Oolongcha - Hoshino

Buy this tea here

Oolongcha is a semi oxidised tea which sits between green teas (non oxidised) and black teas (oxidised). This specific oolongcha is a Wasei Oolongcha (Japanese oolong tea) which is on the green side with a very light oxidation, possessing an elegant floral scent as well as the freshness of Japanese green tea. The same methods and machinery that are used in Taiwan (which is famous for Oolong tea) have been used to process this tea, and only ~10kg is produced each year.

Excellent as a cold brew (mizudashi), as well as brewing hot over multiple infusions.

Cultivars: Izumi and Seishin Oolong (First harvest)

The photo below shows Seishin Oolong on the left and Izumi on the right. These photos were taken by us directly in the tea field in Yame, Fukuoka.

Below is the recommended brewing guide:

Cold brewing guide:
Oolongcha 3 grams
Water 400grams ice and water
Duration 8-14 hours in the fridge - don’t squeeze the leaves when draining

Hot brewing guide:
Oolongcha 6 grams (serves three people)
Water 180-240ml @ 90 degrees celcius
First infusion 30sec - smell the light green floral aroma
Second infusion 45sec - becoming more floral and sweet
Third infusion 45sec - balancing floral aroma with green tea
(Fourth infusion 45sec - gentle green tea aroma

Below there are two photos. The top photo shows a close up of a Seishin Oolong tea leaf and the lower photos shows a close up of the Izumi tea leaf.

Storage:
Store in a cold environment (6-10°C) and avoid exposure to sunlight and air - both of these will degrade your tea. Best consumed within 4-6 months from when it is first opened.