Oriental Beauty - Champagne Oolong Description:
Oriental Beauty, also known as Dongang Meiren, or Champagne Oolong is a wonderfully complex oolong from Taiwan which stands out from all others due in large part to the role of hungry Green Tea Leafhoppers in helping develop the complex notes found in the finished product. The dry leaf has a wide mix of green, brown, and sliver leaves. Upon steeping this tea results in an orange-brown liquor with sweet, woody, and floral aroma and taste. As it cools the taste becomes even more complex.
Ingredients:
Organic Taiwan Oolong Tea
Oriental Beauty - Champagne Oolong Tea Significance:
Oriental Beauty, also known as Dongfang Meiren or even Champagne Oolong, is one of the more fascinating of the oolong tea varieties to be found. Produced in Taiwan, this tea was accidentally developed when the farmer, having had his crop infested with leafhoppers (Jacobiasca formosana) decided to harvest and process his tea as normal, rather than letting the tea go to waste. As it turns out the tea had developed a highly unique appearance and taste that became quite popular. Now, rather than trying to control the Green Tea Leafhopper, the insect is welcomed and encouraged to feed on the sap in the tea leaves. As the Camellia sinensis plant tries to fight off the insects it produces chemicals which in combination with the specific terrior of the region produce this teas unique character.
Oriental Beauty is typically produced using a bud and the first two leaves, fewer than typically used in oolong production. It is also oxidized to around 70%, closer to a black tea. As might be expected, the need for a good leafhopper infestation means this tea must be grown pesticide free.
Oriental Beauty Steeping Notes
While you can use boiling water to steep Champagne Oolong, you will find best results around 175° to 185°. Try an initial steeping of 2 minutes with subsequent steepings a bit longer each time. Expect three good infusions from Oriental Beauty.
- Step 1:
- Preheat mug with boiling water, discard and refill. Allow to cool 2-3 minutes.
- Step 2:
- Steep 1 round Tbsp or 3-4 grams of tea per 8 oz water.
- Step 3:
- Steep for 3-5 minutes as desired. Experiment with cooler water or shorter steeping times. Try 2-3 steepings.
