How to Steep Oolong Tea in Asian and Western Style

Oolong tea is a popular tea around the world, revered for its flavor and scent. People in Asia and the West alike appreciate oolong tea, but there are different techniques for steeping oolong tea in each culture. Here we will discuss the differences between Asian and Western style steeping and show you how to steep oolong tea the traditional way.

Asian Style Oolong Tea Steeping

In Asian cultures, oolong tea is steeped using a Chinese teapot. This method involves the following steps:

Fill the teapot with oolong tea leaves.

Pour hot water over the tea leaves.

Let the tea steep for 2-3 minutes.

Pour the tea into cups or a pitcher.

While steeping, the lid of the teapot should remain off, so the flavor of the tea can release into the air. This practice is known as “airing” the tea, and is essential for the full flavor of the tea to be achieved in Asian steeping.

Western Style Oolong Tea Steeping

Western steeping methods are different from Asian steeping methods. Here are the steps for western style oolong tea steeping:

Fill a mug or cup with oolong tea leaves.

Pour hot water over the tea leaves and then cover the mug with a lid or saucer.

Let the tea steep for 3-5 minutes.

Remove lid or saucer and enjoy your tea.

By using a lid or saucer, the essential oils of the tea are retained in the beverage itself and not released into the air. This results in a slightly muted flavor and allows for a longer steeping time.

Conclusion

No matter which style of steeping you choose, oolong tea can be brewed to delicious perfection. Asian style steeping emphasizes the flavor and scent of the tea, while Western steeping focuses on extracting the tea’s full flavor. Both techniques result in a delicious cup of oolong tea that can be appreciated by tea-lovers around the world.