Authentic Loose Leaf Oolong Tea

Loose oolong tea uses whole, large pieces of tea leaves that retain more essential oils and complex aromatics. This results in a richer, more nuanced taste experience compared to bagged oolong teas. 

Authentic Taiwanese Oolong Loose Tea

Taiwanese oolong tea is typically produced in mountain regions. Some of them are even produced above 1,000 meters; that falls into the high mountain oolong category. The high elevation creates cooler temperatures and slower leaf growth. It can support cleaner sweetness and stronger aroma concentration.

Loose oolong tea production follows a series of steps. Fresh leaves are first withered to reduce surface moisture. They are then gently tossed or shaken to bruise the edges, encouraging partial oxidation. This step is considered one of the most influential stages for aroma and flavor development.

When the desired oxidation level is reached, the leaves undergo heat fixation (Sha Qing) to halt further oxidation. The leaves are rolled to shape them and to distribute their natural juices evenly throughout the leaf. A final drying or roasting stage completes the process and helps build the tea’s depth, aroma, and longevity.

Our Collection of Premium Oolong Loose Leaf

Now that you know how we source our premium oolong loose-leaf teas, here are the varieties available in our collection. These teas provide a diverse range of flavors, from light and floral to rich and roasted.

Jin Xuan No.12 

The Taiwan Tea No.12 is crafted by the Taiwan Tea No.12 cultivar, known for its naturally creamy and milk-like character. Grown in the spring fields of Shanlin Creek, the cooler climate supports its soft osmanthus, milk, and toffee aromas. As loose-leaf tea, the leaves open fully during brewing and release a smooth body shaped by light roasting.

Dong Ding 

This Dong Ding loose-leaf tea is made from the Chin Shin Oolong cultivar, harvested in winter on the slopes of Lugu, Taiwan. Its aroma profile highlights malt, chestnut, and floral notes, supported by traditional roasting methods. At 30% fermentation, the tea develops a warm, nutty depth and a natural hint of sweetness.

Mountain Praise 

Mountain Praise comes from Fushou-Lishan Mountain, where high elevation and winter harvest conditions shape its clean, floral character. Produced from the Chin Shin Oolong cultivar, it offers orchid, butterfly lily, and light pear notes. This tea is lightly fermented at 20% and carries no roast.

Red Jade No.18 

Red Jade No. 18 (Taiwan Tea No. 18) is grown around Sun Moon Lake and is known for its bold, refreshing character. This is a black tea, fully fermented at 100%, with natural notes of ripe fruit, citrus, and mint. Its brisk, cooling finish is a defining trait of the Taiwan Tea No.18 cultivar.

Floral Rhythm No.21

Floral Rhythm No.21 is crafted from the Red Rhyme cultivar (Taiwan Tea No.21) grown near Sun Moon Lake. This tea is also a black tea, fully fermented, offering fresh citrus, pomelo, and nectar-like aromatics. The summer harvest highlights its natural sweetness, creating a rounded, aromatic cup without added flavoring.

Champagne Kiss 

Champagne Kiss is made from Chin Shin Oolong harvested in Lugu, Taiwan, during the warm summer season. Its aroma blends lychee, grape, and honey, supported by a lively fruity profile. With a fermentation level around 70%, it develops sweetness, floral dimension, and a subtle fire character. 

Singing Oriole 

Singing Oriole features the Sijichun cultivar grown in Mingjian, Taiwan. This light oolong (15% fermented) carries a natural gardenia-forward aroma with touches of magnolia and fresh grass. The tea brews a clean, floral cup with a smooth, gentle body, shaped entirely by the leaf’s natural qualities.

Health Benefits of Oolong 

Our organic oolong Loose-leaf uses whole leaves that maintain more of their natural structure. Here are the commonly discussed ways it supports wellness:

Higher Antioxidant Potential: Whole tea leaves may retain more intact catechins and theaflavins compared to heavily broken leaf grades. These compounds are widely studied for their connection to oxidative stress management.

Possible Digestive Comfort: Polyphenols in oolong tea are researched for their interaction with gut microbiota and digestive processes. Some drinkers report a smoother experience with loose-leaf tea.

Steady, Calm Energy: Tea naturally contains caffeine and L-theanine. It’s a combination known for promoting alertness with a balanced, calmer feel. Loose-leaf oolong is often rolled into larger shapes that can slow the release of caffeine compared to broken tea dust. 

Support for Natural Body Processes: Tea catechins are studied for their potential roles in supporting the body’s existing metabolic processes. Re-steeping loose-leaf oolong allows ongoing extraction of these compounds.

How to Brew Loose Leaf Tea

Brewing oolong loose leaf tea depends on its oxidation level, roast, teaware, and your preferred flavor strength. Each tea responds differently to temperature and infusion time.

Hot Brew Oolong Loose Tea

The hot brew method works well for roasted oolong loose teas and also in light and medium teas. 

Recommended Water Temperatures

• Light oolong: 185°F-195°F
• Medium or roasted oolong: 195°F-205°F 
• Fully oxidized Taiwanese black teas: 205°F-212°F

Leaf Amount

1 teaspoon of loose-leaf tea per 8 oz cup (3-4 grams).

Steps:

1. Briefly rinse the leaves with hot water to release aroma (optional but common).
2. Add the tea to your cup, teapot, or gaiwan.
3. Pour hot water over the leaves.
4. Steep 1-2 minutes for light oolong, 2-3 minutes for roasted or fuller-bodied oolong.
5. Adjust strength by shortening or extending the time.
6. Re-steep the same leaves 3-6 times, adding a little more time for each infusion.

Cold Brew Oolong Tea

Cold brewing produces a sweeter, smoother cup without bitterness. It works especially well for floral, light, or fruity oolongs like Mountain Praise, Jin Xuan No.12, or Champagne Kiss.

Leaf Amount

1-2 teaspoons per cup of water (double the hot brew amount).

Steps:

1. Add loose tea to a bottle or jar.
2. Pour cold, filtered water over the leaves.
3. Refrigerate for 8-12 hours.
4. Strain and enjoy chilled.
5. For a stronger flavor, steep up to 18 hours - oolong remains smooth when cold-brewed.

Additives You Can Use With Loose-Leaf

Oolong loose-leaf teas are usually enjoyed on their own because the leaves already carry natural sweetness. But some people prefer adjusting the taste to match their mood or meal. 

Light sweeteners are the most common choice because they soften the cup without masking the tea’s natural character.

• Honey pairs well with fruity or floral oolongs.
• Rock sugar melts slowly and keeps the flavor clean.
• Brown sugar adds deeper sweetness to roasted teas.

Milk or creamer is less traditional in oolong, yet some loose-leaf varieties can handle a very small splash. Creamy cultivars like Jin Xuan No.12 blend smoothly with light dairy because their texture naturally supports it.

• Enhances Jin Xuan No.12 in small amounts.
• High-mountain floral oolongs lose clarity when milk is added.
• Black-style oolongs tend to become muted with dairy.

Citrus additions offer a refreshing lift and help brighten the overall aroma of loose-leaf oolong. A thin lemon slice works beautifully in cold brews and fruit-forward teas, while a touch of orange peel complements deeper profiles.

• Lemon brightens cold-brewed or fruity teas.
• Orange peel boosts Red Jade No.18’s citrus notes.
• Too much citrus can overpower light oolong.

Herbs and spices can add comfort or bring a new dimension when used in moderation. Ginger adds warmth to roasted styles, mint sharpens the cool notes already present in certain cultivars, and cinnamon works well with darker, fuller teas.

• Ginger pairs well with roasted teas such as Dong Ding.
• Mint enhances the natural coolness in Red Jade No.18.
• Cinnamon complements black-style oolong profiles

Floral add-ins provide gentle aroma enhancement without changing the structure of the tea. Osmanthus blends well with creamy cultivars, rose petals add softness to lighter teas, and chrysanthemum offers a classic floral note widely used in East Asian tea culture.

• Osmanthus pairs naturally with Jin Xuan No.12.
• Rose petals soften light oolong and cold brews.
• Chrysanthemum adds a calm and traditional floral touch

Which Oolong Loose-Leaf Should You Buy?

Choosing the right loose oolong tea depends on your taste, caffeine preference, and the type of tea experience you want. Each oolong has its own personality, roast level, and origin.

Beginners who want something easy to enjoy: A beginner-friendly tea should feel smooth from the first sip and never taste harsh. Jin Xuan No.12 offers that balance with its creamy, gentle profile. The natural floral softness helps new drinkers understand oolong without feeling overwhelmed.

Someone who wants a stronger kick of caffeine: Some drinkers prefer a cup that feels bold, energizing, and full of character. Red Jade No.18 brings a powerful flavor with a naturally brisk edge, while Floral Rhythm No.21 carries deeper strength due to its full fermentation. Both choices provide a lively boost without sacrificing quality.

Floral tea lovers who enjoy fragrance first: Floral-focused drinkers often look for clean aromatics and a bright, refreshing feel. Mountain Praise shines with its orchid-style lift, while Singing Oriole brings smooth gardenia notes. These teas highlight fragrance as the star of the experience.

Roasted tea fans who enjoy warm, nutty depth: Roasted oolong creates a comforting cup with deeper flavor layers. Dong Ding delivers a warm, nutty profile shaped by traditional roasting. It suits anyone who prefers a toasty finish rather than a floral or fruity one.

Someone who enjoys fruity or naturally sweet flavors: Some prefer a tea that leans toward playful sweetness and soft fruit notes. Champagne Kiss gives a lively blend of lychee, grape, and floral highlights. Its bright character creates a naturally sweet finish without added flavors.

Tips for Storing Oolong Loose-Leaf

Proper storage helps oolong tea keep its natural aroma, flavor, and freshness for as long as possible. Loose-leaf tea contains delicate oils that react to light, heat, humidity, and strong scents, so keeping the leaves protected ensures every infusion tastes clean and true to its origin.

Here are the essential storage tips to follow:

• Keep your tea in an airtight container to protect it from air and moisture.
• Store it in a cool, dark place away from sunlight and heat.
• Place it far from strong odors since tea absorbs surrounding scents easily.
• Avoid refrigerators and freezers because temperature shifts can create moisture.
• Use non-reactive containers like tin or glass to preserve the tea’s natural aroma.
• Always keep the container tightly closed to maintain freshness and leaf quality.

Authentic Tea Experience with Our Premium Oolong 

Oolong loose-leaf tea offers a depth of flavor and aroma that grows with every infusion. Each tea in this collection reflects its origin, cultivar, and the skill of the farmers who shape it. You now have everything you need to choose confidently, brew correctly, and enjoy the true character of authentic Taiwanese oolong.

Explore the teas that match your taste, whether you prefer floral brightness, roasted warmth, or bold strength. Begin your oolong journey today and experience the richness that only whole-leaf Taiwanese tea can offer.