Tea Trader - Formosa

Revised 24th April 2008 - Update to comment

Starting in the 1890s, tea cultivation was brought to Taiwan by settlers from mainland China. Farms were set up using methods from Fukien Province, adjacent to Taiwan on the mainland. The tea is grown in an area at the North end of the island at low elevations.

While the varieties grown are China, many have distinct characteristics which are interesting to compare with those grown on the mainland. Lapsang Souchong and Gunpowder are notable examples of this.

Oolongs have found their home in Taiwan! Despite low coastal growing conditions, Formosa Oolongs are regarded as the finest and possessing the ultimate in 'peachy' character. Along with our house Oolong and Orange Blossom Oolong, we stock two superior grades Superfancy Oolong Silvertip and Tung Ting Oolong.

Our prices are indicated in brackets and are in Canadian Dollars. The prices refer to 125g/250g/500g.

Tung Ting Oolong (24.00/45.00/87.00)
A green oolong with tightly rolled leaves which unfold to brew a golden green tea of exquisite floral aroma and taste.

Superfancy Oolong Silvertip (26.00/49.00/95.00)
Formosa oolong drinkers will not get much better than this ...... exceptional aroma and smooth flavour.

Formosa Oolong (7.00/13.50/26.00)
An oolong with classic nutty, peachy flavour. Light bodied, very aromatic and devoid of astringency. Formosa Oolong is a perfect refreshment for any time of the day.

Orange Blossom Oolong (7.00/13.50/26.00)
Oolongs are often grown in the shade of fruit trees, hence the association. Combining the fine qualities of an oolong with the orange flower results in slight sweetness and a delicate aroma.

Formosa Gunpowder (5.00/9.80/19.20)
A large Souchong leaf which unfolds giving a pungency and a light straw coloured infusion.

Formosa Lapsang Souchong (6.00/11.80/23.20)
If you enjoy the rich smokiness of a China Lapsang Souchong....try this one grown in Taiwan. Possessing a well sized, slaty leaf the tea has full body, pungency and a distinctive tarry flavour.

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