How to Make Oolong Tea

Oolong tea is the tea of choice in many Chinese restaurants. It is richer than green tea yet is less bold than black tea. Oolong also is a fragrant tea -- the aroma is just as much a part of the experience as the flavor. Oolong comes in two primary varieties: jade and amber. Jade is darker and more full-bodied; amber has a rich amber color and is lighter in taste. Making oolong tea is simple.

Things You'll Need

• Oolong leaves Kettle Teapot Tea ball

Instructions

1. Heat water to a rapid boil in a kettle. Boil for 1 minute.

2. Fill the teapot with hot water and pour out. This will heat the pot so the boiling water does not cool too rapidly during steeping.

3. Add 2 teaspoons of loose tea per cup directly into the teapot if it is a self-straining model or into a tea ball, then into the pot, if it is not.

4. Pour boiling water into the tea pot. Allow to steep for 30 seconds to 9 minutes. The longer the steeping time, the more full-bodied the tea will be.

5. Remove the tea ball, if applicable. Pour the tea into tea cups immediately after the steeping time is reached to avoid bitterness.

Tips & Warnings

• Use filtered water for the best flavor. You can pour the tea through a strainer to remove the leaves if you don't have a tea ball.

References

• Planet Tea