Monkey Picked is a competition grade Tieguanyin Oolong from the An Xi Region of Fujian Province. This tea is lightly oxidized, leaves show shades of green and hints of brown. As the leaves steep, they unfurl and show a serration on their edges as they release a honey–colored liquor with an orchid–like flavor that will linger.

The History of Oolong Tea:
It is said that oolong tea first began to be produced at Mt. Wu Yi Shan in Fujian Province at the end of the Ming Dynasty about 400 years ago. A tale tells of a man named Wu Liang (later corrupted to Wu Long, or Oolong) who discovered oolong tea by accident when he was distracted by a deer after a hard day's tea-picking, and by the time he remembered about the tea it had already started to oxidize.

There are literally hundreds of Oolong teas encompassing a wide variety of leaf styles and colors. Descriptions range from light green to rich red and nearly black, fragrant and floral to notes of honey and roasted sugar. The rich flavor of these semi-oxidized teas results from a painstaking process of tumbling or otherwise bruising the surface of the leaves to develop and release enzymes and then rolling or twisting the leaves and, lastly, firing them to halt the drying. Oolongs are widely consumed throughout Southeastern Asia and are prized for their complexity of taste and for their health attributes.

How Oolong Tea is Produced:
The fresh tea leaves should be picked in units consisting of one bud and three leaves and exposed to the sun. This is the first stage. The second stage is to dry them indoors to promote fermentation. The most crucial part in the production of oolong tea is when to stop fermentation. As oolong tea is fermented to some extent, it is called semi-fermented tea. Experience is required to identify the best time to stop the fermentation, which is when the leaves are 30% red and 70% green. After this, they are rubbed repeatedly to generate good flavor, aroma, and texture. Then they are dried using charcoal. At the final stage, a tea master grades the quality according to the flavor and characteristics of each batch.

Health Benefits:
Oolong tea contains a large quantity of polyphenol which is effective in controlling obesity, removes free radicals, prevents the occurrence of tooth decay, and improves both weak spleen energy and weak kidney energy symptoms. According to research, polyphenol is the ingredient that generates the delicious flavor unique to oolong tea and also promotes beauty and health.Oolong also is known for hydration and maintenance of essential body fluids, potential reduction of cholesterol, assistance in weight-loss and a source fluoride for maintenance of healthy gums.

Brewing Instructions:
Briefly rinse the leaves to awaken them, then steep about two tablespoons per cup in water at 185–200 degrees (not boiling) for 3 to 4 minutes to taste. This Oolong is very rich and will steep multiple times as the leaves release their complex flavors.

Item Number: SR401 Brand: Silk Road Teas

Size: 8 oz

Price: $49.25

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* Important Disclaimer: The information presented on this Chinese herbal formula is not meant to be a substitute for sound medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms are acute or chronic it is wise to consult a professional health practitioner. HerbsWest, LLC makes no claims about the effectiveness of the product described. It is always advisable when choosing herbal preparations to use caution and to consult your physician.

Monkey Picked(Ma Liu Mie)