Crafting Aromatic Perfection: The Science and Art of Oolong Tea Making
The journey of crafting oolong tea is a meticulous balance of science and artistry, where gradual dehydration and moderate bruising transform fresh leaves into a tea of unique character. This process intensifies oolong's signature flavor through a series of carefully orchestrated steps: withering, shaking and setting (fermentation or oxidation), fixation, rolling, and drying. Among these, fermentation plays a pivotal role in shaping the tea's quality. During this stage, catechin monomers undergo polymerization to form compounds like theaflavins and thearubigins, which impart the distinctive color and taste of oolong tea. The final product boasts a thick, twisted or rounded shape, a lustrous appearance, a natural floral and fruity aroma, and a mellow, sweet flavor. A hallmark of its quality is the brewed leaves’ "reddish edge and green center," a visual testament to the artistry of its creation.
The leaf appearance of oolong tea is featured with the reddish edge and green center
Tea Flush: The Foundation of Quality
The anatomy of the tea plant plays a critical role in the quality of oolong tea. Mature leaves, stems, and trichomes each contribute uniquely to the final product. The journey begins with meticulous harvesting of fully matured shoots—typically a dormant banjhi bud with 2-3 leaves—plucked between 9 am and 4 pm. Leaves that are too tender may turn red during withering, while overly mature leaves may result in loose tea with diminished aroma and taste. Interestingly, stems enhance the aroma profile, making the combination of leaves and stems a strategic choice for efficiency and economic value.
The moderately withering green leaves are bruised at edges by hand tossing
Withering: Capturing the Sun’s Energy
The first transformative step, withering, is conducted under sunlight, where fresh leaves are spread on bamboo mats. This exposure, typically lasting about an hour, allows the leaves to lose 10-20% of their moisture while softening them for subsequent steps. The sunlight's UV radiation not only aids moisture loss but also triggers the expression of hydrolytic enzymes within the leaves, preparing them for the next stage.
Tossing: The Dance of Aroma Creation
Tossing, or "zuoqing," is a quintessential step unique to oolong tea. Conducted indoors at controlled temperatures (18-26℃ or 64-79°F) and humidity (65-80%), this process involves hand-tossing the leaves on bamboo trays. The repeated tossing damages the leaf edges, initiating fermentation and releasing aroma compounds such as terpene alcohols, lactones, and ketones. Guided by the evolving aromas, tea masters finely tune the duration of tossing to achieve the desired flavor profile. The resulting infusion gains its vibrant colors from the oxidation of polyphenols into theaflavins and thearubigins.
Fixing: Locking in Perfection
High-temperature fixing (180-220℃ or 356-428°F) is employed to halt fermentation at the leaf edges while preserving the green core. This step also evaporates moisture and softens the leaves, preparing them for rolling.
Rolling: Shaping the Leaf
Rolling, primarily done with rolling mills, shapes the tea leaves while controlling the degree of cell breakage. Minbei oolong teas typically undergo two rolling cycles, whereas Minnan varieties are rolled 3-7 times, each technique tailored to enhance the tea’s character.
Drying: Sealing the Craftsmanship
The final stage, drying, occurs in two phases. Initially, the leaves are thinly spread on drying machines for quick, high-temperature drying. After cooling for several hours, a second, longer drying at a lower temperature ensures the tea’s flavors and aromas are preserved.
From harvest to the drying process, every stage of oolong tea production reflects a seamless blend of tradition and precision. This harmony of science and artistry creates a tea that is not only flavorful but also a testament to centuries of craftsmanship.