Formosa Oolong

A close-up of Formosa Oolong tea leaves with a cup of brewed tea above, showcasing rich colors and textures.
Tea canister with 'Harney & Sons Formosa Oolong' label, surrounded by tea leaves and a cup of tea.
Harney & Sons Fine Teas- Formosa Oolong- Black and Gold Bag of 50 Sachets
Black packaging of Harney & Sons Formosa Oolong tea, featuring gold accents and a tear-off top.
Black tin container of Harney & Sons Formosa Oolong tea, featuring elegant branding and details.
Harney & Sons Formosa Oolong tea packaging, featuring a blue bag with a yellow label and tear tab.
Formosa Oolong - Loose 5 oz. Tin - Harney & Sons Fine Teas
Formosa Oolong tin on a wooden table with an orange teapot and a bowl of loose leaves.
Formosa Oolong tin by a window, with bowls of loose oolong leaves and a glass of brewed tea.
41629 Oolong Tea

Formosa Oolong

$ 26.40 $ 33.00 Your Price On Orders $30+ with code HOLIDAY
Select Packaging Type:Loose
Select Unit:1 lb. Bag
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Description

Formosa Oolong is one of Taiwan's classic dark oolongs, oxidized to about 75%, which is why it runs deeper and darker than most oolongs you'll meet. The style traces back to the mid-nineteenth century, when a British merchant named John Dodd helped develop Taiwan's oolong trade and put the island's tea on the map abroad. For decades afterward it was a fixture in American cupboards, prized for its heartier, roasted character. That heritage still shows in the cup: medium-bodied and quietly complex, an oolong that rewards a full four- to five-minute steep. It makes an easygoing all-day pour for anyone who leans toward the toastier end of the oolong range.

 

Brewing at a Glance
  • Caffeine: Caffeinated
  • Water Temperature: 205°F
  • Steep Time: 4 to 5 minutes
  • Origin: Taiwan
  • Flavor Notes: Subtle, sweet notes of peaches and roasted carrots are covered by toasted walnuts.

Mike's Rating
1 Briskness
2 Body
2 Aroma
 Details: Formosa Oolong is the style of brown oolong that generations of Americans have loved, especially for its toasty flavor. Don't worry about the stems. The tea is traditionally made this way in Taiwan.
 Dry Leaves: This tea is made up of dark brown leaves and stems.
 Liquor: Copper.
 Aroma: The aroma has nutty and toasty notes with subdued peach flavors underneath.
 Flavors: Subtle, sweet notes of peaches and roasted carrots are covered by toasted walnuts.
 Caffeine Level: Caffeinated
 Body: Medium-bodied
 Brewing Time: 4 to 5 minutes
 Brewing Temp: 205º

Ingredients
Oolong tea.

FAQ

What is Formosa Oolong?

One of Taiwan's classic dark oolongs, oxidized to about 75%, so it runs deeper and darker than most oolongs. It's the style of brown oolong that generations of Americans have loved for its toasty flavor.

What does it taste like?

Subtle, sweet notes of peach and roasted carrot under toasted walnut. The aroma is nutty and toasty, with soft peach underneath. It's medium-bodied and brews copper.

Why are there stems in the tea?

Don't worry about them. Formosa Oolong is traditionally made with leaves and stems in Taiwan.

Does it have caffeine?

Yes. It's an oolong tea, so it has caffeine.

How do I brew it?

Steep it in water just off the boil (205°F) for 4 to 5 minutes. It rewards the full steep.

What sizes does it come in?

A Bag of 50 sachets, or loose in a 3 oz. tin, a 5 oz. tin, a 1 lb. bag, or a sample size.

Packaging Types

Loose Tea: Bulk whole or broken leaves

Tea Bags: Finely cut tea in paper bags

Sachets: Whole-leaf tea in mesh bags

Tea Pods: Single-serve pods for Keurig® brewers

Iced Tea Pouches: Large bags for batches of iced tea

Packaging Types

Loose Tea: Bulk whole or broken leaves

Tea Bags: Finely cut tea in paper bags

Sachets: Whole-leaf tea in mesh bags

Tea Pods: Single-serve pods for Keurig® brewers

Iced Tea Pouches: Large bags for batches of iced tea