How oolong tea is processed

The main production area of oolong tea is Fujian and Guandong province in China, and Taiwan. Among them, Fujian province produces the largest amount of oolong tea. Tieguannon, Huangjin, Maoshie, Baishen, Fushou, Fujian and Shuishen are the famous brand names of oolong tea. Basic method of processing oolong tea is shown at figure 1. During the process, leaves are slowly fermented. This fermentation process gives tea unique aroma and flavor. Fujian province is famous for producing the world well-known oolong tea, "Tieguannon". Tieguannon is mainly produced in south of Fujian and Anhui province. The procedure of processing Tieguannon is shown at figure 3. Tieguannon is different from other oolong teas because of its unique rubbing method, wrapping the dried tea leaves in the cloths and knead. By adding this process, the taste and shape of tea become exceptionally unique. North of Fujian, on the WuYi Mountains, Wuyi Shuishen, Wuyi yan-cha are produced. The procedure of making those teas is shown at figure 4. The unique process is heating and drying. In Guandong province Tansou and Sekkohyou (light fermented oolong tea) are produced. Taiwan produces Touchou oolong tea, and Hong oolong tea, the full fermented tea.

(Junji Tsubouchi)