Oolong Shiro Gifu

Oolong tea is a semi-fermented tea.

Initially Chinese, Oolong was a traditional tea produced through a unique process including withering under the strong sun and oxidation before curling and twisting. Most oolong teas, especially those of fine quality, involve unique tea plant cultivars that are exclusively used for particular varieties. The degree of fermentation can range from 8% to 85%, depending on the variety and production style.

The spread of oolong tea in Japan begins in 1970 with the news that it is effective for slimming and beauty. It was taken up by the media in 1979 as being a favorite drink for beauty

A style unique to Japan is born and the development of the outdoor market begins. Oolong tea will gain citizenship as a soft drink.

Oolongs are the wide category of tea in between green and black, and through skilled, labor-intensive processing, a tea-maker can coax anything from buttery florals to deep chocolate to roasted nuts to tropical fruit out of a single batch of leaves.

So, if you've been drinking tea for a while and are getting bored of your malty assays and your springy sencha, here's a basic introduction to the entire universe of tea.

Oolong Shiro Gifu has overtones of chocolate and toasted almonds and can be drunk hot or cold.