Collection: Loose Leaf Oolong Teas

Oolong tea originally comes from China and is known for its unique flavor profile, ranging from light and floral to rich and robust, depending on the tea’s oxidation level.

The earliest accounts of brewing oolong are found in the Tang Dynasty, from the seventh to the ninth centuries. Oolong tea is known as Beiyun tea because it originated in the Beiyun region of the Fujian Province in southeast China. 

Oolong comes from the word wulong, which translates to 'black dragon.' The tea was named after this because of the tea leaves’ dark colors and shapes. The tea leaf is long and divided by shapes that appear to be dragon-shaped. 

However, another story claims the tea is named after a farmer named Wu Liang, who accidentally made this tea himself after leaving his leaves to oxidize for too long.

Oolong tea can sit between green and black tea due to its unique oxidation. All three of these teas come from the Camellia sinensis tea plant, but their differences come from different oxidation levels. Unlike organic green tea, which remains unoxidized, and organic black tea, which is fully oxidized, oolong tea achieves partial oxidation. This variance significantly influences flavor profiles.    

The manufacturing of oolong tea involves several meticulous steps. Delicate leaves are initially bruised to initiate oxidation, followed by sun-withering to enhance flexibility. Rolling and light bruising release essential oils, imbuing the leaves with flavor. Oxidation, a pivotal stage, transforms taste and appearance, ranging from 10% to 80% oxidation. The leaves then undergo roasting, drying, and sorting to yield the final oolong tea leaves.

The resulting oolong teas display a spectrum of flavors. Lower oxidation levels yield greener, sweeter notes, while increased oxidation unveils hints of tropical fruit. Highly oxidized varieties, like Da Hong Pao, offer rich profiles resembling dark amber with nutty chocolate undertones and a champagne-like aroma. Oolong tea's complex taste, ranging from floral and fruity to nutty and roasted, stems from factors like processing, region, and oxidation level.

Oolong teas have a moderate caffeine content compared to other teas. They have more caffeine than green teas and less caffeine than black teas per cup. It has significantly less caffeine than a cup of coffee.

The caffeine content in oolong tea can vary depending on factors such as the type of oolong, the processing method, and how it's brewed. On average, a cup (8 ounces) of oolong tea typically contains around 30 to 50 milligrams of caffeine.

To brew our loose-leaf oolong tea, pour 8 ounces of filtered hot water (195 degrees Fahrenheit) over 1-2 teaspoons of tea and steep for 4-7 minutes, or to your taste preference. You should taste your tea after 3 minutes to determine how long you want it to steep.

We recommend brewing our loose-leaf organic oolong teas in water that has been heated until bubbles have begun to rise to the top of the pan in a "string of pearls," or 195 degrees Fahrenheit, to avoid scorching or over-steeping the tea. Our oolongs are sold as loose-leaf tea rather than in tea bags to allow the oolong leaves to open up. 

You can brew our oolong tea leaves up to six times if you don’t over-steep. The leaves will reveal great subtleties of flavor, getting better with each infusion until the leaves are exhausted. The second or third steeping is often the most prized in the Chinese Gong Fu ceremony. 

Though oolongs are typically consumed hot, they are also worth a try as iced tea. Try it today, and let your taste buds be the judge!

There is a diversity among oolong teas. Some more closely resemble green tea, while others are similar to black tea. The type and taste may change according to where the tea was initially produced, as some farmers harvest their oolong leaves in the Spring, which have a more herbal flavor, while others harvest during the  Winter for a wood-like flavor.

Different styles of loose-leaf oolong tea can vary dramatically in flavor, ranging from the fruity notes and honeyed aroma of the Iron Goddess of Mercy Tieguanyin to the silky sweetness of milk oolong and the deep, rich, and biscuity taste of the Big Red Robe Da Hong Pao.

Review the flavor profiles of each oolong tea page to help you decide which oolong tea you will most enjoy.

We have sweet and fruity blends like our Apple Cinnamon, which tastes like biting into a piece of freshly baked apple pie and has full-bodied, dark oolong pieces, juicy apple pieces, and the perfect touch of cinnamon. Or our Cinnamon Rose, which also has natural cinnamon, orange flavors, and a touch of rose petals. 

If you want more of a Taiwanese oolong, our Fig Formosa and Hazelnut Vanilla feature whole-leaf oolong from Taiwan mixed with sweet Smyrna figs and blue cornflower petals or luxurious vanilla and hazelnut pieces. 

For a more traditional loose-leaf oolong tea, we offer Golden Dawn. This light-bodied Huang Jin Gui-style oolong is made in Huqiu town in Anxi County, Fujian, China, and features clean aromatics and a bright mineral character that creates a light-bodied cup. 

We also offer a traditional full-bodied Huang Jin Gui from the Fujian Province in China. It is grown in the ideal territory for oolong tea production and is carefully crafted by experienced artisans. This tea is known for its layered and nuanced flavor profile, with fruit, honey, and floral notes. 

We also offer two Oolong and Chai blends: the Apple Cinnamon Chai, which blends Chai and our Apple Cinnamon, and the Hazelnut Chai, a blend of our Chai and Hazelnut Vanilla teas. Our Chai blends are great whether brewed hot or iced. You can add your choice of milk for a creamy and delicious drink.

The peace organic oolong tea brings isn't just because it is a refreshing drink. Consuming oolong tea also provides multiple health benefits. 

Oolong tea increases your metabolism, aiding in burning calories, which may lead to weight loss. It is even suggested that tea's enzyme inhibition and antioxidant interactions with the gut microbiota may contribute to its weight loss capabilities.

Regular tea consumption has also been linked to improved blood sugar management and a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The polyphenols in tea are associated with reducing high cholesterol, decreasing inflammation, and increasing insulin resistance.

Tea polyphenols, including theaflavins and thearubigins, may also improve heart health — reducing the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.

Antioxidants, such as tea polyphenols, may help prevent cell mutations that lead to cancer and decrease the rate of cancer cell division.

Regular tea consumption is also linked to higher overall bone mineral density and could lower the risk of fractures, particularly among the elderly. It is also associated with better dental health, including reduced plaque and gingivitis.

The caffeine and theanine in oolong tea can enhance mood, reduce anxiety, and increase attention and cognitive performance.

Incorporating oolong tea as part of a balanced lifestyle is crucial, with the understanding that individual responses may vary.

When it comes to tea, the distinctions between oolong, green, and black teas lie primarily in their processing methods and resulting characteristics. Organic oolong tea falls between green and black teas in terms of oxidation. This partial oxidation gives oolong tea a multifaceted flavor profile ranging from delicate floral notes to robust, nutty undertones. 

On the other hand, green tea remains unoxidized, offering a grassy and fresh taste that varies based on the type and origin. In contrast, black tea undergoes complete oxidation, contributing to its strong and intense flavor, frequently including sweet or smoky elements.

Culturally, these teas hold significance in different parts of the world. Oolong tea is central to Chinese tea ceremonies and is celebrated for its diverse flavors. Green tea has deep roots in many Asian cultures and is esteemed for its health benefits and simplicity. In Western cultures, black tea enjoys popularity, often served with milk and sugar and incorporated into traditional afternoon tea rituals.

Experience the pinnacle of loose-leaf oolong teas through our premium selection, meticulously crafted in quality, state-of-the-art facilities. At The Scented Leaf, we're dedicated to sharing the delight of oolong with the average tea drinker and traditional tea master enthusiasts alike. Our range of teas spans all types of teas — oolong, green, black, white, puerh, and herbal teas — conveniently delivered to your doorstep. Plus, we happily offer complimentary shipping for orders totaling $50 or more. Embrace the exquisite flavors of our many tea blends, and place your order from The Scented Leaf today!