When it comes to Oolong tea, it's a true star in the world of teas. Not only does it enjoy a stellar reputation in China, but it's also widely exported and loved by many around the globe. However, have you ever wondered why this tea is called “oolong”? What story lies behind this name?

Legends and Anecdotes

There are many interesting legends and anecdotes about the origin of the name “oolong tea.” One of the most common stories involves a tea farmer named Su Long.

It's said that during the Qing Dynasty, there was a tea farmer named Su Long in Anxi County, Fujian Province. Because of his dark skin, the locals affectionately called him “Wulong.” One day, Su Long picked tea leaves as usual and prepared to sun-dry them. However, due to some delays, he forgot about the drying process. It wasn't until a few days later that Su Long remembered the tea leaves.

When he arrived at the drying area, he found that instead of turning green, the tea leaves had turned a dark color. Initially, Su Long thought the tea leaves were ruined and felt quite upset. But when he brewed the tea and tasted it, he discovered that the aroma was rich and the flavor full-bodied, far surpassing that of regular Green Tea.

To commemorate this accidental discovery, Su Long named the tea “Wulong Tea.” Over time, the reputation of oolong tea spread, becoming one of the specialties of Anxi, Fujian.

Physical Characteristics

Besides the legends, the name “oolong tea” is also closely related to the physical characteristics of the tea itself.

Oolong tea belongs to the category of partially fermented teas. Its production process includes withering, shaking, stir-frying, rolling, and baking. Under these processes, the tea leaves turn a dark or brownish-green color, tightly rolled like a dragon, and when brewed, they unfurl in the water, resembling the shape of a dragon to some extent.

Therefore, from this perspective, naming the tea “oolong” is quite fitting.

Diverse Varieties

Oolong tea comes in many varieties, which can be classified into three main types based on their region of origin, production techniques, and fragrance: Northern Fujian Oolong, Southern Fujian Oolong, and Taiwanese Oolong. Among them, Northern Fujian Oolong is best known for Wuyi Rock Tea, Southern Fujian Oolong is represented by Tieguanyin and Phoenix Dancong, while Taiwanese Oolong is most famous for Dongding Oolong, Ali Mountain Oolong, and Oriental Beauty Tea.

Different varieties of oolong tea have unique characteristics in terms of aroma, Taste, and mouthfeel. For example, Wuyi Rock Tea is renowned for its distinctive rock-like flavor, Tieguanyin is loved for its rich milky aroma, and Taiwanese Oolong is celebrated for its delicate floral fragrance.

Cultural Significance

Oolong tea is not just a delicious beverage; it carries profound cultural significance from the East. In traditional Chinese culture, tea is seen as a spiritual寄托, and oolong tea, with its unique aroma and flavor, embodies people's love for nature and life.

Savoring a cup of oolong tea allows one to not only experience its sweetness and fullness but also to appreciate the distant sentiments and Eastern wisdom within.

Oolong tea is more than just a type of tea; it's a cultural symbol. It carries the weight of history and represents the essence of Eastern Tea culture. Enjoying oolong tea is not only a pleasure for the palate but also a nourishment for the soul.