Iced Teas come in many shapes and forms, with this one being made from Oolong Tea! Such is its rarity that this delectable infusion has become increasingly sought after. Mango and Orange Oolong Iced Tea contains a mouthwatering mixture of mango, oranges and kumquats. Its overall taste is citrusy to the last sip, though no less refreshing! We use Malawian Oolong Tea in the making of this blend. The country is Africa’s second largest producer of Tea after Kenya. Best of all, Oolong Teas to come from Malawi boast a near unmatchable quality, as many connoisseurs will agree. Why not find out for yourself with our very own Mango and Orange Oolong Iced Tea? The Mystery of Oolong Tea Outside of legend and speculation, nobody knows for sure how or when precisely Oolong Tea was created. Some suggest its origins date back to as early as the 10th Century CE, while others theorise as late as the 17th and 18th Centuries CE. Alas, we’ll likely never know. There are, however, some truly fascinating and, at times, enchanting stories of how this remarkable Tea first came into existence. One suggests that it arose through the tradition of offering the Chinese Royal Court so-called “Tribute Teas”. Another suggests that producers first developed Oolong Tea in the Wuyi Mountains of Fujian province, China. There are also two theories originating from Anxi County, Fujian. Both are similar in many ways, with a farmer dropping a bag of harvested Tea leaves. Depending on the tale, the farmer dropped the leaves either because of a snake or a deer. When he returned, he found that the leaves in his bag had begun to oxidise. Indeed, he had accidentally created Oolong Tea – or so the tales go! Malawi and Tea The country’s Tea Industry dates back to 1891. A Scotsman named Henry Brown began experimenting with Tea-growing in Malawi after moving there from Ceylon (Sri Lanka). While in Ceylon, he had grown Coffee, but a plant-based disease had ruined his crop. The first Tea seeds obtained by Brown came by way of Scottish Missionaries. They, in turn, had received them from the Royal Botanical Gardens in Edinburgh. Brown went on to establish the first successful Tea gardens of Malawi at his estate, located in what was then called Nyasaland (Malawi). The achievements of Henry Brown saw other aspiring Tea-producers establish plantations in the lowlands of Malanje, and Thyolo in the Shire Highlands. Today, over 50,000 people work for Malawi’s Tea industry. 51% of the total workforce are women. The peak Tea season starts in October and ends in April when plentiful rain encourages the Tea bushes to flush almost continuously. Additional Information Type of Tea: Oolong Tea. Ingredients: Half-Fermented Malawian Tea, Mango Flakes, Whole Kumquats, Natural Flavouring and Sunflower blossoms. Brewing Instructions: Using 2 tsp of Tea per person, pour over water of 80 degrees in temperature so that it just covers the loose leaf. Following this, brew for 4 minutes, strain the leaves, and top up with cold water and ice cubes with any personal additions and decoration. How to Serve: If you prefer a sweeter Iced Tea, then we suggest adding sugar or honey when adding the boiling water. Tasting Notes: This is a light and delicate Tea complemented with sweet notes of mango and tart notes of kumquats. Colour in Cup: Amber liquor, light in tone. Benefits of Mango and Orange Oolong Iced Tea According to recent statistics, around 25% of the American population is currently prediabetic. Oolong Tea could be the answer. It can regulate the amount of blood sugar and insulin in one’s bloodstream at one time. In one 2003 study, participants consumed Oolong Tea alongside regular hypoglycemic drugs. This resulted in the balancing of blood sugar levels. It also prevented sudden drops and spikes. The early results appear promising. Drinking Oolong Tea for the reduced risk of type-2 diabetes has shown very encouraging signs. But until we know more, we strongly advise consulting a medical professional.
