Formose tea

Since 1919, Our French Maison Has Delivered Authentic Origin Teas

Since 1919, our French Maison has been committed to offering authentic origin teas of exceptional quality. Among them, our Formosa teas stand out as a collection of prestigious oolong teas. Sourced from Taiwan, these teas promise a sensory journey that meets the expectations of both tea novices and connoisseurs.

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Formose tea

Discover Taiwanese know-how with Formosa tea

Formosa, Taiwan, China: there's no shortage of names for this island southeast of mainland China. In the world of tea, the island of Taiwan is traditionally called Formosa, a name it owes to 16th-century Portuguese explorers who called it ilha formosa, meaning "the resplendent island."

In Taiwan, the cultivation of Camellia sinensis began in the late 1700s, when tea plants from the Chinese province of Fujian were planted. By the following century, Formosan tea was as popular locally, where tea drinking was an integral part of Taiwanese daily life, as it was internationally.

Renowned primarily for the quality of its oolong or blue-green teas, the island of Taiwan also produces exceptional black teas. Its geographical location provides ideal conditions for cultivating Camellia sinensis.

Find your new favorite oolong tea through our collection of Formosan teas

With Betjeman & Barton,Formosa oolong tea is consumed upon waking or throughout the day. Fancy a typical English breakfast to start the day off right? Then discover our tea“Formosan Lapsang Crocodile”infuse for 5 to 7 minutes in water at 80°C to obtain a powerful cup with an intense smoky taste.

For a well-deserved mid-morning tea break or tea time, let yourself be tempted by our other Formosan oolong teas with varying oxidation rates. Succumb in particular to the sweetness of our“Formosa Pouchong Blatt”, a tea harvested in March-April and whose leaves are rolled by hand, following the traditions of northern Taiwan. Also fall for the subtle aroma of our tea“Formosa Jade Green”, a blue-green tea with peach blossom flavors that are decidedly pleasant on the palate. To prolong the pleasure, don't hesitate to re-infuse this Formosan tea with golden liquor several times. Bet again on our“Formosa Grand Oolong”Semi-fermented with notes of chestnut to enjoy a perfectly relaxing tea. With a low caffeine content, it is ideally enjoyed until the last light of day.

Finally, end your day in style with our oolong tea“Formosa Black Dragon”,a great specialty from the island of Taiwan, to be enjoyed plain to fully appreciate its irresistible aftertaste of dried fruit.

Treat yourself in shorta high quality Formosan oolong teaon our website. Sold loose from 100g to 1kg, our single-origin teas are perfect for every taste and will become essential in the collections of even the most discerning tea lovers.

Formosa Teas: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why do we say "Formosa" tea instead of Taiwan?

"Formosa" is the historic name of the island of Taiwan, inherited from Portuguese navigators (Ilha Formosa, "the beautiful island"). In the world of tea, it traditionally refers to high-quality Taiwanese oolongs.

2. Which Formosa oolong should I choose to start with (Grand Oolong, Black Dragon, Jade Green)?

Our Grand Oolong, with its notes of dried fruit, and our Black Dragon, with its subtle chestnut aftertaste, are excellent first discoveries. For a fresher, more vegetal introduction, try the Jade Green. These are three distinct profiles that allow you to quickly identify your preferred Formosa style.

3. Which Formosa tea should I choose if I prefer smoky notes over floral ones?

Opt for our Lapsang Crocodile, which has a delicately smoky character. Those who prefer floral freshness will likely favor the more vegetal Jade Green.

4. Are all Formosa teas oolongs (blue teas)?

The island of Formosa is primarily known as the land of great oolongs (blue teas), which are semi-oxidized. This is the specialty that earned its reputation and which you will find in our selection.

5. How many times can a Formosa oolong be re-infused?

Like all oolongs, Formosa teas can be re-infused four to six times. Each infusion reveals a new nuance, from the freshest notes to the deepest ones.

6. Does Formosa tea have a low caffeine content? Can I drink it all day?

Formosa oolongs offer a moderate amount of caffeine in the cup, allowing you to enjoy them throughout the day, depending on the specific harvest and your preferences.

7. How do I prepare a Formosa oolong using multiple infusions (gong fu cha)?

Infuse a generous amount of leaves in a small container (teapot or gaiwan) using very short, repeated infusions, gradually increasing the steeping time. This method reveals the full richness of our Formosa teas.

8. How should I store Formosa tea, especially when it is rolled into pearls?

Keep it in an airtight, opaque container, away from air, light, and strong odors. Rolled oolongs can be stored this way for many months without losing any of their finesse.

9. Do your Formosa teas make a good gift, and are they available in sets?

Absolutely. Presented in our refined tins or gathered in a gift set, our Formosa oolongs make an elegant gift for any lover of great discoveries.