The Finer Points of Brewing Oolong Tea

Brewing Oolong tea is not complicated but it is an art. Even though all teas come from one plant - Camellia Sinensis - they are all processed differently and they also should be brewed differently.

So here are some instructions so that you can enjoy a perfect cup of the Oolong tea of your choice.

But before we begin let me answer a question that we get quite often:

Does Oolong Tea Contain Caffeine?

The answer is a simple yes it does.

However do not be deterred from this wonderful healthy tea by its caffeine content.

First, the caffeine content of Oolong tea is only about 25 to 30 mg per 8 fluid ounces. Coffee on the other hand contains about 135 mg per cup. So there is quite a difference.

Second, you do not need to buy decaf as you can decaffeinate your Oolong tea right at home. Indeed there is a trick to brewing Oolong tea so that if you do not want any caffeine...you do not get any caffeine.

Here is the trick:

Brew your Oolong tea and discard the first brew. That's right - that's it! You can discard the first brew on some thirsty plants...they won't mind the caffeine.

The caffeine is released in the first brewing so if you follow this method and drink the second brew you will do away with the caffeine. Didn't I tell you it'd be easy?

Note: You can only use this method with loose tea or gourmet tea bags not commercial tea preparations. Gourmet teas bags contain the whole leaf tea usually in a silk or nylon bags. Loose tea is better and cheaper.

How to Brew Oolong Tea?

Brewing Oolong Tea: Your Choice of Water

For obvious reasons the water you choose will directly impact the taste of your tea. For example, if you use chlorinated water that may affect the taste of your Oolong tea.

You may therefore consider using filtered water.

Note: Do not use distilled water. This water has no mineral content at all and this also would interfere with the flavor of your Oolong tea.

Water Temperature

The water temperature should not be the same for all teas. The more delicate the tea, the cooler the temperature.

For Oolong tea, the water temperature should be around 195 degrees. However, I doubt that you carry a thermometer on you at all times. So how do you determine the temperature of your water? Well, you'll have to guess. Boiling water is too hot for Oolong tea. So use water that has not come to a full boil yet. If it does then wait a few minutes for it to cool.

So the main thing to remember is that boiling water is not okay for your Oolong tea.

Brewing Oolong Tea: Your Brewing Equipment

As you well know there is a slew of tea equipment out there. What do you really need? Which one is best? Lots of questions.

One thing you must keep in mind when dealing with Oolong tea is that this tea is rolled. This means it will need lots of room to expand. With Oolong tea do not bother using an infuser.

So you want a tea pot with an infuser make sure you have 3 times the amount of space that you will need. Oolong tea leaves unfurl when brewed and get quite big. You'll be surprised.

You can also use a tea pot without an infuser and just strain the tea after it has brewed.

Brewing Oolong Tea: Infusing your Oolong

Oolong teas do very well with an infusion time of 3 to 4 minutes.

Notes:

1) For iced tea, use double the amount of tea for the amount of water. Once your tea has steeped pour it over ice.

2) You can also brew your tea with cold water: use the correct ratio of water and tea and place your pot in the fridge over night.

Brewing Oolong Tea Instructions

Pour some cold water in the tea kettle of your choice and bring it to almost a boil.

Preheat your tea-pot by pouring some hot water into the pot and swishing it around and then discarding it.

Add the loose tea to the pot - the rule of thumb is one teaspoon per cup. But make your tea as you like it....one teaspoon is a good place to start but you can increase or decrease the amount of tea used to your liking.

Pour the hot - not boiling - water over the tea and steep 3 to 4 minutes.

If you are using tea bags - place the bags into the cup before pouring the water.

Pour your tea into a mug or cup.

Notes - milk in your tea:

1)If you like milk with your tea, start the habit of pouring the milk into your cup first - yes, before you pour your tea!

2) Dr. Jeffrey Blumberg - in response to ONE study that milk in tea reduces the bioavailability of tea's antioxidants - states that no other study have replicated such results. So if you like milk with your Oolong tea, go ahead and have your milk!

To leave a comment about brewing Oolong ~ click here.

To read others' comments and reviews click here.