How to brew Oriental Beauty Oolong tea

What is Oriental Beauty tea?

You've probably heard that Oriental Beauty Oolong tea is one of Taiwan's most famous and highly prized teas, and it's true. Its honey-like sweetness and rich aromas make it stand out, and some are willing to pay thousands for a good harvest. What truly gives it its unique character is a tiny insect: the green leafhopper (Jacobiasca formosana). When the insects nibble at the leaves, the plant activates its defense system and releases compounds. By properly processing the tea leaves, these released compounds result in sweet notes with that honeyed character. If you're curious about its flavor, try our Oriental Beauty Oolong tea .

To fully enjoy its sweet notes and aromas, it must be prepared in the right way.

Gongfu Style Preparation of Oriental Beauty Oolong Tea – Beginner Level

This method is simple and safe, ideal if you're starting out with Gongfu brewing or want a more relaxed session. Following this technique, the tea will be sweet with honey notes. The risk of failure is minimal, although the aroma will be slightly milder than with the advanced method.

Container : We recommend a porcelain gaiwan, our preferred choice for Oriental Beauty tea. You can also use a glazed ceramic gaiwan or teapot.

Tea-water ratio : 1:20. For example, 5 g of tea per 100 ml of water.

Steps :

1. Heat the gaiwan or teapot with hot water. Let it heat for about 30 seconds, then empty the water. Add the tea to the container, close the lid to warm the leaves, and wait 20–30 seconds. Take this opportunity to smell them.
2. For the first infusion, use 90°C water. Pour it gently down the side of the container, being careful not to let the water fall directly onto the leaves, and keep the container close to ensure a smooth flow. It's normal for the leaves to float. Close the lid and let it steep for 50 seconds, then pour into a pitcher as shown .
3. This is the moment to smell the leaves and appreciate all their aromas.
4. In the second infusion, repeat the technique and temperature, but reduce the time to 30 seconds.
5. In the third and subsequent pours, you can pour from a greater height, aiming towards the center of the container to enhance the tea's aroma. See the table below for recommended brewing times and temperatures.

Gongfu Style Preparation of Oriental Beauty Oolong Tea – Advanced Level

This method requires more precise pouring, shorter infusion times, and careful control of the water temperature. The goal is to highlight both the fragrance and sweetness of Oriental Beauty tea.

Container : We recommend a porcelain gaiwan, our preferred choice for Oriental Beauty tea. You can also use a glazed ceramic gaiwan or teapot.

Tea-water ratio : 1:20. For example, 5 g of tea per 100 ml of water.

Steps :

1. Heat the gaiwan or teapot with hot water. Let it heat for about 30 seconds, then drain the water. Add the tea to the container, close the lid to warm the leaves, and wait 20–30 seconds. If you wish to stir the leaves, do so very gently and take the opportunity to smell them.
2. For the first infusion, use water at 85°C. Using a pitcher for better control, pour the water into the gaiwan or teapot. Do this from a slight height, with a slow, gentle stream, following the rim of the vessel. Close the lid and let it steep for 20 seconds, then pour the tea into a pitcher.
3. This is the moment to smell the leaves and appreciate all their aromas.
4. For the second infusion, repeat the same technique and temperature, but increase the preparation time to 30 seconds.
5. From the third infusion onwards, you can pour the water into the center of the container at a slightly faster rate. Refer to the table below for recommended times and temperatures for each infusion.

Mastering these small details makes a big difference in how Oriental Beauty tea expresses itself in the cup. This guide will give you the foundation. Now put it into practice, experiment, adjust the parameters, and find the rhythm that works best for you.