Nov 29
Laura’s Teaview Snapshot
 | "This is pretty full flavored and the grapefruit flavor does largely overpower the oolong. The taste is natural, zesty and refreshing though."
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"Bathe in the serene glow of full moon and delight in the refreshing aroma of pomelo, a fruit that matures only once a year during the time of Chinese moon festival." ---Naivetea website.Naivetea is a company that, according to their website, is, "By tea lovers for tea lovers." I had the previous good fortune of trying their Passionfruit oolong and was pretty impressed with it---enough so that when it came time to request another batch of samples that I asked for more of their offerings. While looking through the sample offerings, I came across this Yuzu oolong. I was not really familiar with yuzu so I did a quick google search and found that it is a sour Japanese citrus fruit that is almost solely used in making marmalade or as ingredient in cakes. Ok...so that doesn't tell me a whole lot. Then, while snooping around the Naivetea website, I discovered that this offering is actually flavored/scented with pomelo and its peel. A little research turned up that the pomelo is affectionately called the Grandfather of Grapefruit. The aroma from my sample package will definitely confirm that this is a 'grapefruit' flavored oolong---a rather strongly scented one.
In going along with Naivetea's brewing instructions, I infused with water cut just short of boiling and infused for about 40 seconds. They actually recommend 30 seconds, but luck didn't have it that way since I have a 3.5 year old daughter. While grapefruit is not something that I enjoy on a regular basis, I have actually tried a number of grapefruit teas that have worked for me. The flavor profile is a nicely done grapefruit flavor. This is pretty full flavored and the grapefruit flavor does largely overpower the oolong. The taste is natural, zesty and refreshing though. The oolong is of the green variety and it does leave behind a slightly creamy mouthfeel. I seldom drink oolong iced, but I am thinking that this one would be a good candidate.
Second infusion: When I prepared my second infusion, I allowed the leaves to infuse for a full minute. I found this infusion to be much more enjoyable as the flavor profile was dialed down a notch. I could actually taste some of the oolong in this infusion, which actually tastes of reasonable quality. I agree with my previous assessment that Naivetea has a skillful way of layering the flavor in their oolongs. The creamy mouthfeel that I encountered on the first infusion is replaced by one that might make you think that you had just consumed some grapefruit juice rather than had some tea. Make no mistake that this infusion still tastes flavored and not like oolong with grapefruit flavored notes. I have no doubt that this will stand up well for a third infusion and possibly a fourth.
While I cannot call this my favorite offering from Naivetea, it is worth consideration if you are looking for a grapefruit flavored oolong. The taste is natural and zesty and well done. Further, due to Naivetea's skillful way of layering the flavor, this one will keep going and going.
— To purchase Naivetea Yuzu Oolong, or for more specific information on ingredients or the story behind this particular blend, click here to go directly to the manufacturer's web site.
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