How is Wuyi/Wu yi Wulong Tea Made?
– Farmers usually pick the tea leaves, making sure they are mature and fully grown. After awhile they allow the leaves to oxidize, a process called “withering”. During this process, the Wulong tea leaves are simply left outdoors in the sun. Of course, sunny weather is preferable, but surprisingly farmers prefer a little wind too. During this process of oxidation, the tea leaves become darker. When this process is done, the leaves are moved back indoors, where they are rotated at a temperature of around 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Afterwards, the Wulong leaves are heated for 5 minutes or so at extremely high temperatures. Before the temperature drops, the leaves are rolled in mills. These leaves are spread out on a drying machine, and dried out several times. It’s a very interesting process… they should have WuLong tea tours to see how they’re made! WuLong tea is partially oxidized, whereas black tea is 100% oxidized. Wulong tea brews to a golden-like color, releasing a very fruity aroma.
