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Loose leaf Oolong organic oolong tea displayed on a white background, featuring partially oxidized tea leaves with twisted, dark brown appearance. A classic loose leaf oolong tea handcrafted in Oregon.
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Clear glass mug filled with brewed Oolong organic oolong tea, deep amber in color, resting on a white surface with loose tea leaves nearby. A traditional oolong tea ritual handcrafted by Yerba Buena Tea Co.
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Black tin of Oolong organic loose leaf oolong tea by Yerba Buena Tea Co. Handcrafted in Oregon.

Organic Oolong Tea | Complex & Balanced | Medium Caffeine

Organic Ti Kuan Yin Oolong Tea

The diplomat. Floral like a green, smooth like a black.

Regular price $18.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $18.00 USD
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Size: Tea Tin
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About Oolong

The Diplomat

If Green Tea is a fresh salad and Black Tea is a roasted steak, Oolong is the caramelized onion. It sits in the beautiful middle ground. Our Ti Kuan Yin (Iron Goddess of Mercy) is a legendary Chinese tea that is "semi-oxidized." It offers the floral, orchid-like aroma of a green tea, but with the creamy, toasted body of a black tea.

The Science of the Bruise

How do we get flavor this specific? We bruise the leaf. Unlike other teas that are just dried or steamed, Oolong leaves are tossed in woven bamboo baskets. This gentle shaking bruises the edges of the leaf, starting a chemical reaction that releases distinct notes of lilac, cream, and stone fruit. The leaves are then fired to stop the process, locking in that "toasted floral" profile.

The Awakening Ritual

Watch them dance. Because these leaves are twisted and stout, they need room to expand. When you add hot water, they don't just steep; they awaken. We recommend rinsing the leaves with hot water for 5 seconds before your first steep to "wash" them and prepare the leaf for the perfect infusion.

Organic Ingredients
  • Organic Oolong Tea
Tasting Notes

Aroma: Distinctly floral. It smells like blooming orchids and lilacs.

Flavor: Creamy and textured. You get the fresh vegetation of green tea, smoothed out by a buttery, toasted walnut finish.

Finish: A lingering sweetness that returns after you swallow (known in China as "Hui Gan").

Why You'll Love It

The Iron Goddess: Ti Kuan Yin is named after the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. Legend says a poor farmer found the tea bush guided by the Goddess, and it brought prosperity to his village. It is considered one of the "Ten Famous Teas" of China.

Metabolism Support: Oolong contains polyphenol antioxidants that are distinct from Green or Black tea. It is traditionally consumed after greasy meals to aid in digestion.

Black tin of Oolong organic loose leaf oolong tea by Yerba Buena Tea Co. Handcrafted in Oregon.

Oolong

Regular price $18.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $18.00 USD

Steep complex. Sip smooth.

Clear glass mug filled with brewed Oolong organic oolong tea, deep amber in color, resting on a white surface with loose tea leaves nearby. A traditional oolong tea ritual handcrafted by Yerba Buena Tea Co.

Heritage Brew Guide

Interactive Brew Guide
8 oz
Water Volume
212 °F
Steeping Temperature
1.5 tsp
Tea Leaf Amount
5 min
Steep Time

Craft Your Cup

  • Gong Fu Style: Use a small pot and a lot of leaf. Steep for only 30 seconds. Repeat 6 times. This is how Oolong is meant to be drunk.
  • The Cold Brew Champagne: Because it is so floral, Ti Kuan Yin makes an incredible cold brew. It tastes like a non-alcoholic floral wine.

Loose leaf Oolong organic oolong tea displayed on a white background, featuring partially oxidized tea leaves with twisted, dark brown appearance. A classic loose leaf oolong tea handcrafted in Oregon.

Your Questions About Oolong, Answered.

Is it Black or Green tea?

Neither. It is its own category. Green tea is 0% oxidized. Black tea is 100% oxidized. Oolong is about 40-50% oxidized. This "partial oxidation" is what gives it the unique balance of fresh and toasted flavors.

Does it have caffeine?

Yes, but typically less than black tea. It provides a focused, calm alertness rather than a jittery spike.

What does "Oolong" mean?

It translates to "Black Dragon." This refers to the traditional shape of the dark, twisted leaves which look like mythical dragons dancing in the water.

FAQs Simply Answered

Are your teas organic?

The Short Answer: Yes. Every single leaf, root, and flower we source is Certified USDA Organic.

The Details: We believe that flavor starts in the soil. We strictly partner with growers who practice sustainable, organic farming, organic approved pesticides, no GMOs, and no "natural flavorings" sprayed on the leaves. While our Salem facility is a dedicated small-batch kitchen (and not yet a certified processing plant), our commitment to 100% organic ingredients is absolute. You are drinking pure nature, nothing else.

What are the "Refill Bags"?

We designed our system to be sustainable.

Our Signature Tin, protects the tea and contains all the detailed brewing and ingredient information.

The Refill:
When you run low, you buy a Refill Bag.

Please Note: These biodegradable bags are designed as "Transport Vessels" only. They are not intended for individual sale. Upon arrival, please use the refill bag with into your YBTCO Tin. This ensures your tea stays fresh and you have the correct brewing instructions at hand.

Where is this made?

Handcrafted in Oregon.

Every batch of Yerba Buena tea is blended, tested, and packed in our dedicated tea kitchen in Salem, Oregon. We do not use co-packers or giant industrial machines. We blend in small lots to ensure that the oils are still volatile and the spices are still punchy when they reach your cup. It is a difference you can taste.

Is it safe for allergies (Gluten/Nuts)?

We keep it clean. All YBTCO teas are naturally Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, and Vegan. Our facility does not process wheat, soy, peanuts, or dairy.

The Coconut Note: The only allergen present in our facility is Coconut (Tree Nut), which is used in specific blends like Maven Blend and Turmeric Spice. We adhere to strict cleaning protocols to prevent cross-contamination, but if you have a severe tree nut allergy, please shop with caution.

When will my order ship?

We know you are ready to brew. Because we hand-pack orders, they typically leave our Oregon kitchen within 2-3 business days.

  • Free Shipping: We cover the shipping on all US orders over $70.
  • The Carriers: We ship via USPS and UPS. You’ll get a tracking number the second your label is printed so you can follow the tea to your doorstep.

Refer to our Shipping Policy for complete information.