The history of tea can be traced
back to the 12th century. However, the concept of tea processing was fully
developed and matured until the Ming Dynasty. With the introduction of
fixation, roasting, and fermentation techniques, a variety of tea has been
invented, including Oolong tea. According to an old Chinese tale, it is said
that Oolong tea was discovered in 1725 by a Chinese tea farmer after
accidentally leaving the fresh tea leaves overnight instead of processing them
right away. Through a night of indoor resting, which is also considered as a
light fermentation process, the edge of fresh tea leaves has turned naturally
into a red color. Finally, after a series of fixation and medium-roasting
procedures, a delicate tea with a slightly baked aroma and ripen fruit taste
was invented and later was named as “Oolong”.
Chatime Oolong tea originated in Nantou County, Taiwan. The
humid climate and loess soil in the area provides a perfect growing environment
for Oolong tea cultivation. Through semi-fermenting the fresh tea leaves to
around 20-30% fermentation level, ensuring the tea body carries the vegetal
note of green tea yet distinct roasted brown rice and ripened fruit flavor
after brewing. If you haven’t tried the phenomenal flavor of Oolong yet ,
make sure to try it out when you visit Chatime next time!