Oolong or wulong is a broad category of teas, in the spectrum between green and black tea, that originate in China. What sets oolong apart is that it can be processed with various different oxidation and roasting levels. The unique variations in the process to produce oolong create a wide array of flavors and sensations. Oolong can taste fresh, green, floral, fruity, roasted, woody, nutty, or honey-sweet, so this is a type of tea that can appeal to virtually all taste buds. Different tea plant varietals, seasons, styles, and regional terroir also influence flavor.
Rinsing is an important step in gongfu style tea brewing and can optimize the taste of your tea and tea session, as well as rinse away dust and open up compressed teas. Here are a few reasons to rinse your tea and how to get the best results from rinsing.
If you plan to age your tea, how you choose to store your tea is crucial to avoiding mistakes. Having a tea storage plan for aging will vary from person to person, but there are a few key ideas that remain constant when deciding how to set up your Pumidor or tea storage space. Even if you’re not a diehard planner with a big tea collection, these simple rules will set you on the right path to keeping your tea in good shape.