Usambara Oolong Tea – Tanzania’s rare specialty

Experience a true tea rarity from East Africa: our oolong from the Usambara Mountains of Tanzania. While the region is known for its strong black teas, this oolong represents an exquisite exception and testifies to the highest tea mastery.

Oolong teas are partially oxidized and combine the characteristics of green and black tea in a complex way. This Usambara Oolong tends toward more pronounced oxidation, giving it a wonderfully full body and profound sweetness. An incredibly smooth, aromatic tea for explorers and connoisseurs seeking something special.

Origin

This tea grows in the Usambara Mountains, a biodiverse highland in northeastern Tanzania. The cool temperatures at altitude and the fertile soils of this pristine mountain range allow the tea plants to grow more slowly, resulting in a higher concentration of flavors in the leaves. Oolong tea production requires expertise that makes this tea a true specialty.

Quality

The quality of an oolong tea is not defined by the pekoe system (such as OP or TGFOP), but by the complexity of its processing. For this tea, the leaves are carefully picked by hand and undergo a complex process of withering, shaking, and roasting to stop oxidation at just the right moment. The result is a uniformly processed, lightly rolled leaf that only fully releases its complex aromas in hot water.

Flavor profile

This oolong boasts a bright, amber-colored cup. The flavor profile is exceptionally smooth and complex, almost entirely devoid of bitterness. Dominant notes of ripe stone fruits, such as peach and apricot , unfold, supported by a clear honey sweetness . A hint of toasted wood rounds out the profile and ensures a long, sweet finish.

Preparation recommendation

To develop the complex aromas of this oolong, we recommend careful preparation:

• Dosage: 12–15 g of tea per liter of water (approx. 3–4 g / 250 ml cup)
• Water temperature: 80°C (allow water to cool down significantly after boiling)
• Brewing time: 2–3 minutes

Tip: This oolong is ideal for multiple infusions. Increase the brewing time slightly with each subsequent infusion and discover how the flavors evolve.