Formosa Oolong – Discover tea from Taiwan

Formosa is the old name for Taiwan and remains closely associated with exceptionally fine Oolong teas to this day. The island's semi-fermented teas fall between green and black tea and are known for their full-bodied, floral, and mildly aromatic character.

Formosa – the "Black Dragon" from Taiwan
Oolong teas from Taiwan combine the freshness of green teas with the richness of black teas. Their taste is often reminiscent of ripe peaches, delicate sweetness, and floral aromas.

The island's ancient name: Formosa

Modern-day Taiwan has been producing green and black tea since 1870, which is named after the island's old name, Formosa. Tea is cultivated in the northern and northeastern mountainous regions by approximately 100 relatively small tea farms.

Taiwan owes its excellent reputation among tea lovers worldwide primarily to its Oolongs—semi-fermented teas with a distinctive, exquisite taste.

Good to know:
Oolong sits between green and black tea in terms of production and taste. This creates a particularly complex character – mild, floral, aromatic, and often with a natural sweetness.

Oolong – the "Black Dragon"

The term Oolong is of Chinese origin and means "Black Dragon." For centuries, this name has been used to describe a tea that falls between green and black tea in both its production and taste.

A light fermentation is achieved through careful manual labor. When examining the infusion, you will notice that the young shoots and leaves fully unfurl and are clearly fermented at the edges, making them darker than the center of the leaf.

Typical character:
The taste is often reminiscent of the scent of ripe peaches and is full-bodied, floral, mildly aromatic, and elegant.

Fancy Oolongs from Taiwan

The first flush of the year traditionally begins on April 20 and reaches its peak on May 6. During this time, the high-quality Fancy Oolongs are harvested, which sometimes fetch higher prices than the most valuable Darjeelings.

It is precisely these premium Oolongs that demonstrate why Formosa teas are cherished worldwide: they are fragrant, refined, harmonious, and possess a unique, delicate sweetness.

Preparing Formosa Oolong

We recommend preparing these marvelous teas using filtered water. Their own delicate sweetness means you won't miss having sugar.

Depending on the variety, Oolong teas are also very well-suited for multiple infusions. With each infusion, the scent, taste, and texture evolve, revealing the tea's exceptional complexity.

Our tip
Formosa Oolong is ideal for anyone looking for aromatic teas with floral richness, natural sweetness, and mild elegance. It is particularly lovely enjoyed pure, without sugar.

Discover further cultivation regions

Explore other important tea regions and tea cultures – from China and Japan to Darjeeling, Assam, and Ceylon.


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