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Translated from the Chinese, Oolong means "black dragon." These semi-processed teas are produced almost entirely in China and Formosa (Taiwan), where they are treasured.

The Oolongs are naturally low in caffeine, aromatic and have a surprising array of delicate fruity and nutty flavors, some with amazing floral aromas. They are good with meals in the traditional Chinese way or drunk alone just about any time of day. It is often said in tea lore that true lovers of tea always prize Oolongs the most.

Oolongs have recently made their way into the Western Tea Drinkers lexicon of health benefits. Research is ongoing but suggests modest weight loss, better digestion, and healthier skin.

Three things you should know about Oolong Teas:

1. Oolongs range from the Jade Oolongs which are more like green teas to the Amber Oolongs which are more like black teas. This has to do with the amount of oxidation of the leaf just before it is dried. The less oxidation the more “green” and the more oxidation the more “black” the final tea becomes.

2. Putting an Oolong in a teabag is like smashing fine porcelain. Oolong leaves become magnificently large and aromatic when brewed. One would never squeeze it into a tight space – so allow plenty of room for the leaves to present themselves.

3. "Tea is a work of art. Each preparation of the leaves has its individuality, its special affinity with water and heat, its hereditary memories to recall, its own method of telling a story." ~ Okakura Kakuzo, The Book of Tea, 1906