Oolong tea is a partly oxidised tea that sits between green and black tea, so it can taste anything from light and floral to deep and roasted.
If you want something more interesting than green tea but gentler than black, oolong is a good place to start. Like black and green tea, it comes from the plant Camellia sinensis; only the processing differs.
What is oolong tea?
Oolong is a partially oxidised tea. After plucking, the leaves are withered, bruised and left to oxidise for a while before being fired to stop the process. Green tea is barely oxidised and black tea is oxidised fully, so oolong lands in the middle. That is why it is sometimes called "oolong green tea" by shoppers, though it is a category of its own.
Because the degree of oxidation can vary, oolongs taste very different from one another. Lightly oxidised ones are fresh and floral; heavily oxidised or roasted ones are closer to black tea in body.
What does oolong tea taste like?
Expect a smooth cup with less grassiness than green tea and less bite than black tea. Depending on the style, you may notice floral, fruity, honey-like or toasty notes. A good oolong does not need sugar. If your first cup tastes bitter, the usual reason is water that is too hot or leaves left in too long, not the tea itself.
Does oolong tea contain caffeine?
Yes. Oolong is made from the tea plant, so it contains caffeine. The exact amount depends on the leaf, how much you use and how long you steep, so there is no single number to quote. If you are cutting down on caffeine, have it earlier in the day and watch how you feel.
How do you make oolong tea at home?
Use one teaspoon of leaves for a cup of water, which is a common starting ratio, and adjust to taste. Follow the pack instructions where they exist. As a general approach:
- Heat water until it is hot but not fully boiling; very hot water can make oolong harsh.
- Rinse the leaves briefly with a little hot water and pour it out. This wakes the leaf up.
- Pour in fresh hot water and steep for two to three minutes.
- Strain and sip. Good oolong leaves can often be steeped a second time, and the flavour changes slightly with each round.
Oolong can also be cooled and served over ice. If you want something ready-flavoured for summer, try the Orange Oolong Iced Tea from The Infused Kettle.
Which oolong tea should you buy in India?
Decide first whether you want a plain tea to learn the style or a flavoured blend. Here is how the oolongs on EarthBased compare:
| Tea | Brand | Style |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Oolong Tea (50 g) | The Infused Kettle | Plain oolong, a good first pack |
| Oolong Tea (50 g) | Lluvia Tea | Darjeeling-style oolong |
| Rose Oolong Tea (50 g) | Lluvia Tea | Oolong with rose, lightly floral |
| Orange Oolong Iced Tea | The Infused Kettle | Fruit-flavoured, made for serving cold |
If you want to taste the tea itself, begin with a plain oolong. Choose a flavoured one once you know whether you like the base.
What is Darjeeling oolong?
Darjeeling oolong is oolong tea made from leaf grown in the Darjeeling region of West Bengal, a region best known for its black tea. It is an option if you would like an oolong made closer to home. Our Lluvia Tea oolong is one to try if that interests you.
What is rose oolong tea?
Rose oolong is oolong tea blended with rose, which adds a gentle floral aroma to the cup. It suits people who like fragrant teas and drink them without milk. See the Rose Oolong Tea by Lluvia Tea.
How should you store oolong tea?
Keep it in an airtight container away from light, heat, moisture and strong smells such as spices or coffee. Tea absorbs odours easily. Use it within a few months of opening for the best flavour, and check the pack for a best-before date.
Is oolong tea good for weight loss or health?
Be careful with big promises. Oolong is a flavourful, calorie-free drink when you have it without sugar or milk, and that is a sensible swap for sweet drinks. It is not a treatment for any condition and will not make you lose weight on its own. If you have a medical condition or are pregnant, ask your doctor about how much tea suits you.
Frequently asked questions
Is oolong tea green tea or black tea?
It is neither. Oolong is partially oxidised, so it falls between green tea and black tea in processing and often in taste.
Can I drink oolong tea with milk?
You can, but most people prefer it plain, because milk hides the floral and toasty notes that make oolong worth drinking.
How many times can I steep oolong leaves?
Good whole-leaf oolong can often be steeped two or three times. Add a little more time to each steep.
Where can I buy oolong tea online in India?
EarthBased sells oolong from The Infused Kettle and Lluvia Tea with pan-India delivery in 3–5 days. Start with the Classic Oolong Tea.