Milk Oolong, known as Nai Xiang (奶香烏龍茶) in Chinese, where to begin? Do we tell you the legends of how it came into existence? Do we tell you how it is actually produced? Do we wax poetic about its luscious flavour? Well, maybe we should do all three. We'll start with a legend. The stories of this tea naturally centre on its wonderful milky flavour, which interestingly, is the result of a sudden shift in temperature during harvest - a rare occurrence to say the least. One of the many legends explains that the first time this shift occurred was centuries ago when the moon fell in love with a comet passing through the night sky. The comet, as all comets are wont to do, passed by, burned out and vanished. The moon, in her sorrow caused a great wind to blow through the hills and valleys bringing about a quick drop in temperature. The next morning, local tea pluckers went out to collect their fresh leaf. To their surprise, when the tea was processed it had developed an amazing milky character, which was attributed to the motherly character of the old moon.
Milk Oolong, like all Oolongs, is considered a semi-fermented tea, with a character profile somewhere between a black and green tea. Over the years, production methods have remained unchanged for the most part although some aspects like withering temperatures have been automated and regulated. First, the leaf is plucked from gardens situated between 500 - 1200 meters high, and the tea is produced between March and December. Next, the hand plucked leaf is withered in air-conditioned rooms until it is has reached the desired level of fermentation. The fermented tea is rocked, or sifted to sort the prime leaf required, and steamed over hot fire. Finally the tea is dried then re-sorted to ensure leaf quality and packed.
The tea is produced in relatively small quantities from March to December; in fact, only 80,000 kg are produced with about 60,000 kg headed for the export market. Finally, we come to the part where we wax poetic about its outstanding flavour. So how to describe a steaming cup of Milk Oolong Ok, imagine if velvet somehow took liquid form and was blended with a sweet light cream. While drinking it, you find yourself swimming to the bottom of a deep well of orchids. It sounds dream-like doesn't it? Well brew a pot and experience its milky dreaminess for yourself - an amazingly profound tea.
Health benefits: Rich in antioxidants and naturally metabolism-boosting, Quanzhou Oolong tea strikes the perfect balance between green and black tea, offering a smooth, floral taste with a hint of sweetness. Its semi-fermented nature enhances digestion, supports heart health, and provides a gentle energy lift—making it the ideal choice for those seeking both wellness and indulgence in every sip.
A most unique character best described as 'premium oolong with sweet milk and light orchid notes peeking out from camellia depths'. A flavourful cup where time stands still. Stir with love.
