oolong tea
Oolong, or Wulong tea, bridges the freshness of green tea with the richness of black. Born in China’s misty mountains, its varied oxidation levels create flavours ranging from floral and creamy to toasty and bold – a captivating cup every time.
Each sip of Oolong tea tells a story – from the moment the leaves are handpicked in China’s highlands to the partial oxidation, a process that unlocks its signature complexity. Some varieties burst with delicate floral notes and others offer buttery smoothness. This versatility makes Oolong perfect, as it can appeal to virtually all taste buds.
Beyond its captivating taste, Oolong is celebrated for its potential wellness benefits, from aiding digestion to supporting metabolism. Whether you enjoy it lightly brewed for a gentle, fragrant cup or steeped longer for bold richness. Oolong rewards the senses with every infusion.
And the magic doesn’t end after one pour – quality Oolong, like our classic Tieguanyin, can be infused multiple times. It evolves with each steep, from toasty and rich to subtly fruity. It’s a tea that keeps surprising you, cup after cup.
our oolong tea collection
carefully oxidised for a delicate and distinct flavour
oolong tea gift set
Uncover the fascinating world of “black dragon” oolong tea
Our Oolong-Wulong Discovery Box is the perfect way to explore and compare the unique flavours of light and dark Oolong teas.
This curated selection showcases our captivating range of semi-oxidised teas, celebrated for their rich diversity of flavour.
From light and floral to dark and roasted, each variety showcases the remarkable diversity of Oolong.
Whats included?
Each sip is an invitation to explore centuries of Chinese tea tradition, containing four exceptional loose-leaf teas: jin xuan milk oolong, an’xi ben shan, da hong pao and lai gun ren. These teas are perfect for multiple cups as they can be re-steeped 4-5 times.
Ideal as a gift or personal treat, this flavourful box is a must-have for Oolong lovers and curious newcomers alike. Upgrade your experience with our 3-piece 350ml infuser glass, the ideal companion for brewing these teas with ease and excellence.
The Oolong-Wulong Discovery Box is your passport to the world of semi-oxidised teas – turn your tea break into a tasting adventure
what is oolong tea?
Oolong, or Wulong cha, sits gracefully between green and black tea, offering a flavour spectrum as vast as the mountains it’s grown on.
Ranging from lightly floral to deeply roasted, its character is shaped by oxidation levels that can vary from 8% to 80%, unlocking endless taste experiences in every leaf.
Grown high in China’s misty, mountainous terrain, Oolong thrives in rocky soil and cool air – conditions that infuse each sip with the rich, complex flavour it’s loved for.
Legend says the name “Wulong” (Black Dragon) came from the dark, curling leaves that looked like mythical dragons. Another tale tells of a farmer named Wu Liang, who accidentally discovered this remarkable tea and changed tea history forever.
Beyond its captivating taste and heritage, Oolong is packed with antioxidants that help protect the skin, support healthy ageing, and nourish your well-being with every brew.
light vs. dark oolong teas
light oolong tea
Lightly oxidated Oolong produces a pale yellow to golden brew with delicate floral and fresh notes, due to its light roast. The subtle sweetness and refreshing mouthfeel make it perfect for shorter steeps as it is closer to a green tea. The low oxidation level is recognised by the green colour in the tea leaves.
Tie Guan Yin oolong, also known as the Iron Goddess of mercy, is the most popular light oolong thanks to its bright floral fragrance and sweet lingering aftertaste.
Dark Oolong tea
In contrast, dark Oolong undergoes a heavier roasting process, giving the liquid an amber to reddish-brown colour with layered notes of roasted nuts and sometimes a hint of smokiness. The flavour is smooth yet full-bodied, with a caramel like sweetness that can linger after each sip. Dark Oolong benefits from longer steeps as it is closer to a black tea, allowing its complexity to fully develop.
Da Hong Pao, meaning ‘Big red robe’, is Chinas finest dark oolong tea thanks to its delicious notes and legendary history. Despite its popularity, it is quite rare and harder to find, with the price reflecting its quality and enjoyment.
how to brew oolong tea
To brew Oolong tea properly, use 1-2 teaspoons of tea leaves per cup (350ml) of water at 80-100°C and brew for 2-3 minutes. Oolong can be quite forgiving regarding water temperature.
Oolong tea brewing equipment
For the purest flavour experience, we recommend using a glass teapot or an infuser glass. Unlike clay or metal teapots, glass doesn’t retain aromas from previous brews, so there’s no risk of flavour contamination – just a clean, authentic taste every time.
Can I add milk to Oolong tea?
Milk isn’t recommended in Oolong tea as it can spoil the delicate flavour of the tea.
Can Oolong tea be re-steeped?
You can generally re-steep Oolong tea leaves 4–5 times, with each brew highlighting its many different flavours. The key is experimenting within these guidelines to find the flavour profile you love most.
Gong fu style brewing
For a traditional brew, warm up your gaiwan with hot water. Use 5g of tea to 150ml of water ratio. First briefly rinse your tea leaves and discard tea waste. Steep your oolong in short bursts (15-20sec) increasing steep time with every re-steep.
oolong tea FAQs
Oolong is a traditional Chinese tea that sits between green and black tea, offering a unique balance of floral freshness and rich roasted notes. Its semi-oxidised leaves create complex flavours and aromas you won’t find in other teas.
No. Oolong is partially oxidised, while black tea is fully oxidised. This gives Oolong a more layered taste -ranging from light and floral to dark and toasty.
Oolong contains moderate caffeine—more than green tea but less than black tea -making it a great choice for a gentle energy boost without the jitters.
Both are packed with antioxidants and health benefits. Oolong may offer extra perks for metabolism and weight management, while green tea is often preferred for its high EGCG content.
If you’re sensitive to caffeine, avoid drinking it late at night. People with certain medical conditions should consult their doctor before adding it to their diet.
Some studies suggest Oolong can help boost metabolism and fat oxidation, supporting weight management when paired with a healthy lifestyle.
Traditionally, no – Oolong is enjoyed without milk to appreciate its natural complexity.
In Chinese, it’s often called Wulong (meaning “Black Dragon”).
It’s deeply rooted in tradition, often enjoyed for its flavour, health benefits, and role in social gatherings and tea ceremonies.
China and Taiwan are famous for producing some of the world’s finest Oolongs.