How to judge the quality of oolong tea

For grading the quality of Oolong tea, its fragrance is the always most important point. Tea leaves are first examined for their elegance and sweet aroma. This aroma is one of the characteristics of fine oolong tea. After that, the tea leaves are checked for any faults in its smell such as smoke or dampness. However, there is an exception. One kind of oolong, Shuishen tea, is intentionally scented with the smoke. Next, tea leaves are brewed and served to check the tea's color. The color of good quality oolong tea is usually light yellow or orange. If the tea is fully-fermented, the color of tea becomes darker. After the color has been checked, taste will be checked. Good oolong tea has a slight bitterness and pleasant lasting aftertaste. Because of the Oolongning (Catechins) in Oolong tea, it is an effective refreshment after eating greasy Chinese food. If the process of fermentation was overly done, tea leaves lose their fragrance, the color of the brewed tea becomes redder and the taste becomes dull.

(Tadakazu Takeo)