Where do Oolongs come from?

Historically known as Formosa, Taiwan is synonymous (in the tea world) with Oolong teas. Taiwan’s climate and steep mountain terrain have produced some of the world’s most sought after teas. The original tea plants, tea farmers, and tea production masters came from mountainous coastal Southern China where Oolongs had been made for centuries. There is always a debate in professional tea circles about the best Oolongs. At Strand Tea Company, we taste each year’s production from different regions in China and Taiwan, then offer a range of Oolongs for every taste and price range.

Brewing Oolong (and other teas)

For each 6 oz. cup of tea use a rounded teaspoon of loose leaves. Use boiling water for Black Teas, just under boiling for Oolong, and hot (about 150 degree) water for Green Tea. We've tried all of our teas at varying brewing times and have put our recommendations on the package in order to get the best flavor. Sometimes even a 15-30 second difference in brewing time makes a big change in how the tea tastes. Of course, it's all a matter of your taste... So have fun and enjoy!

Iced Teas

The idea of drinking iced tea originated in 1904 at the St. Louis World Trade Fair when a heat wave forced an inventive tea purveyor to try something different. Americans still consume most of their tea over ice, upwards of 1.6 billion glasses annually. Relax, refresh, and enjoy! Many of our teas are great over ice. They tend to remain clear when cold. Note that most teas will not cloud if they are allowed to cool down naturally before adding ice.

Notes From Our Customers

"Finally… something I can really enjoy without the added milk and sugar… and I appreciate having so many wonderful varieties to choose from!"
-Sharon B., Sandy, Oregon

"Your company has inspired me to rearrange my whole kitchen… we now have a special tea section."
-Madelyn A., Milwaukee, Oregon

"I need more of that Yunnan tea because I am going to be drinking it into my 90's! Your tea has converted me from coffee… I can't believe it! I feel so much better now!"
-Nancy J., Portland, Oregon