CUP CHARACTERISTICS: Non and semi fermented teas in perfect harmony, married together with orchard fruits.
INGREDIENTS: Oolong tea, Green tea, Mango + Apple + Strawberry + Peach pieces, Jasmine + Safflower petals
INGREDIENTS FROM: Taiwan / China / Thailand / Turkey
ANTIOXIDANT LEVEL: High
CAFFEINE LEVEL: Low
STORAGE CONDITIONS: Store in a cool, dry, dark place (15-30 degrees Celsius).
SHELF LIFE LOOSE TEA: 2 years after opening.
INFORMATION:
Prepare your taste buds for something special. Oolong tea, as exceptional as it is on its own, is sublime when blended with scented flowers, fruits and herbs. Jasmine Orchard Oolong combines the fresh spring tea-taste of oolong with the ethereal sweetness of green tea with jasmine petals, jasmine buds and a multitude of fruits from the orchards of the world. What makes this combination so special? Let's take a look.
The first component of the blend is of course Oolong tea. For those of you not familiar with this variety, what sets it apart from black and green teas is in the fermentation process. Oolong is said to be semi-fermented, unlike green, which is unfermented and black, which is fully fermented. The process is something like leaving a banana out on a counter - green tea could be compared to a yellow banana, black tea to a blackened, over-ripe banana and oolong somewhere in the middle. As a result, Oolong shares some flavor characteristics of both - they are typically lightly green and floral on the nose with touches of orchid in the cup.
The next component of the blend is a green tea with jasmine petals and jasmine buds. Jasmine, in addition to imparting its luscious floral aroma, infuses the blend with exceptional depth and rich character. (It's no wonder the jasmine flower is so closely aligned with feelings of love throughout much of the Eastern world.)
Next, a medley of orchard fruits is added - dried peach, strawberry, apple and mango. Each of these on their own is great, bursting with juicy flavor. Together they're sensational.
Finally, safflower petals are added to brighten the blend and add a soft herbaceous layer.
IDEAL BREWING TEMPERATURE: 85ºC/185ºF. For Food Safety reasons bring water to 100ºC/212ºF and let it cool down to 85ºC/185ºF.
HOT BREWING METHOD:
Bring filtered or freshly drawn cold water to a rolling boil. Place 1 slightly heaping teaspoon of loose tea for each 7-9oz / 200-260ml of fluid volume in the teapot. Briefly infuse with freshly boiled water and then pour off. Re-infuse the tea and pour after about 1 minute or longer to taste.
ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Individual Serving):
Place 1 slightly heaping teaspoon of loose tea or 1 tea bag into a teapot for each serving required. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 6-7oz/170-200ml per serving over the tea. Cover and let steep for 5 minutes. Add hot tea to a 12oz/375ml acrylic glass filled with ice, straining the leaves or removing the tea bags. Not all of the tea will fit, allowing for approximately an additional ½ serving. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to increase the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted. (Note: Some luxury quality teas may turn cloudy when poured over ice. This is a sign of luxury quality and nothing to worry about!)
ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Pitcher): (To Make 1 Liter/Quart):
Place 6 slightly heaping teaspoons of loose tea or 6 tea bags into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 1¼ cups/315ml over the tea. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the leaves or removing the tea bags. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to increase the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water. (Note: Some luxury quality teas may turn cloudy when poured over ice. This is a sign of luxury quality and nothing to worry about!)