Monkey-Picked Oolong

The name of this tea is based on a Chinese legend about tea bushes growing high on a mountain that were prized for their flavor but couldn’t be reached safely. The locals taught monkeys to gather leaves for them, but because the monkeys weren’t very precise the harvested tea was coarsely plucked, containing a mixture of young and mature leaves – hence “monkey-picked” oolong was born. 

The leaves for this tea were hand-plucked from high-elevation bushes in Anxi County, China.

Rest assured, no monkeys were involved in making this tea.

Brewing Guidelines

Heat 8 oz of filtered water to a boil and cool to 185 - 195 °F (85 – 90 °C) by pouring into a cool glass and letting it sit for a few minutes. Alternatively, use a kettle with a temperature selection option to heat only to  195 °F. 

Pour the heated water over 2 g (about 1 teaspoon) tea and steep 2 – 4 minutes. Adjust time and amount of tea depending on desired strength. 

If serving over ice, use more tea when brewing to avoid diluting the tea too much as it cools.

The tea leaves can be re-steeped multiple times, increasing the steeping time slightly for each infusion. Notice the different flavors that emerge with each steeping.

Always use filtered or spring water to fully enjoy the taste of your tea. For best results, brew using a teapot with a removable filter that allows the leaves to unfurl completely. Avoid tea balls/eggs or other infusers that compress the tea leaves.  

Cold Brew

Monkey-Picked Oolong makes an exceptional cold brew tea. Cold infusion enhances its fruit flavors. Add 32 oz (4 cups) of cool, filtered or spring water to 8 grams of tea and let infuse overnight in the refrigerator. 

Storing Tea

Keep sealed in a cool, dry place away from strong odors, moisture, and light. We do not recommend storing tea in clear containers (such as glass jars) as light can affect the shelf life of tea. 

Lightly-oxidized oolong tea should be consumed within 2 – 3 years of purchase for optimal flavor.