iTeaworld for Taste and Harmony

Sample the Skill of Chinese Tea Cultivation.

iTeaworld

Tea drinking is more popular than ever, worldwide. Not all teas are created equal but iTeaworld offer a host of quality options both for tea enthusiasts as well as those who want to learn more about this fascinating drink.

iTeaworld has worked in the Chinese tea industry and tea gardens for over 15 years and they are not only committed to presenting fine teas but also to environmental sustainability, as well as providing eco-friendly packaging. Those goals are important not only for the tea industry in China but the future for all of us. The company owns more than 4 million square metres of wild tea trees, with more than 2000 tea trees of over 100 years old.

It’s true that one eats with one’s eyes. The packaging is what one first notes. It is sumptuous and beautiful, giving the anticipation of something rather special within. The expectant sipper will not be disappointed. The range of Oolong tea from iTeaworld gives tea lovers the opportunity to tailor each cup to their own taste. One has the carefully crafted leaves, and they offer the element of flexibility in the brewing. The colour of the steaming liquid changes with the length of time the leaves stay in contact with the hot water. The longer the brew the darker the colour. Flavours change from light and floral to more robust. One could in fact enjoy three different taste experiences from just one small pot of Oolong tea.

First produced over 1,000 years ago

But what is Oolong tea? This is semi-oxidized black tea made from the Camellia sinensis plant. Its dried leaves and leaf buds are used to make several different teas, including black and green teas. Oolong tea originates from the Fujian and Guangdong regions of China, where it was first produced over 1,000 years ago during the Ming Dynasty.

Oolong tea is fermented for longer than green tea, but less time than black tea. It undergoes a unique semi-oxidation process where the tea leaves are wilted and rolled before being heated. This allows the tea to retain a natural green colour and delicate characteristics when brewed. The degree of oxidation affects the colour of the brewed tea – the longer the oxidation the darker the resulting brew.

We tasted the iTeaworld Oolong Tea Sampler. The gift-quality box held four characterful teas all of which can be made to taste. The individual envelopes contained the loose leaves ready for the pot.

They included: Fenghuang Dancong harvested from 100-year-old tea trees. The scent is light and perfumed with blossom aromas. This would work perfectly with a summer afternoon tea; Da Hong Pao is heavily oxidized, producing a hearty and full-bodied tea with notes of toast and burnt sugar. This is the tea to sip on cold winter nights when one has time to savour the long finish; Zhangping Shui Xian is said to have a history of 1000 years. This tea is medium oxidized, retaining its floral and fruit nature. Serve with light food at summer lunches – a perfect all-day tea; Tieguanyin is thought to be China’s best-known Oolong Tea, with classic flavour. It is lightly oxidized, allowing its natural floral aromas to remain. Try this first with a short brew to appreciate its gentle personality.

Visit iTeaworld here to learn more about Oolong tea and their beautiful range.