Country of Origin: China Grade: Se Chung Oolong

Altitude: 400 - 1200 feet  Manufacture Type: Oolong

Infusion: Light, tending green. Leaves unfold beautifully

Cup Characteristics: Green herbaceous notes with fruity sweet characteristics

Information: The best China oolongs come from Fujian Province - in the Wuyi Mountains area since Fujian province is the historical ‘birthplace’ on China oolongs. The method of production of Oolong teas is complicated. The tea maker brings all his skills to the fore to define ‘his’ oolong. His skills and abilities could create a commercial success or a total flop.

The defining moment for Se Chung Oolong is purported to have occurred in Fujian Province during the Ching dynasty. An elderly monk who was suffering from a ‘cold sickness’ was unable to be cured by the local doctors. It was known there was a tea maker whose special tea made people well again. The tea maker was summoned to bring his tea to the sick monk. The legend does not tell what became of the monk, nor for that matter what became of the tea maker, but the style of oolong has persisted through the decades and has become on of the predominant oolongs in China - noted for superb flavor and affordable price.

Hot tea brewing method: Oolongs teas are best enjoyed when the leaves are briefly infused with hot water, which is then poured off. The tea is then reinfused and tea is poured to the lucky guests after about 1 minute. The leaves may be reinfused several times, with each resulting infusion yielding different liquor from the proceeding cup.

Iced tea-brewing method: (to make 1 liter/quart): Place 6 teaspoons of tea into a heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups freshly boiled water over the tea. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into the pitcher straining the leaves. Add ice and top-up with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste.