Formosa Oolong: The “Beautiful” Taiwan Tea
While researching about Oolong tea, you might’ve come across Formosa Oolong. Have you asked yourself what it is? Where did it originate from? We might be able to help with answers to some of those questions.
A Trip Down History Lane
Formosa refers to Oolong teas which have been cultivated and produced in Taiwan. Often times, it is called Taiwanese Oolong. The term “Formosa” came from Spanish and Portuguese sailors, who once visited Taiwan in the ancient years, which implied “beautiful”. Until today, Taiwan is still called Formosa.
In Taiwan, trees of teas do not naturally grow. Although the country’s “Formosa tea” history is true, it’s been revealed that these trees were planted in the 18th century, years after its neighboring Asian nations only. History suggests that Asian settlers, particularly in the highlands.
Through the years, Taiwan has already perfected the propagation and production of tea. Today, their most famous variety is the Oolong tea which comes in many different blends.
In Taiwan, only five regions cultivate and produce this product. Most of the Oolong tea plants are located in the country’s eastern regions. Even if Taiwan doesn’t own a large geographic area, it still has varied territories and landscapes. Hence, the aroma, flavor and physical appearance of Formosa Oolong tea substantially differ because of the differences in soil conditions, altitudes, temperatures and weather pattern.
Varieties of Formosa Oolong Tea
Lemon Basil Tea
This variety can provide a burst of different flavors, the primary reason why this is a favorite drink for dinners. There are people who have suggested that Oolong Lemon Basil Tea can be a good iced tea base drink with honey and lime.
Oolong Superior Fancy Tea
Superior fancy is considered one of the best Formosa blends. To be able to come up with this fine tea, a careful and special fermentation process is needed. Once the process is completed, it can immediately offer a flavorful yet noble taste which connoisseurs will surely appreciate. Aside from its flavor, its highly flowery bouquet and intense aromatic scents have made this variety even more popular.
Butterfly Tea
This is one of the varieties that follow strict quality standards. For one, the tea blend could only be cultivated in the highlands of Taiwan and fermented within a specific span of time. During the process of fermentation, the leaves’ edges darken while its center remains green. This outcome provides the blend a fleshier and sweeter taste than most other blends.
Mango Tea
Sometimes called the “flower of Asia”, this blend is a combination of spicy Chinese teas and soft flowery Lotus Oolong. This complex tea is, actually, a mixture of varied Asian flavors.
Classic Oolong Tea
By its name, this is the first one to come out in public. The classic blend is produced in the highlands of Taiwan, where its leaves are 50% fermented or until wilted. During this unique process, farmers make use of baskets which are often made of bamboo to expose the leaves to sunlight for drying. The outcome is a spicy, flowery yet light-tasting tea.
We hope you have enjoyed our article and learnt some more about one of our favorite Oolong teas. You might like to see out article over here that included this tea in the different varieties we reviewed.