Formosa Oolong Choicest

Oolong tea is generally referred to as “semi-fermented” tea and is principally manufactured in China and Taiwan (still known as Formosa in tea terminology). The term Oolong is of Chinese origin and means “Black Dragon.”

For the manufacturing of China Oolongs, the leaves must not be picked too soon and it is important that they are processed immediately after plucking. They are first wilted in direct sunlight, then shaken in bamboo baskets to lightly bruise the edges of the leaves. Next, they are alternately shaken and spread out to dry until the surface of the leaf turns slightly yellow. The edges turn a reddish color as the chemicals in the bruised leaf react with oxygen. The fermentation or oxidation period (12-20 percent fermentation) is halted after 1 1/2—2 hours by firing. Oolongs are always whole leaf teas, never broken by rolling. Formosa Oolongs undergo a longer fermentation period (60-70 percent) and are therefore blacker in appearance than China Oolongs, and give a richer, darker liquor than the paler orangey-brown infusion of China Oolong.

Our Formosa Oolong comes from Taiwan and has an aromatic fruity taste. The caffeine content is somewhere between black and green teas. Oolongs are generally enjoyed without the addition of milk or flavorings.

Inspired Aroma, Inc, offers a full array of extraordinary tasting teas.

White Peony Tea

White tea is produced on a very limited scale in China (originally in Fujian Province) and Sri Lanka. White teas are the most delicate of all teas. The teas are appreciated for their subtle complexity and natural sweetness. The leaves are hand processed using the youngest shoot of the tea plant, with no oxidation. The curled-up buds have a silvery appearance and give a very pale, straw-colored liquor. When brewed correctly, with a very low temperature and a short steeping time, white teas can produce low amounts of caffeine.

We recommend 2 rounded teaspoons per cup of water at 160 degrees. Steep 2 minutes. White Peony is preferred to be consumed without milk or sugar, after meals as an aid in healthy digestion or as a light afternoon tea.

Inspired Aroma, Inc. offers over 20 exceptional teas.

Rooibos Herbal Tea

Rooibos - pronounced roy-boss, means red-bush in Africa. Rooibos tea is made by drying and fermenting the green leaves of the native South African shrub Aspalathus Linearis, which redden during the process. Rooibos has been used daily by South Africans for centuries. Europeans began cultivating it in the early 1900s, but only recently has it made its way to the U.S. market.

Rooibos is considered to have anti-spasmodic properties, which is why the South Africans give Rooibos to babies with colic and it is also drank by adults as an aid in digestion. It is very soothing and said to have many calming characteristics.

There has been a fair amount of literature noting the disease-fighting antioxidants, found in both the red and green Rooibos.

Rooibos is said to help in alleviating inflammatory symptoms of the skin and joints.

“With a body like black tea’s, as many antioxidants as green tea, and the versatility of the best herbals, some say that Rooibos is overdue for an American debut,” wrote Anita MacAuley in Fresh Cup magazine.

Aside from the above mentioned health benefits of Rooibos, it is great tasting and makes a beautiful cup or pot of tea. Rooibos can be enjoyed hot or iced with the addition of fruit. We prefer drinking Rooibos hot, with a little milk and honey.

We recommend 1 rounded teaspoon of tea per cup of boiling water. Steep 7-10 minutes and enjoy!

Check out all the exceptional teas Inspired Aroma, Inc. has to offer.

The following is a recipe for a non-alcoholic refreshing fruit drink using Rooibos:


Fruit Drink
(Makes 15 glasses)
2 c. strong, cold Rooibos
1 c. Apple Juice
1 c. Granadilla Juice*
2 c. Soda Water or Lemonade
1 can (100 g each or approx 4 oz) Granadilla Pulp*
Strawberries, hulled and sliced
*Granadilla pulp and strawberries my be substituted with approximately 4 oz banana slices and 4 oz fresh pineapple cubes.
Mix Rooibos and fruit juices. Chill soda water or lemonade and add just before serving. Add Granadilla pulp, decorate with strawberry slices and serve over ice or blend with ice.