China Milky Oolong

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2 min read
Summary

Oolong, or “black dragon” teas, are made from whole leaves that are semi-oxidized. The level of oxidation and the processing method determines the flavor profile, which can range from earthy to nutty to floral to fruity to sweet. Steeping oolong tea for 2–3 minutes results in creamy notes. Steeping oolong tea for 5–10 minutes results in floral notes. Let us know which you prefer in the comments!

Yields1 ServingPrep Time5 minsTotal Time5 mins

China Milky Oolong

Ingredients

 1 tsp oolong tea, balled leaves (or 1 tablespoon of China Milk Oolong loose-leaf)
 10 oz water
 2 tbsp plant-based milk (plain, unsweetened)

Directions

1

To create a “creamy” tea that gives China Milk Oolong its signature name, you’ll want to steep it at a lower temperature, around 180 degrees F. Heat 10 ounces of water in a stovetop pot on medium-high heat or in an electric tea kettle (which may have temperature settings). If you don’t have a thermometer, heat the water until just shy of boiling.

2

Add 1 teaspoon of balled China Milk Oolong tea or 1 tablespoon of loose-leaf oolong tea to your tea strainer and mug.

3

When the water is ready, add just 2 ounces over top of the tea strainer and mug. Discard this tea water. This initial water is used to cleanse the leaves and open them up for flavor release.

4

Next, pour the remaining water over your tea strainer, filling up your mug. The general rule for oolong tea is to steep for 1–5 minutes. To test your own personal flavor preference, allow the leaves to steep for one minute and then taste every minute to get the flavor you like best. (We found the tea to be bitter after the first minute, then transformed in flavor to milky after 4–5 minutes.)

5

Add the two tablespoons of milk to your tea, if desired. This also brings out the tea’s milky aromas and flavors.

6

Sip and enjoy!

Chef's Notes

Substitutions
For the milk, use any plain, unsweetened plant-based milk of choice. Omit the milk if you prefer tea without milk.

If You Prefer Floral Notes to Milky Notes
For more floral notes, steep at 200 degrees for 5–10 minutes.

Storage
This tea is meant to be enjoyed immediately, but if you’d like to drink it cold, place it in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Ingredients

 1 tsp oolong tea, balled leaves (or 1 tablespoon of China Milk Oolong loose-leaf)
 10 oz water
 2 tbsp plant-based milk (plain, unsweetened)

Directions

1

To create a “creamy” tea that gives China Milk Oolong its signature name, you’ll want to steep it at a lower temperature, around 180 degrees F. Heat 10 ounces of water in a stovetop pot on medium-high heat or in an electric tea kettle (which may have temperature settings). If you don’t have a thermometer, heat the water until just shy of boiling.

2

Add 1 teaspoon of balled China Milk Oolong tea or 1 tablespoon of loose-leaf oolong tea to your tea strainer and mug.

3

When the water is ready, add just 2 ounces over top of the tea strainer and mug. Discard this tea water. This initial water is used to cleanse the leaves and open them up for flavor release.

4

Next, pour the remaining water over your tea strainer, filling up your mug. The general rule for oolong tea is to steep for 1–5 minutes. To test your own personal flavor preference, allow the leaves to steep for one minute and then taste every minute to get the flavor you like best. (We found the tea to be bitter after the first minute, then transformed in flavor to milky after 4–5 minutes.)

5

Add the two tablespoons of milk to your tea, if desired. This also brings out the tea’s milky aromas and flavors.

6

Sip and enjoy!

Notes

China Milky Oolong