Is Oolong Tea Black Tea or Green Tea? A Guide to This Unique Brew

Is Oolong Tea Black Tea or Green Tea?

When people first hear about oolong tea, one of the most common questions they ask is: Is oolong tea a type of black tea or green tea? The answer is neither! Oolong tea is its own distinct category, sitting between green and black tea in terms of oxidation.

I remember the first time I introduced a friend to oolong tea. She was convinced that all teas were either green or black. When she took a sip of a floral Tie Guan Yin, she was surprised by how different it was from the green tea she was used to. And when she tried a rich, roasted Da Hong Pao, she was even more confused—was this black tea? Oolong tea is fascinating because of its diversity, and that’s what makes it so special.

What is Oolong Tea? Is It Green Tea or Black Tea?

Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese tea that falls between green tea and black tea in terms of oxidation. Oxidation is the process where tea leaves react with oxygen after being picked, changing their colour and flavour.

• Green tea is unoxidised, keeping its green colour and fresh flavour.
• Black tea is fully oxidised, developing rich, malty notes.
• Oolong tea can be anywhere from 10% to 80% oxidised, giving it a wide range of flavours, from floral and delicate to dark and roasted.

Because of this oxidation range, some oolong teas taste closer to green tea, while others resemble black tea.

Light Oolong vs Dark Oolong

There are two main styles of oolong tea:

Light Oolong

• Oxidation: 10-30%
• Flavour Profile: Floral, creamy, fresh
• Examples: Tie Guan Yin, Alishan Oolong
• Best For: Green tea lovers looking to try something new

Light oolongs are similar to green tea in their freshness and floral aroma. They are often bright green in colour and taste smooth, with notes of orchids, cream, and honey.

Dark Oolong

• Oxidation: 40-80%
• Flavour Profile: Rich, roasted, nutty
• Examples: Da Hong Pao, Wuyi Rock Tea
• Best For: Black tea drinkers who want to explore complex, aged teas

Dark oolongs have a deep, caramelised flavour. Some aged oolongs even develop a taste similar to whiskey or dark chocolate.

Appearance of Oolong Tea: The Magic of Unfurling Leaves

One of the most unique things about oolong tea is how it looks before and after brewing. Many oolong teas are rolled into tight balls.

When brewed, these leaves slowly unfurl, releasing their full flavour over multiple steeps. This makes oolong tea perfect for Gongfu Cha, the Chinese tea ceremony, where you steep the same leaves repeatedly to enjoy how the taste evolves.

Famous Oolong Teas to Try

If you’re new to oolong tea, here are some famous varieties to explore:

1. Tie Guan Yin (Iron Goddess of Mercy)

• Type: Light oolong
• Flavour: Floral, creamy, slightly vegetal
• Origin: Fujian

2. Da Hong Pao (Big Red Robe)

• Type: Dark oolong
• Flavour: Roasted, woody, mineral-rich
• Origin: Wuyi Mountains, Fujian

3. Alishan High Mountain Oolong

• Type: Light oolong
• Flavour: Buttery, sweet, floral
• Origin: Taiwan

4. Phoenix Dan Cong Oolong

• Type: Medium-dark oolong
• Flavour: Fruity, honeyed, orchid-like
• Origin: Guangdong