Oolong tea remains one of the great mysteries of the tea world for many people. Caught between green tea and black tea in the classification, not quite one or the other, this semi-oxidized tea possesses an aromatic richness that surprises everyone who discovers it. And its health benefits make it one of the most interesting teas to incorporate into daily life. Let's dive into the fascinating world of Oolong tea.
What is Oolong tea and why it stands apart from other teas
Oolong tea, sometimes spelled "wulong" in pinyin, is a partially oxidized tea. Where green tea is barely oxidized at all and black tea is fully oxidized, Oolong sits somewhere between the two, with an oxidation level ranging from 15% to 85% depending on the variety. It's this freedom in the production process that gives Oolong an extraordinarily broad aromatic palette.The name "Oolong" literally means "black dragon" in Chinese, and several legends attempt to explain this designation. The best known tells the story of a tea picker who, startled by a black snake (or black dragon), abandoned his freshly picked leaves. When he returned for them the next day, he discovered that the leaves had begun to oxidize naturally, producing a tea with incomparable aromas.
What makes Oolong so special is its complexity. A single Oolong can release notes of flowers, fruit, butter, honey, roast, even vanilla or spices, depending on its oxidation degree and processing method. The best Oolongs can be re-steeped five, six, seven times, each infusion revealing different nuances. It's a tea that rewards patience.
Different types of Oolong tea and their distinct characteristics
The world of Oolong is vast. Here are the main families every tea lover should know.
Taiwanese High Mountain Oolongs
This is the crown category of Oolong, and the one you'll taste at Le Te in Paris. High Mountain Oolongs (gaoshan cha) are grown above 1,000 meters altitude in Taiwan's central mountains. The altitude, fog, temperature swings between day and night, and volcanic soils give the leaves exceptional aromatic concentration.
Among the most famous are Ali Shan, Li Shan, and Da Yu Ling, which grow at altitudes ranging from 1,200 to 2,600 meters. These teas are lightly oxidized (15-25%), giving them delicate floral aromas, notes of fresh butter, and a natural sweetness without bitterness. Their infusion color is a luminous yellow-green.
Dong Ding, a Taiwanese classic
Dong Ding is one of the most traditional Taiwanese Oolongs. Grown on Dong Ding Mountain in Nantou County, it is more oxidized than High Mountain Oolongs (about 30-40%) and often lightly roasted. This gives it notes of hazelnut, caramel, and ripe fruit, with a very pleasant roundness on the palate.
Tieguanyin
Originally from Fujian province in China but also produced in Taiwan, Tieguanyin (or Tie Guan Yin) is an Oolong whose oxidation varies considerably depending on the style of production. Modern versions are light and floral, while traditional versions are more heavily roasted, with aromas of dried fruit and honey.
Wuyi Mountain Oolongs (Da Hong Pao)
Produced in the Wuyi Mountains in Fujian (China), these Oolongs are heavily oxidized and roasted. Da Hong Pao is the most famous. Its aromas are deep, with notes of rock, dark chocolate, cooked fruit, and tobacco. It's a powerful tea, very different from Taiwanese High Mountain Oolongs.
Sun Moon Lake black tea
Though technically classified as black tea rather than Oolong, Sun Moon Lake tea from Taiwan is often associated with Taiwanese Oolongs. Grown on the shores of Sun Moon Lake in Nantou County, it develops aromas of cinnamon, mint, and malt. At Le Te, it's one of the most popular bases for bubble tea.
Health benefits of Oolong tea backed by research
Scientific research is increasingly exploring the properties of Oolong tea. Here are the main benefits that science is beginning to document.
Oolong tea and metabolism
Several studies suggest that Oolong tea may help boost metabolism. The combination of caffeine and polyphenols in Oolong appears to promote thermogenesis, the body's production of heat, which leads to increased energy expenditure. A study published in the Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine showed that regular Oolong tea consumption was associated with reduced body weight in overweight participants.
Antioxidants and cellular protection
Oolong tea is rich in polyphenols, particularly catechins and theaflavins. These antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, unstable molecules that damage cells and accelerate aging. The partial oxidation process of Oolong creates unique polyphenols found in neither green nor black tea.
Benefits for cardiovascular health
Observational studies have linked regular Oolong tea consumption with a reduction in cardiovascular risk factors. Oolong tea may contribute to maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and promoting blood vessel flexibility. These effects are attributed to the polyphenols and flavonoids present in the tea.
Effects on dental health and skin
Oolong tea contains natural fluoride and catechins that may contribute to oral health by inhibiting the growth of cavity-causing bacteria. Additionally, some preliminary research suggests that Oolong polyphenols may have beneficial effects on skin health.
Oolong and mental focus
The caffeine in Oolong tea, combined with L-theanine (an amino acid naturally present in tea), creates a state of calm alertness. Unlike coffee, which can cause energy spikes followed by crashes, Oolong tea offers gentle, sustained stimulation. L-theanine promotes the production of alpha waves in the brain, associated with a state of relaxed alertness. This is why Buddhist monks have used tea for centuries to support meditation.
How to brew Oolong tea at home for the best results
Preparing Oolong deserves a little attention to reveal its full aromatic richness.
Water temperature
The ideal temperature varies by Oolong type. Lightly oxidized Oolongs (Taiwanese High Mountain) are best at 85 to 90 degrees Celsius (185 to 195 degrees Fahrenheit). More oxidized or roasted Oolongs (Dong Ding, Da Hong Pao) handle hotter water, between 90 and 95 degrees Celsius (195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit). Avoid boiling water at 100 degrees, which scorches the leaves and releases too much bitterness.
Tea quantity and steeping time
Use about 3 grams of leaves for 200 ml of water. For Western-style brewing in a teapot, steep for 3 to 4 minutes. If you practice gongfu cha (the Chinese method with a small gaiwan or teapot), use more leaves (5 to 7 grams for 100 ml) and short infusions of 20 to 45 seconds, gradually increasing the duration.
The magic of re-steeping
This is one of the great pleasures of Oolong: good leaves can be re-steeped multiple times. Each successive infusion extracts different compounds and shifts the aromatic profile. The first infusion is often floral and light. The second gains roundness and body. The third reveals deeper, sweeter notes. Some High Mountain Oolongs can handle up to seven or eight infusions.
The importance of water quality
Water represents more than 99% of your cup of tea. Use spring water or filtered water, never unfiltered tap water, as chlorine and mineral deposits alter Oolong's delicate aromas. Quality leaves deserve quality water.
Where to taste the finest Oolong teas in Paris
To discover Oolong tea in the best conditions, nothing beats a tasting guided by professionals. Le Te, at 41 bis rue de Montpensier in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, is the capital's best address for Taiwanese Oolong enthusiasts.
The tea house offers a selection of High Mountain Oolongs sourced directly from renowned Taiwanese producers. The staff, trained by founder Hsuan-Hsuan Chang, knows each tea in detail and can guide your discovery. Whether you're a beginner or a connoisseur, you'll find Oolongs here that will surprise you.
The full Le Te menu offers these Oolongs as pure tastings, but also as artisan bubble tea for those who want to discover them in a more playful format. It's an excellent gateway into the world of Oolong tea.
To extend the experience, MAISON LE TE in the 11th arrondissement uses these same Oolong teas in its signature cocktails, proving the versatility of this extraordinary tea.
Le Te Address: 41 bis rue de Montpensier, 75001 Paris Metro: Palais Royal - Musee du Louvre (lines 1, 7) Hours: Daily, 12pm-8:45pm (Friday-Saturday until 9:45pm)