Bodhi Farms- Dayuling Mtn Heavy roasted Oolong-2025 spring- 30 grams

Dayuling Heavy-Roasted Oolong becomes even more special when you know the hands behind it. This tea is grown and crafted by a kind woman in her mid-70s, a lifelong Buddhist who tends her mountain tea garden entirely on her own. Her farm, Bodhi Hands, follows strict organic practices as a natural extension of the way she lives and works. She considers herself a tea artist, and that quiet devotion is reflected in every leaf.

This high mountain Oolong is finished with a deep, rich roast that brings warmth to the cup. Layers of fruit, toasted sweetness, and rich undertones unfold with each infusion. It carries an uplifting, steady qi that encourages sustained focus, calm energy, and meaningful conversation.

This tea truly shines when prepared in a gaiwan or small clay pot. I like to fill the gaiwan generously with leaves by feel, though 2–3 grams in a small to medium-sized gaiwan is a great place to start. With heavy roasted Oolong teas I was taught to use boiling water, and steep the first infusion for about 45 seconds to one minute. Increase each subsequent infusion by 20–30 seconds, and you'll be rewarded with five or more flavorful steepings, each revealing a little more of the tea's character.

If you prefer brewing in a mug, use about 2 grams of tea in a strainer for an 8-ounce cup. Steep for about one minute, or longer if you enjoy a stronger brew, then simply re-steep the leaves several more times. While the experience won't be quite the same as Gong Fu brewing, you'll still enjoy a rich, satisfying cup with plenty of life left in the leaves.

If you're new to Gong Fu Cha, I've put together a free guide that walks you through the process of brewing tea in small pots over multiple infusions. You can download it here:

https://ojasnaturals.myshopify.com/products/gong-fu-tea-guide

Photo: James Keskimaki