Oolong Tea

Instructions

1. Prepare the water
   Heat filtered water to 190-200°F (88-93°C). This is slightly below boiling point - if using a kettle, remove it from heat just before it reaches a full boil or let boiling water cool for 1-2 minutes.
2. Warm the teapot
   Pour a small amount of the hot water into your teapot and swirl it around to warm the pot. Discard this water. This step helps maintain the brewing temperature and enhances the flavor extraction.
3. Add the tea leaves
   Place 1 tablespoon of oolong tea leaves per cup (about 4 tablespoons for a 4-cup pot) into your teapot or brewing vessel. If using a tea infuser or filter, place the leaves in that.
4. First infusion
   Pour the hot water over the tea leaves and allow to steep for 1-3 minutes, depending on your taste preference. Lighter oolongs typically need less time (1-2 minutes), while darker oolongs may need 2-3 minutes.
5. Strain and serve
   Pour the tea through a strainer into cups if not using an infuser. If adding optional ingredients like honey, lemon, or ginger, add them to the cups now. Enjoy the tea's complex flavor profile, which can range from floral and fruity to woody and roasted, depending on the specific oolong variety.
6. Subsequent infusions (optional)
   One of the special qualities of oolong tea is that the leaves can be steeped multiple times. For a second or third infusion, add 30 seconds to 1 minute to the steeping time. Each infusion will reveal different flavor notes in the tea.