Oolong Tea Steeping Timer

4:00

195°F / 90°C

How Long to Steep Oolong Tea

Oolong tea should be steeped for 3-5 minutes at 185-205°F (85-96°C). Oolong sits between green and black tea in oxidation level (typically 15-85%), giving it an incredibly diverse range of flavors from floral and creamy to roasted and fruity.

Oolong Tea Steeping Times by Type

Tie Guan Yin (Iron Goddess) - 3-4 minutes at 195°F for floral, creamy, orchid-like flavor
Da Hong Pao (Big Red Robe) - 3-5 minutes at 205°F for rich, roasted, mineral character
Dong Ding - 3-4 minutes at 195°F for smooth, roasted, caramel-like sweetness
Ali Shan - 3-4 minutes at 195°F for buttery, floral, high mountain flavor
Oriental Beauty - 3-4 minutes at 195°F for honey-like, fruity sweetness
Dan Cong (Phoenix) - 2-3 minutes at 200°F for intense, aromatic, fruit-forward flavor

Gongfu vs Western Style

Oolong tea is traditionally brewed gongfu style in China and Taiwan — using a small teapot, lots of leaf, and short steep times (15-45 seconds) for many infusions. Western style uses less leaf and longer steeps (3-5 minutes) for fewer cups. Both produce excellent tea; our timer is set for Western-style brewing.

Tips for Perfect Oolong Tea

Water temperature depends on oxidation - Lighter oolongs (like Tie Guan Yin) prefer 185-195°F; darker oolongs (like Da Hong Pao) can handle 200-205°F
Rinse the leaves first - A quick 5-second hot water rinse opens up tightly rolled oolong leaves
Re-steep generously - Quality oolong can be steeped 5-8 times, with each infusion revealing new flavors
Use a clay teapot - Yixing clay absorbs tea oils over time, enhancing each subsequent brew

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