Oolong is the easiest tea to get wrong by doing too much. Water that is too hot or a steep that runs too long turns a round, aromatic cup into a bitter one. The fix takes two numbers: 185–200°F (85–93°C) and 3 to 5 minutes.
What oolong tea is
Oolong comes from the same plant as green and black tea, Camellia sinensis. The difference is oxidation. Green tea is barely oxidized, black tea is fully oxidized, and oolong sits between the two. That middle position is why a good oolong tastes fuller than green tea and softer than black tea, often with floral, fruity or honey-like notes.
The basic method
- Heat the water to 185–200°F. No thermometer? Bring the water to a boil, then let it rest for about two minutes.
- Use one tea bag per 8 oz cup. Each PiPi Tea pyramid bag holds 4g of whole oolong leaves.
- Steep for 3 to 5 minutes. Three minutes gives a lighter cup. Five minutes gives more depth.
- Remove the bag. Leaving it in keeps extracting and pushes the cup toward bitterness.
Why whole leaves and pyramid bags matter
Whole leaves unfurl as they steep. A flat paper bag packed with broken leaf gives them no room, and the cup comes out sharper and thinner. A pyramid bag leaves space for the leaves to open, which is what lets the aroma develop.
How to adjust the taste
Change one thing at a time.
- Too bitter: lower the water temperature first, then shorten the steep.
- Too light: steep one minute longer before you reach for a second bag.
- Flat: use fresh water. Water that has been boiled several times makes a dull cup.
How to make iced oolong
Brew the tea double strength: two bags in 8 oz of hot water for 4 to 5 minutes. Pour it over a full glass of ice. The melting ice brings it back to normal strength without watering down the flavor. For a pitcher, steep 4 bags in 4 cups of cold water in the fridge for 8 to 12 hours.
Does oolong tea have caffeine?
Yes. Oolong naturally contains caffeine, usually less than a cup of coffee. The exact amount depends on the leaf and on how long you steep it. If you are sensitive to caffeine, keep your last cup for the early afternoon.
Start with one cup
PiPi Tea Whole-Leaf Oolong comes from the high slopes of Yunnan and has a naturally honey-like aroma with no added flavoring. Each pouch holds 20 pyramid bags.
Continue reading: Oolong tea: what is in your cup.