Orchid Oolong

Information:
To understand this tea it is important to know of the legendary origin of the special bush which grows this tea.:

Centuries ago when China was ruled by state despots and tea was being discovered and coveted for its curative powers, there was a regional ruler (despot) living near Jinxing Shantou. Several of his staff while tending the palace’s orchid garden came upon a bush that was very similar to a tea bush. Being a hot sultry and humid day - and it was a good time to have a rest anyway - they heated water and dropped some leaves into a pot to let them steep. The flavor and aroma that arose was something they had not encountered before. One of their group excitedly ran to the palace with a sample to tell the despot. He tasted this nectar of orchid tea and declared it a state treasure. The worker was instructed to show the despot the location of the bush. Once the location was known all the workers were put to death in order to preserve the secret of this outstanding tea.

Oolong tea is semi fermented which is one of the reasons it has such a unique character. The semi fermentation gives the tea a little bit more body than a green tea but less body than a black tea ... and interestingly it gives the flavor a very unique twist. You will see that the edges of the leaves are slightly bruised (brownish). The reason for this is that the tea was shaken in a bamboo basket to bruise the leaves to start the oxidation process. The finished leaf has beautiful ‘pink’ edges with ‘veins’ while the leaf stays green.

Hot tea brewing method: 
Use 2-4 teaspoons of tea per 4 cup tea pot (you vary the strength by the amount of tea used); pour in boiling water that has been freshly drawn. (Do not overboil the water as this will de-oxygenate the water and affect the flavour of the tea). Steep the tea for 2 minutes (or longer depending upon the strength of the tea desired). Pour. Leave the tea in the teapot because the leaves can be used again - up to 3 times. This tea should be enjoyed ‘straight-up’ without milk or sugar.

Iced tea brewing method: 
(to make 1 liter/quart) : Place 5 teaspoons of tea into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups of freshly boiled water over the tea. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the leaves. Add ice and top up with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste. [A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to double the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water.]