas.
Production and Picking
The crafting of Taitung Black Oolong Tea involves a procedure that merges components from both oolong and black tea making processes. During the autumn and winter seasons when the temperature drops and enhances the formation of more intense and robust flavors skilled hands carefully pick the tea leaves to guarantee that only the best and ripe leaves are chosen preserving the teas robust essence, throughout its production process.
After picking the leaves from the plantations they go through a drying process being laid out under the sun or in a controlled indoors space. This helps remove moisture from the leaves and gets them ready, for further processing. Following this drying step the leaves are delicately rolled to extract their oils and give them their distinct twisted appearance.
Taitung Black Oolong Tea stands out due to its oxidation method compared to typical oolong teas that undergo partial oxidation processes. The extended oxidation process results in a deep color and strong flavor profile for Taitung Black Oolong Tea while preserving the nuanced characteristics of oolong teas.
After the leaves undergo the oxidation process, they are meticulously roasted to enrich their taste and fragrance. The roasting is carried out with accuracy as it significantly influences the ultimate flavor characteristics of the tea. The outcome is a blend of black and oolong tea attributes delivering a flavorful robust infusion, with a velvety sophisticated aftertaste.
Taste Profile
The Taitung Black Oolong Tea is famous for its full bodied taste, with intricate flavor layers that unfold gradually on the palate. The first taste uncovers a deep malty foundation intertwined with hints of dark chocolate sweet caramel and roasted nuts. This initial explosion of flavors is then balanced by a delicate sweetness evoking dried fruits and subtle floral notes that bring depth to the teas overall character.
The aroma of the tea is as enchanting. Rich and smoky like its been through a roasting ritual that brings out its earthiness beautifully. The floral hints become more prominent as the tea loses its heat and gracefully elevates its charm.
After brewing it up in a pot or kettle and taking a moment to savor its aroma and flavor notes fully revealed in the deep amber or reddish brown hue of Taitung Black Oolong Tea; you'll notice its rich and full bodied essence that smoothly coats your palate with a velvety touch and leaves behind a lingering taste thats truly satisfying to the senses. With its blend of flavors that strike a perfect balance on your taste buds; this tea is an ideal choice for various occasions – whether you're seeking a peaceful moment to contemplate lifes mysteries or craving a companion to complement a hearty meal.
How to Brew Taitung Black Oolong Tea
Brewing it right is key! Here's an easy guide to making the perfect cup;
- Use hot water that has just been boiled to around 90 to 95 degrees Celsius (194 to 203 degrees Fahrenheit) ensuring a rich taste without steeping too long.
- When making tea you should aim for 1 teaspoon (equivalent to 2-3 grams) which is suggested for every 200ml of water you use in your brew adjusting the quantity as, per your taste and how strong you want the flavor to be.
- Brewing Time Instructions; Let the tea leaves soak in water for 3 to 5 minutes during the initial brewing process. Taitung Black Oolong Tea is ideal for brewing times as each steeping brings out different flavors. For brews, after the first one you may want to add 30 seconds to a minute more to the steeping time gradually.
Taitung Black Oolong Tea is most delicious when enjoyed as is and without the need for sweeteners or milk.
