There exist a number of legends that describe the origin of the Oolong tea, the most popular of these being associated with Wu Liang, who discovered the tea accidentally when he was distracted by a wild deer after a long and hard day of tea picking. According to the other legend, a tea plantation's owner was scared from his tea leaves by the appearance of a black snake. After returning a few days later, he saw that the leaves had been oxidized by the sun giving a delightful brew.
Served commonly in all Chinese restaurants to accompany dim sum, oolong tea is not easy to find in Britain, except for Chinatown and several specialist tea houses. In Britain Oolong tea UK is represented by Fujian Sea Dyke Brand, a dark inexpensive toasty-flavored tea. Considering all health benefits of Oolong tea, some health food stores sell it as well, though in small amounts. Generally the only shops boasting a decent selection of Oolong tea UK are specialist tea shops, like Tchai-Ovna in Glasgow and the Chai Tea House in Edinburgh. A wonderful selection of expensive high-grade Oolong teas can be found in the Tea House on Neal Street and Fortnum & Mason's in London.
Some of the companies supplying Oolong tea UK include Nothing But Tea, Aurora, Greys Teas, Holy Mountain Trading Company, EnjoyingTea.com, Tea Junction and Generation Tea.
Supplied by Nothing But Tea Company is a variety of black, green, oolong and white teas from all over the world, mostly such countries as Ceylon, India, China, Taiwan, Japan, Kenya, Indonesia and Nepal. Available are all variations of Oolong tea, including Green Oolong, as well as green Assam, Darjeeling and Pu-erh.
Based in West Yorkshire, Aurora is an online tea trading company that specializes in the finest quality black, oolong, green, blended and scented teas. The company also has equipment and culture for kombucha making, as well as some interesting sorts of coffee.
Another UK-based tea trading company, Greys Teas offers a variety of teas from Kenya, Taiwan, Japan, China, India and Ceylon. Available are black, green, oolong and white teas, including such blends as Russian Caravan, Earl Grey, English Breakfast and green Darjeeling. Those interested in history of tea making may consider the company's web site.
Only the freshest and finest hand-picked Oolong tea UK, in addition to unblended and blended varieties of white, jasmine, green, pu-erh and black teas are offered by Holy Mountain Trading Company that boasts a great selection and wonderful description of each tea.
Ranked with the most widely reputed tea supplying companies, EnjoyingTea.com features a wide range of teas from around the world, as well as plenty of detailed information concerning teas.
Generation Tea is a company that specializes in teas from different regions of China, each with its own attributes. Available is a great variety of teas, including white, black, jasmine, oolong, pu-erh, green and Baozhong teas.
Those fond of flavored teas and herbal infusions should consider Tea Junction specializing in tisanes and other tea varieties.