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27p per cup
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The Tea Masters in New Zealand work from a simple precept; tea is a science, but it is also an art. It’s this kind of attitude to tea making that we admire. The leaves are hand harvested and crafted to reveal extraordinary complexity of flavour; floral notes, succulent vegetal greens, tropical fruit and a creamy sweetness.
This Oolong Loose Leaf Tea from New Zealand has certain resemblances to our Iron Goddess of Mercy (tieguanyin) yet is unique and nuanced. Try them side by side and find out for yourself.
Tasting Notes
Tasting Notes
The fresh-tasting leaves are unroasted giving a green, slightly mineral note, with a long-lasting sweetness, reminiscent of crème anglaise. The second infusion reveals a hint of fresh pea sprouts.
Cost Per Cup
Cost Per Cup
27p per cup based on 2g of tea per 150ml of water and 3 infusions.
Origin
Origin
Zealong Estate, Waikato, New Zealand
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Recommended Infusion Guide
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Quantity
Use 2g of tea per 150ml of water.
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Temperature
For the optimum infusion use 90°C water.
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Time
Infuse for 1 - 2 minutes, tasting regularly.
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Infusions
You can infuse this tea at least three times. With each careful infusion, different subtleties of flavour are revealed.
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Quantity
Use 0.1 oz of leaf per 5.5 fl oz of water.
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Temperature
For the optimum infusion use 194°F water.
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Time
Infuse for 1 - 2 minutes, tasting regularly.
-
Infusions
You can infuse this tea at least three times. With each careful infusion, different subtleties of flavour are revealed.
-
Quantity
Use 1 level tsp. per 150ml of water.
-
Temperature
For the optimum infusion use 90°C water.
-
Time
Infuse for 1 - 2 minutes, tasting regularly.
-
Infusions
You can infuse this tea at least three times. With each careful infusion, different subtleties of flavour are revealed.
More infusion tips
How to infuse your tea is very personal, and these are just our recommendations based on experience. Please experiment with these variables to your heart's delight. These are our recommendations, not hard and fast rules. The most delicious tea is the one you love.
Our guide uses a standard tea cup size (150ml/5.5 oz) as a measure, please adjust the quantity of leaf accordingly for less or more water. Our whole loose leaves are of such a high quality that you can infuse our teas at least twice, and the second infusion is often better than the first, with different flavours revealed as the leaf softens. If you prefer your tea stronger, add more leaf, don’t leave it for longer (this will just make it bitter).
A gaiwan is the ultimate way to enjoy your oolong tea. Used in China since the Ming dynasty (over 900 years ago), gaiwans are unassuming but beautifully functional teapots that can be used to explore tea to its fullest – the following method can be used to make up to six infusions.
Start with 4-6g of oolong tea and pop it in the gaiwan teapot. Boil a kettle to 100°C/212°F, then pour an inch of the water on the leaf for a few seconds, then discard this liquid. This "wash" softens the rolled leaf and allows the water to penetrate.
Next, fill the gaiwan with hot water to just below the rim, infuse for 5-10 seconds and strain completely into your cup or a jug. There's no need to reheat the water as you go, because the softened leaves will require lower temperatures to release their flavours - but you will need to extend the time to 10-20 seconds for later steeps. We recommend at least six infusions to allow the leaf to completely open out and reveal all its beauty.
For a more comprehensive guide to using a gaiwan see our full guide here:
Here is a short video demonstrating how to get the most out of your precious oolong leaves with a gaiwan:

Seedlings
Careful propagation
In 1996 the Zealong Estate imported rigorously-selected tea cuttings from the best tea growing regions across Asia.
Over 1,500 seedlings were imported yet only 130 survived the rigorous New Zealand quarantine regulations. Through careful propagation these now flourish in the fertile soil and clean air.

New Zealand
Waikato, Hamilton
The Zealong Tea Estate’s home is the Waikato region in Hamilton, New Zealand. Hamilton is renowned for its fog and this plays a key role in ensuring the tea bushes maintain the perfect level of moisture to thrive.

CLIMATE
Gentle sunshine, and abundant rainfall
This climate is the gift that keeps on giving; abundant rainfall, ideal temperatures with the right amount of sunshine and free-draining acidic soil.
Shipping, delivery & more...
UK Shipping Information
FREE UK Tracked when you spend £30 or more
FREE UK Express - Next Day* when you spend £60 or more
UK Tracked - Two Day Tracked £3.99
UK Express - Next Day* Tracked £5.49
UK Express - Next Day* Courier from £8.49
*Subject to next day cutoff and postcode location. Availability of rates depends on location and order weight. For a complete overview of our shipping rates please see our delivery page.
All prices quoted in GBP and will be converted to your local currency if available.
Returns
The Rare Tea Lady believes that our teas are some of the greatest in the world, and that our range and service are second to none.
In the isolated case that you are not completely satisfied with any tea or teaware you purchase from our website, please get in contact with our customer services team to discuss returning your order.*
In most instances we will give you a full refund of the item’s cost excluding postage. We may ask you to return the item to us. Customers in the European Union have a statutory cooling-off period of fourteen days that is not affected by this guarantee, but any tea pouches much remained sealed for this to be in effect.
*We only accept returns/refunds for tea within two months of receipt, because it is impossible for us to know if the tea has been stored correctly.