Are you new to the world of oolong tea and unsure what to do with that newly purchased package? Or perhaps you're already an oolong tea enthusiast and want to get the most out of your brew? Don't worry, we've got you covered!
In this article, we'll teach you how to prepare the perfect cup of oolong tea step by step. We'll also share some secrets to ensure you get your money's worth from those intriguing tea leaves.
The art of tea preparation has been perfected over thousands of years and continues to evolve. At Tedelics, we improve our technique with every cup of tea we brew. The truth is, like any skill, mastering it takes practice.
These are the best secrets for preparing oolong tea
In preparing tea, there are two main methods: the traditional oriental style, known as Gongfu Cha (which means "to prepare tea skillfully" in Chinese), and the Western method , which is the most familiar to many.
Neither is better than the other; the choice between them simply depends on your available time, your knowledge of tea, and your desire to delve deeper. However, it's true that some teas are much more enjoyable when prepared in the Gongfu Cha style.
Before we get into the details, here are our secrets for perfect oolong tea preparation.
- Water : All the liquid in your cup is water, so make sure you use the best quality possible, preferably soft water, low in mineral content.
- Tea : The higher the quality of the tea, the more you'll appreciate all its aromas, notes, textures, and the experience it offers your body and mind. Check out our oolong tea collection !
- Water temperature : The water temperature plays a key role in how your tea turns out. Hotter water extracts more of the tea's notes and aroma, while cooler water produces a sweeter, milder brew and can highlight delicate aromas like floral and fruity ones. The goal is to find the water temperature that works best for each tea. For a perfect oolong tea, use water just below boiling, between 85°C and 95°C. We recommend an electric kettle with temperature control.
- Amount of tea and water : The more tea leaves you add, the more intense the aromas and notes will be, creating a more complex cup of tea. But remember, you don't need to empty the entire bag into the teapot. If you need specific figures, here's a guide: for Gongfu Cha style, use between 5 and 7 grams per 100 ml of water. For Western style, use between 1 and 1.5 grams per 100 ml of water.
- Infusion time : If the infusion time is too short, you won't be able to extract all the aromas and nuances of the tea. On the other hand, if you extend it too long, the tea can become bitter and unpleasant. A good starting point for preparing Gongfu Cha-style twisted-leaf oolong is to begin with 10–15 second infusions, increasing by 5–10 seconds with each subsequent infusion. For ball-shaped oolong, the first infusion can be a little longer, around 40–50 seconds, and then increasing by 10 seconds with each subsequent infusion.
Preparing oolong tea in the Western style
Western preparation is a simple way to enjoy oolong tea. It fits perfectly into modern life, as it doesn't require much time or numerous utensils.
Utensils for Western Preparation
- Electric kettle : (If it's electric, it's best if it has temperature control).
- Teapot: Choose a teapot with enough space or with a large filter like ours, to allow the tea to expand.
- Cup of tea
- Tea strainer (In case the kettle does not have a filter).
How to prepare Western-style oolong tea?
- Heat water to about 85°C - 95°C.
- In the teapot, add between 1 and 1.5 g of tea for every 100 ml of water.
- Let it infuse for about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Pour the tea into the cup.
- Enjoy your oolong tea!
If you want to make more infusions, just add about 30 seconds to the infusion time. Oolong tea can typically be infused two to three times more using a Western brewing method.
Gong Fu Style Oolong Tea Preparation
Gongfu Cha is a traditional Chinese method of preparing tea, notable for its multiple infusions of the same tea in a small teapot. While often considered a multi-step ritual, here we'll show you how to enjoy Gongfu Cha in the simplest and most basic way.
Utensils for Gongfu Cha preparation
To achieve this style, you'll need some basic tools:
- Tea table : Ideal for avoiding wetting the surrounding area.
- Kettle : We recommend an electric kettle with temperature control.
- Cha He or a small plate : For presenting and placing the tea.
- Teapot or Gaiwan : The main container for infusing tea leaves.
- Tea pitcher : To transfer the tea before serving it in the cups and leave the remaining liquid.
- Small teacup
How to prepare Gongfu-style oolong tea?
- Heat the container (teapot or gaiwan) by filling it with hot water. Let it sit for a few seconds to warm up. Then, pour the water into the teapot, making sure no water remains.
- Add 5-7g of tea to the preheated container. Let it steep for half a minute to warm up and release its aromas. Meanwhile, pour the water from the carafe into the cup and discard it.
- When the water in the kettle is between 85°C and 95°C, add it to the tea. Add approximately 100 ml of water to the teapot or fill the gaiwan.
- Let it steep for 5 to 10 seconds and pour the liquid into the cup. (If you are making more than one cup, first pour the tea into the carafe and then pour it into the cups.)
- Now, enjoy your oolong tea Gongfu style. Remember to add 5 to 10 seconds to the infusion time for each subsequent infusion. Oolong tea can typically be infused 8 to 12 times.
Note : Each oolong tea is different and may vary in steeping time and temperature. Always refer to the brewing instructions. We include instructions in each package and on the product page to ensure a perfect brew.