(Photo Credit: 博雅齋自然茶園)
In the tea-growing region of Taitung, in eastern Taiwan, there is a unique variety of tea known as Red Oolong. Since its inception in Luye in 2008, this tea has captivated tea enthusiasts with its sweet, amber-colored brew and enchanting fruity aroma. Red Oolong combines the essence of both oolong and black tea crafting techniques, creating a cup of tea that is both aromatic and visually striking.
The process of making Red Oolong tea is like crafting a gourmet meal, going through four key steps: withering, tossing, rolling, and drying. Each step reflects the hard work and dedication of the tea makers.
(Photo Credit:台東紅烏龍)
Withering is like letting a fine wine breathe before savoring it, allowing freshly picked tea leaves to relax in the air and release their hidden aroma. This step softens the leaves, preparing them for fermentation. Tossing involves repeatedly stirring the leaves, promoting oxidation and developing Red Oolong’s unique fragrance. Rolling is akin to seasoning in cooking, giving Red Oolong its distinctive shape and rich, layered taste. Through precise pressure, the leaves are twisted and slightly damaged to release their flavors more easily. Finally, drying uses hot air to reduce moisture, locking in the flavors, producing a tea with an enticing color and delightful aroma.
This innovative tea blend, combining the robust richness of oolong with the lush fragrance of black tea, has won over many tea lovers with its unique flavor. Its bright reddish-brown brew is rich and smooth, with a sweet, lingering aftertaste. Each sip is a gift from nature, and every whiff of its aroma embodies the craftsmanship of the tea makers from eastern Taiwan.
(Photo Credit:饗嚮台東)
The enchanting allure of Red Oolong tea stems not only from its exquisite craftsmanship but also from the pristine land that nurtures it. Taitung boasts an exceptional natural environment, with unpolluted soil that produces premium tea leaves. Many tea gardens adhere to eco-friendly farming practices, avoiding pesticides and chemical fertilizers, ensuring every cup of tea is pure and safe. From one acre of tea plantation, only about 240 kilograms of precious, fruity Red Oolong can be produced. Skilled tea farmers cultivate with dedication, carefully picking each bud and leaf to guarantee the purity of the raw materials.
To spread the fragrance of this tea around the world, the Taitung County Government has been actively building the “Taitung Red Oolong” brand. They have established strict quality control standards, including origin certification and pesticide testing, to ensure the quality of the tea leaves. Each batch is evaluated by national-level judges through sensory analysis, and only those that meet the set score can proudly bear the brand label. The government also assists businesses with diverse marketing strategies, helping tea farmers promote Red Oolong tea.
Additionally, they encourage tea farmers to form cooperatives to integrate production and sales resources. These cooperatives purchase tea from farmers at above-market prices, encouraging meticulous management of tea gardens and creating a positive cycle of mutual trust and collaboration. For example, the Red Oolong Tea Cooperative, formed by tea farmers in Luye, ensures high-quality Red Oolong tea through rigorous evaluation systems, eco-friendly farming practices, and fair profit distribution. The cooperative also focuses on brand management, using distinctive visual design and diverse promotional channels, such as social media management and immersive experiential activities, to connect with consumers and enhance the visibility of Red Oolong tea.
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At the same time, the county government has also launched the “Taitung Red Oolong Origin Flavor Demonstration and Guidance Program,” selecting businesses as demonstration sites and assisting them in developing Red Oolong-flavored dishes. By forming cross-industry alliances and engaging in brand marketing, the program creates more consumer touchpoints and promotes the diverse applications of Red Oolong tea, thereby establishing Taitung Red Oolong’s brand image.
(Photo Credit: 博雅齋自然茶園)
Thanks to these concerted efforts, Taitung Red Oolong has gained a degree of prominence. For instance, Luye’s Buoyatea Red Oolong, known for its high quality, has won the three-star Superior Taste Award from Belgium’s iTQi (International Taste and Quality Institute) for eight consecutive years. It is the first Red Oolong tea brand to achieve this global distinction, earning worldwide recognition and significantly boosting its reputation.
A cup of fine tea reflects not only the color of its brew but also the essence of its origin and the meticulous craftsmanship of the tea makers. Every sip of Red Oolong tea conveys the pure, authentic flavors of Taitung’s pristine land. Whether enjoyed hot or cold, this tea allows you to savor the serene interplay of fruity and nutty aromas.
Why not brew a pot of aromatic Taitung Red Oolong, let the tea fragrance envelop you, and immerse yourself in the leisurely pleasure it brings? Let’s invite tea into our homes, appreciate Taitung’s nourishing mountains and waterways, support the hard work of local farmers, and together, safeguard this land that nurtures this lovely tea. Let the essence of teamaking and tea culture linger on sustainably.
