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)

6 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.

USA Shipping Rates
DHL Tracked/DHL Plus Tracked FREE when you spend $30 or more
DHL Tracked/Plus Tracked from $3.99
USPS Priority from $7.49
FedEx Home Delivery from $13.99

Canadian Shipping Rates*
DHL International Tracked FREE when you spend $40 or more
DHL International Tracked from $6.49
FedEx Courier Delivery from $37.49

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 0.07oz of leaf per 5.1fl 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 0.07oz of leaf per 5.1fl oz of water and 3 infusions.

This tea can be infused several times to reveal incredible subtleties of flavour. We recommend infusing your loose leaf oolong tea in a gaiwan tea set. Using small amounts of hot water with a high leaf to water ratio, and infusing many times rather than making one large pot can uncover countless flavours.

Use an inch of hot water at 100°C (212°F) to rapidly "wash" the leaf for a few seconds. You can discard this first brew. This opens out the rolled leaf and allows the water to penetrate.

Subsequent infusions are best made at high temperature but rapidly - just 20-30 seconds. You don’t need to reheat the water as you go – the softened leaf will require lower temperatures. In all we recommend at least six steps to allow the leaf to completely open out and reveal all its beauty.

You can also enjoy one teaspoon of leaves all day; coming back to the same pot and reinfusing it – but in this instance reheat the water to 90°C (194°F).

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

You may also be interested in the following: