This tea was freshly roasted on September 4 and is recommended to be stored for a period of time before drinking.
Why shouldn’t freshly roasted Oolong tea be consumed right away?
Right after roasting, the tea has a strong charcoal aroma that can mask its natural fragrance and flavor. It also retains a certain “fiery” quality — caffeine and tea polyphenols remain high, making the taste slightly harsh or astringent and potentially irritating to the throat or stomach. Drinking it too soon can also lead to a feeling of internal heat, especially for those prone to “heatiness” or during dry seasons, known in traditional Chinese medicine as “shang huo” (excess internal heat). These symptoms quickly subside once consumption stops.
To avoid discomfort, let the tea rest before drinking. This allows the fire taste to fade (“tui huo”) and the tea’s components to stabilize. Once rested, the tea becomes smoother and more balanced in both aroma and flavor. Lightly roasted teas need about 1–2 months to rest, while medium to heavily roasted ones require around 6 months.
