How to steep oolong tea in Asian and Western style
Each culture has its own style and ways to prepare a cup of oolong tea. Here’s how to steep the perfect cup of oolong tea in the Asian and Western styles.
Asian style:
- Measure tea leaves: The common rule for oolong teas is 6 to 8 grams of oolong leaves per 8 ounces of water. Use teaspoons, a scale, or a teaspoon measurer.
- Heat the water and warm the teapot: Make sure to start with good quality water. Bring it to a boil, then let it cool down to the correct temperature of the oolong tea you are using. Heat the teapot with hot water and pour it out before adding tea leaves.
- Add tea leaves to the teapot: Once the water is at the right temperature, add the tea leaves to the teapot and give a gentle shake to make sure the tea leaves are spread out.
- Fill the teapot with hot water: Gently pour the hot water over the tea leaves, completely filling the teapot.
- Steep your tea: Steep for 3-4 minutes. Oolong tea requires a longer infusion than other types of tea.
- Pour the tea into cups: After steeping, pour the tea into the cups and serve. Be sure to leave some liquid in the teapot to keep the tea leaves in place.
Western Style:
- Heat the water: Make sure to start with good quality water. Bring it to a boil, then let it cool down to the correct temperature of the oolong tea you are using.
- Measure tea leaves: The common rule is 1 teaspoon of oolong leaves per 8 ounces of water. Use teaspoons, a scale, or a teaspoon measurer.
- Add tea leaves and fill your teacup: Put the tea leaves into the cup and fill it with hot water.
- Steep your tea: Steep for 6-8 minutes. Oolong tea in the Western style requires a longer infusion than in the Asian style.
- Pour the tea into a cup: After steeping, pour the tea into the cup and serve.
No matter what style you choose to steep your oolong tea, make sure to use the correct water temperature and steep time for the best flavor and aroma.
