Rhubarb Oolong ~ Tea Source

In truth, I can’t drink Oolong, so as with the past Oolong reviews I’ve done, today’s blog will be based on smell, appearance and the most minute of tasting only. Gomen. *gashou*

A few weeks ago i took a chance and bought a gluten-free pie crust. These past few years, I have missed my mother’s homemade pie like you wouldn’t believe. I gave her the crust in the hopes she’s eventually turn it into a real pie for me (my successful baking experiences are limited to brownies and cod). Not only was a rewarded with a pie, but a swoon-worthy, perfect for summertime, rhubarb pie at that! For those of you who may not be familiar with rhubarb (it’s a Mid-West thing), think soury sweet fruit (vegetable) that pairs well with strawberry. Additionally, I believe last year I reviewed Unity Vibration’s Strawberry Rhubarb kombucha (my favorite so far). Hopefully i did a better job of describing rhubarb then.

Rhubarb Oolong‘s aroma does indeed remind me of freshly cooked rhubarb, but the oxidation content of the Oolong slightly alters the scent that might come to mind when you think “rhubarb”.  This rhubarb is more complex, honeyed and well-balanced as if it were a mixed drink. I took a microscopic sip, swished and spit to get a better sense of this one. The taste and texture were not unlike a Formosa Pouchong, but this Oolong is actually from Fujian. Somehow (probably psychosomatically) i felt a small rumbling in my stomach from just having held the tea in my mouth, so i quickly washed my mouth out and drink copious amounts of antidote (kombucha) to counteract the effects. I have no idea if that’ll work or not. It doesn’t really feel like it will. :( The tea wasn’t really in my mouth long enough to get a real sense if one can detect the rhubarb content or not, but i don’t really think so.

I’m always amazed at how well Oolongs open during steeping. Rhubarb Oolong sure makes for one of the cutest spent teas. And acutally, now that i look at closely, the loose leaf is pretty sexy too. xD (please ignore me)

No ratings on Oolongs atm, sorry. You’ll have to judge for yourself if it’s worth your attention.