OOLONG

OOLONG

What is Oolong Tea?

Oolong tea is a masterclass in tea craftsmanship, representing the vast and beautiful spectrum between green and black tea. What defines oolong is "partial oxidation." After harvesting and withering, the tea leaves are skillfully bruised or shaken to initiate oxidation. The true art lies in how long the tea master allows this process to continue before applying heat to stop it, capturing an extraordinary range of aromas and flavours from a single leaf.

The Spectrum of Oolong: Lightly Oxidized to Dark & Roasted

Oolongs offer an unparalleled range of flavour profiles depending on origin, cultivar, and oxidation level. Rooted in rare Japanese single-origin oolongs and expanding to world-renowned origins, our collection explores this fascinating world of semi-oxidized tea:

  • Lightly Oxidized Oolongs: Greenish, floral, and bright with fresh orchid notes, reminiscent of the lively character of green tea.
  • Medium & Heavily Oxidized Oolongs: Deeper, amber-hued brews with rich notes of honey, ripe stone fruit, and warm mineral complexity.
  • Roasted Oolongs: Skilled charcoal or oven roasting adds comforting warmth, notes of toasted grains, and a lingering, smooth finish.

Single-Origin Terroir & Musical Pairings

At Prelude Tea, we curate single-origin oolongs from small, dedicated farms and craft producers. Each micro-batch in our collection is paired with a custom-crafted original piano composition designed to harmonize with its unique aroma, roasting level, and mouthfeel—inviting you to step into a multi-sensory brewing ritual.

Does Oolong Tea Contain Caffeine?

Yes, genuine oolong tea naturally contains caffeine. Because oolong sits between unoxidized green tea and fully oxidized black tea, its caffeine levels generally fall in the moderate range. Combined with natural L-theanine and rich polyphenols, oolong delivers a balanced, uplifting energy that is gentle on the body and ideal for mindful sipping throughout the day.

How to Steep Single-Origin Oolong Tea

Partial oxidation makes oolong leaves exceptionally resilient, often revealing new layers of flavour across multiple steepings. Use hot water (85°C–95°C) to allow rolled or twisted leaves to gradually unfurl. For traditional Gongfu-style preparation, explore our handcrafted teaware or visit our full Tea Brewing Guide for exact leaf-to-water ratios.