Taiwan Oolong tea is also known as Formosa Oolong (Formosa meaning "beautiful" in Portuguese), and the best of the Taiwan Oolong teas are grown for mostly local consumption and the demanding Japanese market. This Spring 2010 picking of Shi Zho High Mountain Oolong tea comes from the family owned Xie Tai Tea Garden. The garden is located in the Shi Zho (Stone Table) area of Alishan (Mount Ali). At an altitude of 4,200 feet, Shi Zho has a cool, moist climate that is ideal for growing tea.

Shi Zho oolong tea is hand picked and hand processed in the traditional manner of Taiwanese High Mountain oolongs. This labor intensive processing results in somewhat ball-shaped tea pellets which typically consist of two or three leaves and a bud ... these pellets open up during brewing.

Shi Zho oolong is made from the Qing Xin (Green Heart) varietal of the Camillia Sinensis plant. The degree of fermentation is approximately 15% with light baking, producing an appearance and taste more akin to green than black tea - yet still uniquely oolong. The liquor is a light golden yellow, the aroma and delicate flavor is floral (similar to lilacs) with complex undertones that mark this tea as one of the best that Taiwan has to offer.

Among tea connoisseurs, Taiwan oolongs are considered the finest oolongs in the world. Though a true connoisseur would hardly select any single tea as the very best, many classify Taiwan oolongs as the "champagne" of teas. As a testament to this honor, the largest market for Taiwan oolongs outside of Taiwan is the demanding Japanese market. From the drop-down menu below select from: 50g/1.8oz = $9.95, 100g/3.6oz = $19.40, 150g/5.4oz = $28.35, 200g/7.2oz = $36.80, 250g/9.0oz = $44.75