Taiwan is an island located off the southeast coast of China and is where the best oolong (or wu long) teas come from. Tea is grown throughout Taiwan, but the finest quality comes from the central mountainous regions.
The climate in the mountains of Taiwan is ideal for growing oolong tea. The foggy conditions along with the cool temperatures practically guarantee prized crops. The tea also grows at a slower pace at these elevations which helps keep it "in demand".
There are five main regions that produce Taiwan teas, however it is the eastern region (Taitung and Hualien counties) which produces the most oolongs.
Oolong tea from Taiwan is also known as Imperial Formosa Oolong, (Formosa meaning "beautiful" in Portuguese), and is grown for mostly local consumption. Only about 2% of Taiwan oolong tea is exported, as in the case with Japan's green tea.
The Taiwanese are extremely fond of their tea, and it is said that tea competitions are held on a regular basis here where the winner with the best crops receives handsome prizes!
Tea cultivation in Taiwan began in the mid 19th century where many teas that were produced in the Fujian Province of China have also been produced here. After the 1970's, tea production in Taiwan had grown independent from China, with the local markets planting the crops at ever higher elevations to produce premium quality teas to meet world market expectation and export.
Taiwan oolong tea has a very distinct taste, aroma, and appearance despite the many varieties. The brewing time is usually three minutes after adding boiling water, and the liquor produces a light-golden-brown color with a flowery smell and taste.
My favorite oolong teas are indeed from Taiwan and make a great after-dinner drink which I feel helps me digest a wee bit better.
Some folks also like to drink Taiwan oolong tea with spicy or sweet meals.
However you want to enjoy it, oolong tea from Taiwan is a great break from the traditional green and black teas. It is literally the "middle tea" that is gaining a great reputation!
