Formosa Oolong Tea

Formosa Oolong tea is grown in strictly controlled conditions in Taiwan (formerly Formosa). It is a masterpiece of tea production and is guaranteed to satisfy the most jaded palate!

Tea was first planted in Taiwan in the late 18th century. In 1860 after the ratification of the treaties of Tianjin a British entrepreneur called John Dodd began working with farmers and tea merchants to produce and sell Taiwanese tea.

In 1867 Dodd started a tea company in Taipei selling Taiwanese Oolong tea to the world under the name Formosa Oolong.

Taiwan produces about 20,000 tonnes of tea per year, of which about 2400 tonnes are exported. The UK consumes about 30-40 tonnes of this exported tea. Taiwan also consumes 24,387 metric tonnes of tea per year making it the 14th largest tea consuming nation.

Our Formosa Oolong originates from Nantou County in South Central Taiwan and is a lovely example of one of the better Oolongs they produce. Oolong teas are semi-fermented which gives them their brown colour and unique aroma. It is said that the tea pickers are given hot baths and special foods to eat so that the body or breath does not damage the delicate leaves. Formosa Oolong tends to undergo less fermentation than other Oolong teas and whilst most Taiwanese tea is very carefully picked one can attribute its biscuit, peachy flavour, largely to its 40 minute roasting over charcoal.

Formosa Oolong is a tribute to the tea makers art and we also sell a delightful, more lightly fermented green Oolong under the name Formosa Jade Oolong Tea.