ORIENTAL BEAUTY OOLONG LOOSE TEA
MEDIUM
Called Bai Hao Silver Tip –or Dongfang Meiren, Oriental Beauty– this Taiwanese tea is hand-rolled, with a unique orchid aroma and notes of peach and honey.
| Oriental Beauty - Loose 1oz/28g |
$10.95 |
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| Oriental Beauty - Loose 2oz/56g |
$19.95 |
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| Oriental Beauty - Loose 4oz/113g |
$36.25 |
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| Oriental Beauty - Loose 8oz/227g |
$65.95 |
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| Oriental Beauty - Loose 16oz/454g |
$119.95 |
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SOURCED, BLENDED AND PACKAGED IN-HOUSE
PRICES LISTED IN CANADIAN DOLLARS (CAD)
Oriental Beauty is unique among oolongs for its flavour profile and the look of the leaves. While visually dark (oxidized to 70 - 80%), this oolong produces a friendly, round and highly aromatic cup due to its processing. A key part of the oxidation process involves a type of leafhopper called tea jassid. When a tea jassid bites the tea leaf, it causes the leaf to begin oxidation early while also producing turpenes to defend itself – this results in Oriental Beauty’s unique honey-sweet flavour. The silver tips that are present in the finished tea is a result of its plucking standard: one bud and two leaves (a budset). This oolong is withered outdoors and indoors for about 10 hours. It is then shaken by hand to promote further oxidation. The short summer picking season, beginning in late April and ending in July, adds to the rarity of this tea.
Unlike tightly rolled oolongs like Ti Kuan Yin, Oriental Beauty is gently hand-rolled only once. This delicate processing leads to the fairly open finished leaf shape.
Tasting Notes: An orchid aroma with peach and honey-sweet notes, or dried fruit mixed with toasted grain.
Liquor and Wet Leaf: A medium, golden cup. Delicate whole leaves retain their plucking standard, with one bud and two leaves remaining intact.
Region: Hsinchu County, Taiwan
Cultivar: Da Man Zhong
Picking Season: Summer, with plucking beginning in late April and ending in July.
| Caffeine | Caffeinated |
|---|---|
| Cup Strength | Medium |
| Origin | Single-origin, Taiwan |
| Tea Format | Loose Tea |
| Type | Oolong |
If You Enjoy Black Teas Try This One! Review by Susan - Murchie's Team Member
Oriental Beauty is often referred to as Fancy Silver Tip Oolong. If you are a little timid to try a new type of tea, you can't go wrong with this one. This is an Oolong tea that has been allowed to oxidize longer, so it is closer to a black tea. And what a tea..... a soft, smooth, mellow, black tea taste but with a slight hint of stone fruit. Give it a try...it is delicious.
Posted on 2015-04-24Write your Own Review
You're reviewing: Oriental Beauty Oolong Loose Tea
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Steeping the Best (Guide)
Different types of teas should be steeped according to certain times and water temperatures to bring out their best flavours. Use this guide as a starting point, and then experiment until you find the perfect brewing method for your favourite tea.
Based on approximately one level teaspoon (2.5 g) of loose tea or one tea bag per 6-8 ounce (180-240 mL) cup. For stronger flavour, add more tea. Brewing for longer may increase the strength of the tea, but will likely also cause bitterness.
Tea Bags vs. Loose Tea
While our tea bags and loose tea are crafted to match the same flavour profile, there are discernable effects between the two formats. Namely, the leaves inside tea bags is milled, making it much finer and a quicker brew, while loose tea can take a couple minutes longer to steep. Tea bags are very convenient, but loose tea can be more visually appealing and brewed with a reusable infuser.
- Tea bags: steep for 3 - 4 minutes
- Loose tea: steep for 4 - 5 minutes
General Steeping Temperatures
The table included here shows some general guidelines for steeping different kinds of tea. Be mindful that some teas, even two from the same category, will brew differently than others. In particular, our green-black blends will often have different ratios of green and black teas - the more green-leaning ones should be brewed at a lower temperature range. Experimentation is highly encouraged, as tea is very much a matter of personal taste.
Puerh and oolong teas are often steeped multiple times for a shorter period of time in smaller brewing vessels. This method creates a curious exploration of the tea as it unfurls, developing new flavours with each subsequent brew - often making for great social conversation.
If you're unsure, try steeping in the middle range for your tea type. If the result is too bitter, steep at a lower temperature or for a shorter time. If the result is flat, try a higher temperature.