WRFH/Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM - Hyped on Tea: Oolong Tea

Episode Date: March 25, 2024

In this episode we break down the basics of oolong tea, covering the history, different types, and the way you can brew the perfect cup of oolong tea. 

You are listening to Hyped on Tea, the show that takes you on a global journey through the world of tea on Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM. My name is Josh Hypes, and I'm your host. Last week, we followed the story of Liu Yu, the first man to write about tea. This week, we will do a deep dive into the world of Ulong Tea, breaking down the different types of Ulong Tea and the perfect way to enjoy this type of tea. We are so happy to have you listening today, so let's dive on in. Ulong tea, whose name can be translated to Black Dragon in Chinese, is a partially oxidized tea mainly cultivated in China and Taiwan. The tea's name comes from its spirally curled leaves and unique flavor.

Historians believe Ulong tea originated during the Ming Dynasty as a luxury made exclusively for the emperor and his court. Historians debate the reasons for this. Some posit that Ulong tea was a form of tribute paid by the lesser lords to the emperor as a tax for his protection, while some attribute the mythological origin of Ulong to a man named Wulong, who supposedly allowed his tea leaves to oxidize after being distracted by a deer during harvest. As time passed, the tea grew in popularity, especially during the 19th century in the Qing

dynasty, with the introduction of Ti-quan Yin or Iron Goddess of mercy, Ulong Tea, and the rise of the Kung Fu Tea ceremony. The Qing Emperor was so captivated by the beauty of Tikuan Yin Ti that it became emblematic of the dynasty's political and military control. Meanwhile in the Chinese colony of Taiwan, tea production began in the 18th century and quickly expanded throughout the island. The island's diverse weather conditions because of its mountainous landscapes and the low coastal plains allowed for the production of teas with a variety of different flavors.

Since 1970, the tea industry in Taiwan has expanded dramatically in line with the rest of the economy because of the nation's strong tea culture and high domestic demand, especially for Ulong tea. Most Taiwanese tea is bought and used in Taiwan. There are several different types of Ulong tea because of its cultivation and production methods. Ulong tea occupies a middle ground between green and black tea. The tea undergoes partial oxidation and fermentation, resulting in a distinctive blend of flavors

that range from a sweet, fruity, honey taste to a robust, woody and smoky flavor profile. The tea's appearance can range between a jade green to a more amber color. Some of the most popular variants of uhlong tea include Tiquan Yin or iron. and Goddess of Mercy, Da Hong Pao or Big Red Robe, and Bao Zhang or Pu Chong, which is a Taiwanese type of tea. Here's how you can brew your own cup of Ulung tea. Start by heating up a kettle to around 195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit. After this is complete, scoop about 5 milligrams or 1 teaspoon of Ulong tea into a strainer

placed over a mug. Then add your hot water and let the tea steep for up to three minutes. In the end you will have a rich cup with a beautiful amber appearance depending on the type of tea that you're using. For example, Bao Jong or Pu Chong has much more of that jade appearance that we were talking about earlier. And that is your introduction to Ulong tea. Though we have only scratched the surface, thank you for listening.

This was the fifth episode of Hyped on Tea and I hope you're hooked on tea. You are listening to Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM.