If you have ever had Formosa oolong tea, then you know what an experience this is! As any seasoned connoisseur of teas knows, Taiwan produces some of the most renowned and sublime oolong teas in the world, and Formosa tea, which hails from Taiwan, is no different.
From intense oriental beauty leaves boasting complex aromatics to delicately sweet high mountain varietals, Formosa oolong tea leaves a delicious and unmistakable honeydew finish on your tastebuds.
If this has piqued your curiosity about what is justifiably considered a ‘royal’ beverage worthy of kings and queens… Let us explore Formosa tea further and discover how best it can be prepared!
Formosa Oolong Tea
Travelers meandering along centuries past have aptly dubbed Taiwan’s main island ‘Formosa’ – in English, “beautiful island.” And this name truly personifies the breathtaking locale.
The name Formosa Oolong Tea has since become synonymous with Taiwanese tea exports, delectably infusing warm exoticism within many cups.
Though ‘oolong’ was once utilized to start a tea company with a certain variety of tea from Taiwan, nowadays this term describes an entire class of tannic beverages. Deftly crafted teas that boost crinkled leaves and produce a dark-colored cup can be aptly declared oolong—for the most part!
Formosa tea, of course, referring to all its glorious oolong varieties crafted in Taiwan, is readily available, but famous specialties such as High mountain oolong teas and dong ding cannot be encapsulated by this term alone.
Caffeine in Formosa Tea
Are you worried about caffeine in your cup of tea? Formosa Oolong Tea is not caffeine-free. In the realm of caffeine-containing Teas, it resides comfortably in the “middle ground.” Hence, a shot of Formosa tea will provide around 35 mg per serving. This is not too bad, but if you are sensitive to caffeine, consume it with caution.
The Taste of Formosa Tea
The voluminous, ruffled foliage is turned into tea leaves or bags by delicately steaming the active tea leaves in traditional bamboo containers. This tea is characterized by a delicate aroma and taste. Its gentle and subtle flavors promise to stimulate one’s senses beyond comprehension.
Expect a delicate cup with an aromatic and slightly spicy taste, reminiscent of peaches. Some find hints of the ‘biscuit’ palate too.
Experiencing the Fragrant Blends of Taiwanese Oolong Tea
Taiwanese tea may have been late to the party compared to China and Japan, but it’s certainly made up for lost time. Just a few hundred years since its inception, yet renowned worldwide for its excellent oolong varietals, Taiwan has undoubtedly mastered the art of curating this beverage.
Especially those that develop unique characteristics from major altitudes or bear traces of a bug’s bitter taste, and yes, we said “bug” – these teas are lauded for their superior quality. Truly remarkable!
Tantalizingly, in Taiwan, Formosa black oolong teas reign supreme as the second most coveted cup of caffeine-infused beverage. What’s more, this tea is now readily available worldwide. And you, yes, you can get your hands on this delicious brew.
Benefits Of Formosa Oolong Tea?
The Camellia Sinensis tea plant yields a wide array of teas, ranging from oolong in white, yellow, green, and black varieties, as well as green tea and pu erh. Depending on how it is prepared, their flavor profiles may appear almost identical.
Certainly, though not all teas are equal, oolong’s average caffeine level roughly parallels that of green tea – noticeably less than black or herbal. Interestingly enough, however, one study did uncover Li Shan high altitude oolongs have double the amount of caffeine of regular blacks! Impressively this renders an average cup holding up to forty milligrams of energizing caffeine!
Oolong tea — brimming with L-theanine, an amino acid known for its sedative 
qualities. But, it’s important to note it doesn’t contain as much of the stuff compared to green tea, but more than black — and that’s not all! Believe it or not, the interesting infusion also includes catechin EGCG, which is linked to a boatload of health benefits. Weight reduction? Check. Cancer protection? Absolutely! Lower cholesterol levels? You betcha! Decreased chance of developing type 2 diabetes? That too! Plus, this tasty brew can even work wonders on your blood pressure and give both your heart and brain some extra special love. There’s far too much goodness in oolong tea to be underestimated – so why wait any longer?! Discover just how great it can be right here… now!
How to Brew Taiwan Formosa Tea?
Crafting a perfect cup of tea from Taiwan requires several short bursts of steeping, thus producing an exquisite brew! Whether for special occasions or simply to enjoy the delectable floral flavor and aroma, adeptly prepared Taiwanese Formosa Oolong will satisfy you. Let’s teach you how to get brewing!
Short Steeps
Oolong teas from the Formosa Islands are sought-after due to their unparalleled flavor, persistent even after steeping for 5–10 minutes.
Take one measure of the same leaves each time; this method is perfect for those wishing to brew high-mountain oolongs and white-tipped oolongs.
Make sure to use a small, previously heated pot with roughly 5-10 grams of leaves. Let the infusion steep a mere 10 to 15 seconds in almost boiling water before transitioning into a cup for a little taste – sipping your way through in 20–40 seconds flat! And if you like how it tastes, you can stop there. If not, let’s keep going.
Try to increase steeping intervals until you get the taste you want. The sweet spot is 3-4 minutes. Anything past that is pushing into bitter territory. But if that is what you want, steep until your heart’s content!
What’s more? Consider pre-steeping those used tea leaves in the fridge for cold brew Formosa oolong tea.
Western Brew
There are two ways to make oolong tea. The traditional Taiwanese/Chinese or the Western method. The ancient practice of tea making is taken rather seriously, and it comes with ceremony and even a special pot. However, we in the West do not always have the tools and the experience to make tea this way.
Thankfully there is a way to make it without all the fancy stuff.
Fret not, my friend—the path is straight and true.
- Simply boil some water and pour it over the oolong tea leaves or bag
- A single teaspoon of these enchanting leaves will do for each cup of water
- Then a brewing time from 1–5 minutes, depending on the blend
And presto, you have your tea!
For most Formosa Oolongs, this technique yields unmatched results. The best results come when you use water that is between 185 and 203°F.
Dear tea sippers, while we have outlined the general rules of making oolong tea, these rules are indeed general. Some teas are specific and may require different methods, so make sure to read the instructions on the back of the packet.
Conclusion
So there you have it; enjoy a soothing cup of Formosa Oolong tea. Studies demonstrate that drinking this unique blend offers an array of beneficial repercussions, like reductions in cholesterol and blood pressure levels, elevated immunity, and energy support.
Its antioxidant content is off the charts! What’s more, it enhances your body’s wellness, aiding in creating a healthy lifestyle, for instance, by promoting weight loss endeavors.