Lishan Premium Oolong Tea

Lishan Oolong tea is a high-mountain tea from Taiwan, renowned for its exceptional quality and unique flavor profile. Grown at elevations ranging from 1,600 to 2,600 meters on Lishan (Pear Mountain), the tea benefits from the cool, misty climate and rich, fertile soil of the region.

Characteristics

1. Flavor and Aroma:
   - Floral and Fruity: Lishan Oolong is celebrated for its delicate floral notes, often reminiscent of orchids or gardenias, coupled with a subtle fruity sweetness akin to peaches or apricots.
   - Creamy Texture: It often has a creamy, smooth mouthfeel, adding to its richness and complexity.
   - Honeyed Undertones: There are frequently hints of honey and a mild, natural sweetness.

2. Appearance:
   - The tea leaves are tightly rolled into small, dark green pellets, which unfurl upon brewing to reveal whole leaves.
   - The liquor typically ranges from a light golden to a pale greenish-yellow hue.

3. Cultivation and Harvest:
   - High Elevation: The high-altitude environment provides cooler temperatures and misty conditions, which slow the growth of the tea plants. This results in leaves that are more tender and packed with flavor.
   - Harvest Seasons: Lishan Oolong is generally harvested twice a year, during spring and winter. The spring harvest is particularly prized for its freshness and vibrant flavors.

4. Processing:
   - Semi-Oxidized: Like other Oolong teas, Lishan Oolong undergoes partial oxidation, typically around 15-30%, striking a balance between green and black teas.
   - Traditional Methods: The processing involves several steps, including withering, bruising, oxidation, fixing, rolling, and drying. The exact methods and timing can vary, but traditional techniques are often employed to ensure high quality.

Tasting Notes

When brewing Lishan Oolong, you can expect:
- An initial infusion that highlights its floral and sweet characteristics.
- Subsequent infusions often reveal more complex layers, including a creamy texture and lingering sweetness.
- A balanced and refreshing finish, with a gentle, pleasant aftertaste.

Health Benefits

Like other Oolong teas, Lishan Oolong contains antioxidants and compounds that may offer health benefits such as:
- Enhanced metabolism and potential weight management support.
- Improved digestion and gut health.
- Reduced stress and calming effects due to its moderate caffeine content and theanine.

Brewing Tips

Chinese Gongfu Method (5oz / 150ml):

1. Tea Leaf-to-Water Ratio: Use approximately 5-7 grams of Lishan Oolong Tea for 150 ml (5 oz) of water. This ratio allows for a higher concentration suitable for Gongfu brewing.

2. Water Temperature: Heat water to around 85-90°C (185-194°F). This temperature range is ideal for oolong teas, allowing the leaves to unfurl gradually and release their flavors without becoming overly bitter.

3. Brewing Time:
   - First Infusion: Steep for about 30-40 seconds to start. This short initial steeping time allows the tightly rolled leaves of Lishan Oolong to begin opening up and infusing the water with their floral and sweet notes.
   - Subsequent Infusions: Increase the steeping time slightly for each subsequent infusion. For example, steep for 40-50 seconds for the second infusion, then adjust based on taste preference. Lishan Oolong Tea can typically be steeped multiple times (4-5 infusions or more) using this method, with each infusion revealing different layers of its complex flavor profile.

Cup Method (8.8oz / 250ml):

1. Tea Leaf-to-Water Ratio: Adjust based on personal preference for tea strength. 

2. Water Temperature: Use water at around 85-90°C (185-194°F), similar to Gongfu brewing.

3. Brewing Time:
   - Steep Time: Steep Lishan Oolong Tea for 3-4 minutes. This longer steeping time allows the flavors to fully develop in the larger volume of water, resulting in a well-balanced cup with floral and fruity notes.

Overall, Lishan Oolong tea is a distinguished Taiwanese tea that offers a delightful and refined drinking experience, celebrated by tea enthusiasts worldwide for its exquisite flavors and aromatic profile.

• Collected: 2024
• Origin: Taiwan
• Taste: Delicate floral notes, often reminiscent of orchids or gardenias, coupled with a subtle fruity sweetness akin to peaches or apricots.