What is oolong tea?
Quick answer
Oolong is tea made from Camellia sinensis leaves that are oxidized somewhere between typical green and black tea. That range is why one oolong can taste fresh and floral while another is dark, roasted, and mineral. It is a category, not one flavor, and most oolongs can be steeped several times.
What it tastes like
Light rolled oolong can suggest lilac, cream, grass, or fresh fruit. More oxidized and roasted styles move toward honey, toasted grain, nuts, and warm mineral notes. Neither profile is more authentic; they are different points in a broad family.
Is oolong beginner-friendly?
Yes. Start with a medium-roast rolled oolong if you want a forgiving middle ground. It is aromatic enough to show why loose leaf is interesting, but it usually tolerates a wider timing range than delicate green tea.
Common questions
Does oolong have caffeine? Yes. Treat it as medium caffeine, while remembering that leaf quantity and total infusions change the dose.
How many times can it be steeped? Usually four to seven short gongfu rounds, or two to three larger western-style infusions.
Use the complete oolong brewing guide, compare oolong with green tea, or load the grams calculator.