New - Jasmine Orchard Loose Leaf Oolong tea

JASMINE ORCHARD OOLONG

Country of Origin: China

Grade: Orthodox whole leaf

Manufacture Type: Orthodox green, Oolong

Cup Characteristics: Orchid oolong notes in a synergistic relationship with floral jasmine. Light fruit notes on the finish.

Infusion: Pale gold yellow.

Ingredients: Luxury oolong tea, Luxury green tea, Freeze dried peach, Strawberry, Natural dried Apple, Natural dried mango, Safflower petals, Jasmine buds.

Information: Prepare your taste buds for something special. Oolong tea, as exceptional as it is on its own, is sublime when blended with scented flowers, fruits and herbs. Jasmine Orchard Oolong combines the fresh spring tea-taste of oolong with the ethereal sweetness of green tea with jasmine petals, jasmine buds and a multitude of fruits from the orchards of the world. What makes this combination so special? Let’s take a look.

The first component of the blend is of course Oolong tea. For those of you not familiar with this variety, what sets it apart from black and green teas is in the fermentation process. Oolong is said to be semi-fermented, unlike green, which is unfermented and black, which is fully fermented. The process is something like leaving a banana out on a counter – green tea could be compared to a yellow banana, black tea to a blackened, over-ripe banana and oolong somewhere in the middle. As a result, Oolong shares some flavor characteristics of both – they are typically lightly green and floral on the nose with touches of orchid in the cup.

The next component of the blend is a green tea with jasmine petals and jasmine buds. Jasmine, in addition to imparting its luscious floral aroma, infuses the blend with exceptional depth and rich character. (It’s no wonder the jasmine flower is so closely aligned with feelings of love throughout much of the Eastern world.)

Next we’ve added a medley of orchard fruits – dried peach, strawberry, apple and mango. Each of these on their own is great, bursting with juicy flavor. Together they’re sensational. (Incidentally, fruit orchards are common to nearly every civilization on earth – both contemporary and ancient.)

Finally we’ve added safflower petals to brighten the blend and add a soft herbaceous layer. (Interestingly, safflower is one of the world’s oldest crops. In many parts of the world its petals are used to dye fabric. Chemical analysis of textiles dated to the 12th dynasty of Ancient Egypt, 1991 – 1802 BC, has identified the use of safflower dyes.) Put it all together you’re left with a cup you’ll never forget.

Hot tea brewing method: Oolongs teas are best enjoyed when the leaves are briefly infused with hot water, which is then poured off. The tea is then reinfused and tea is poured to the lucky guests after about 1 minute. The leaves may be reinfused several times, with each resulting infusion yielding different liquor from the proceeding cup.

Iced tea-brewing method: (to make 1 liter/quart): Place 6 teaspoons of tea into a heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups freshly boiled water over the tea. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into the pitcher straining the leaves. Add ice and top-up with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste.