Stash Formosa Oolong Bay Jong
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Stash Formosa Oolong Bay Jong

Some of the world's finest teas are grown in Taiwan which enjoys an excellent climate for growing tea. Summers are very humid but not too hot, and winter temperatures rarely drop as low as 50 degrees. However, it takes more than good weather and good soil to produce great oolong teas.

The production of top quality oolong tea is very labor-intensive. After being plucked, fresh shoots from the tea plants are spread on a flat bamboo basket and withered in sunlight for up to an hour. The leaves are then withered indoors at room temperature for six to eight hours. Once an hour the leaves are gently agitated by hand which greatly accelerates the production of flavor components. The leaves are then pan-fired for 15 minutes at high temperatures which inactivates the leaf enzymes and stops the oxidation process. Finally the leaves are rolled and dried.

The first tea plants arrived in Taiwan (formerly known as Formosa) around 1810, brought by Chinese merchants, after traveling sixty miles over the strait of Formosa. In 1869 an Englishman named John Dodd exported the first tea from Formosa. The teas were so exceptional and so well accepted that within 10 years Formosa was exporting over 10 million pounds of tea every year.

The plants selected for oolong tea production are chosen for their strong flowery aroma and beautiful large leaves. The extraordinary quality of Formosa Oolong Bay Jong comes only from Yilan county in northeast Taiwan where the soil and climate are perfect for this type of tea. The tea estates here are situated at an elevation of over 3500 feet. The Bay Jong tea is produced in very small quantities and is available only during the early stages of the harvest. Teas harvested later in the year do not produce the same wonderful flavor.

Formosa Bay Jong Oolong is light green in color and brews a pale yellow-green cup. The large leaves unfold during brewing to show off the top two leaves and bud. The liquor is very aromatic and slightly floral. The flavor is delicate with no hint of astringency or bitterness. This tea is best enjoyed during quiet times when you can really appreciate its intricate flavor and aroma.