Competition Bug Bitten

Taiwanese Oolong (Blue) Tea

Temperature: 95°C

Quantity: 2.5g for 2dl

Brewing Time: 3-4min

Up to 3 brewing rounds possible

Bug BItten Oolong can only be made when the tea bushes have been infested by little leaf hoppers (Jacobiasca formosana, known as ‘jassids’ or ‘thrips’). The insects bite the buds, leaves and stems while they are still growing on the bush. This causes oxidation to start. It also causes the bushes to defend themselves by producing enzymes called monoterpene diol and hotrienol which give the tea its unique flavor. The teas are sweet and fruity.

Only about 40-50% of leaves are harvested, so only small quantities of Bug Bitten Oolong are produced each year.

A tiny bit of damage to the leaves is good, but a greater amount of mutilation can cause the leaf to wilt and drop off. This Tea can only be picked by workers with keen eyes who can pick out leaves scarred with just the right percentage of insect damage.

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