Oolong #18

Owes its flavors to oxidation levels between green & black tea.


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May 15th, '08, 11:23
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Oolong #18

by TimeforTea » May 15th, '08, 11:23

On the sample tin, brewing parameters are 180 degrees for 5 minutes. I thought oolongs were supposed to be brewed at higher temps. Is this an error, or is it correct at 180?

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May 15th, '08, 11:42
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by Beidao » May 15th, '08, 11:42

180 is a good temperatur for oolong
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May 15th, '08, 11:49
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by Mary R » May 15th, '08, 11:49

As a rule of thumb, I brew at higher temperatures when the oolong is more oxidized and lower temps when the oolong is less oxidized. Oolong #18 is a jade oolong--that is, a low oxidized, green-like oolong--so it gets the green treatment from me. :)

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May 15th, '08, 11:53
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by TimeforTea » May 15th, '08, 11:53

Excellent! Thanks for the tips! Going forward I will brew light oolongs as if they were green teas. :D

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May 15th, '08, 11:57
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by Victoria » May 15th, '08, 11:57

I'm having it right now. I brewed it for 3 min off boil and it's quite delicious. I guess it's a matter of taste.

If you don't like it brewed that way - try it another way. There is no "right" way. The right way, is what tastes good to you.

You can't take a blanket approach to brewing light oolongs or you will be dissapointed.

Check out a similar discussion here:
http://www.teachat.com/viewtopic.php?t=5338

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May 15th, '08, 16:00
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by tenuki » May 15th, '08, 16:00

I brew that particular oolong at a boil, with enough leaves to fill the gaiwan entirely packed by the third brewing (about 7-8g/100ml in case you were wondering ;) ). I go 40 seconds after a flash rinse and +10 seconds to each brew after.

I brew the greenest of the green with boiling water, if it doesn't result in goodness I blame the tea as low quality. ;)

And I've brewed it every which way, including every stated way in this thread. :D So take that for what it is worth.

The most important factor for the greener oolongs from my experience is the water quality. Find a good spring water at about 200 or less ppm with some silica ( I like Fiji water ) and compare side by side with what you have been using to see what I mean.

ps: I had to roast this tea a bit before I liked it, so take that into consideration too.
Last edited by tenuki on May 15th, '08, 23:38, edited 1 time in total.

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May 19th, '08, 00:35
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by TimeforTea » May 19th, '08, 00:35

Ok. Thanks for the info. :D

Regarding water quality...I do use a filter. However, our town does have hard water. I hope to get a water softener soon, as I'm sure this will make a difference.

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May 19th, '08, 04:28
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by Beidao » May 19th, '08, 04:28

tenuki wrote:I brew the greenest of the green with boiling water, if it doesn't result in goodness I blame the tea as low quality. ;)
:shock:
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May 19th, '08, 04:47
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by tenuki » May 19th, '08, 04:47

Beidao wrote:
tenuki wrote:I brew the greenest of the green with boiling water, if it doesn't result in goodness I blame the tea as low quality. ;)
:shock:
Green oolongs that is. You can put your eyes back in your sockets now. :D
Do something different, something different will happen. ( Gong Fu Garden )

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May 19th, '08, 12:07
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by TimeforTea » May 19th, '08, 12:07

tenuki wrote:
Beidao wrote:
tenuki wrote:I brew the greenest of the green with boiling water, if it doesn't result in goodness I blame the tea as low quality. ;)
:shock:
Green oolongs that is. You can put your eyes back in your sockets now. :D
I knew what you meant. I know you wouldn't go near any lawn clippings. :wink:
Today I brewed oolong 18 western style, lower temp. It came out much better. I'll try eastern style later in the day with your brewing parameters. Thanks! :D

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May 19th, '08, 14:56
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by tenuki » May 19th, '08, 14:56

Teasweetie wrote:
tenuki wrote:
Beidao wrote:
tenuki wrote:I brew the greenest of the green with boiling water, if it doesn't result in goodness I blame the tea as low quality. ;)
:shock:
Green oolongs that is. You can put your eyes back in your sockets now. :D
I knew what you meant. I know you wouldn't go near any lawn clippings. :wink:
Today I brewed oolong 18 western style, lower temp. It came out much better. I'll try eastern style later in the day with your brewing parameters. Thanks! :D
It will taste quite different. :) If you get astringency or bitterness shorten the brew time next time you try till you find the 'sweet spot'. Different water and equipment will have different sweet spots ( not to mention people's different tastes) so you'll have to find your own personal parameters.

PS: I drink sencha at least 3 times a week and matcha probably more like 4-5. I just like teasing the sencha/matcha heads with lawnmower and green crack jokes. I know for a fact that several of those guys drink oolongs secretly too. ;)
Do something different, something different will happen. ( Gong Fu Garden )

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May 19th, '08, 15:07
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by Victoria » May 19th, '08, 15:07

tenuki wrote: PS: I drink sencha at least 3 times a week and matcha probably more like 4-5. I just like teasing the sencha/matcha heads with lawnmower and green crack jokes. I know for a fact that several of those guys drink oolongs secretly too. ;)
:shock: :shock: :shock:

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