New Zealand Waikato Oolong
New Zealand Waikato Oolong
New Zealand Waikato Oolong
New Zealand Waikato Oolong

New Zealand Waikato Oolong Loose Leaf Oolong Tea


Regular price $27.49
(37¢ per cup)

22 in stock

The Tea Masters in New Zealand work from a simple precept; tea is a science, but it is also an art. It’s this kind of attitude to tea making that we admire. The leaves are hand harvested and crafted to reveal extraordinary complexity of flavour; floral notes, succulent vegetal greens, tropical fruit and a creamy sweetness.

This Oolong Loose Leaf Tea from New Zealand has certain resemblances to our Iron Goddess of Mercy (tieguanyin) yet is unique and nuanced. Try them side by side and find out for yourself.

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Availability of rates depends on location and order weight. For a complete overview of our shipping rates please see our Delivery page.

*All prices quoted in USD and will be converted automatically at checkout.

Tasting Notes

The fresh-tasting leaves are unroasted giving a green, slightly mineral note, with a long-lasting sweetness, reminiscent of crème anglaise. The second infusion reveals a hint of fresh pea sprouts.

Quantity

Use 0.1 oz of leaf per 5.5 fl oz of water (2g per 150ml).

Temperature

For the optimum infusion use 194°F (90°C) water.

Time

Infuse for 1 - 2 minutes, tasting regularly.

Infusions

You can infuse this tea at least three times. With each careful infusion, different subtleties of flavour are revealed.

Cost Per Cup

37¢ per cup based on 0.1 oz of leaf per 5.5 fl oz of water and 3 infusions.

A gaiwan is the ultimate way to enjoy your oolong tea. Used in China since the Ming dynasty (over 900 years ago), gaiwans are unassuming but beautifully functional teapots that can be used to explore tea to its fullest – the following method can be used to make up to six infusions.

Start with 4-6g of oolong tea and pop it in the gaiwan teapot. Boil a kettle to 212°F/100°C, then pour an inch of the water on the leaf for a few seconds, and discard this liquid. This "wash" softens the rolled leaf and allows the water to penetrate.

Fill the gaiwan with the hot water to just below the rim, infuse for 5-10 seconds and strain completely into your cup or a jug. There's no need to reheat the water as you go, because the softened leaves will require lower temperatures to release their flavours - but you will need to extend the time to 10-20 seconds for later steeps. We recommend at least six infusions to allow the leaf to completely open out and reveal all its beauty.

For a more comprehensive guide to using a gaiwan see our full guide here.

Here is a short video demonstrating how to get the most out of your precious oolong leaves with a gaiwan:

Seedlings

Careful propagation

New Zealand

Waikato, Hamilton

The Zealong Tea Estate’s home is the Waikato region in Hamilton, New Zealand. Hamilton is renowned for its fog and this plays a key role in ensuring the tea bushes maintain the perfect level of moisture to thrive.

CLIMATE

Gentle sunshine, and abundant rainfall

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