How Is Imperial Formosa Oolong Different From Other Teas?

Many tea drinkers are unfamiliar with Imperial Formosa oolong teas. Oolong teas, in general, are not as well known in the Western world as other teas, but they are certainly worth investigating.

Oolong teas are those that are fermented for a shorter period of time than black teas. This shorter fermentation period creates a tea that is a bit blacker than green tea, but a bit greener than black tea. This middle ground that is oolong tea produces an extremely fragrant cup of tea, with slightly more complex flavors than other teas.

Oolong teas originated, like most other teas, in China many years ago. Formosa oolongs, however are different than these traditional Chinese oolong teas. Formosa oolong teas are produced in Taiwan. They are referred to as Formosa oolong teas because Formosa was the original name for Taiwan.

Oolong teas are different from other teas in the special attention that they require for proper processing. Oolong leaves are plucked by hand, and then allowed to wither and dry. Chinese oolong teas typically wither in sheds while Formosa oolong teas are withered and dried in the sun.

Then the tea leaves must be bruised slightly to...