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!