Frequently Asked Questions

At Formosa Tea Co., we take great care in selecting our teas to ensure the highest quality and authenticity for our customers. Here's how we do it: • Direct Sourcing: We source ALL our teas directly from trusted and award-winning tea makers in Taiwan, known for their exceptional quality and traditional tea-making methods. • Quality Control: Our team conducts rigorous quality control checks to ensure that only the finest teas meet our standards. We evaluate factors such as appearance, aroma, flavour and texture to select the best teas for our customers. • Expertise: With years of experience and expertise in the tea industry, our team has developed a keen palate and deep understanding of Taiwanese tea. We use this knowledge to handpick teas that represent the unique terroir and craftsmanship of Taiwan. • Sustainability: We prioritise sourcing teas that are grown using sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices. By supporting tea producers who care for the land and their communities, we aim to promote sustainability throughout the tea industry. • Customer Feedback: We value feedback from our customers and take their preferences into account when selecting new teas to add to our collection. We aim to ensure that our tea selection continues to delight and satisfy tea enthusiasts worldwide. Overall, our commitment to quality, expertise and sustainability guides our tea selection process, ensuring that each tea we offer embodies the rich heritage and exquisite flavours of Taiwanese tea.

Taiwanese oolong tea, particularly those grown in high mountain regions like Lishan and Alishan, are prized for their unique flavour profiles, delicate aroma, and exceptional quality resulting from the island's optimal climate and soil conditions. Taiwanese oolong tea often commands a higher price due to several factors: 1. High Altitude Cultivation: Grown at elevated altitudes, Taiwanese oolong tea benefits from a slower growth rate, enhancing its flavors and unique characteristics. However, this requires labor-intensive methods and results in higher operational costs. 2. Limited Harvests: Taiwanese tea plants undergo fewer harvests annually due to the region's unique climate conditions. This scarcity makes each batch of tea more exclusive and commands a higher price. 3. Quality and Craftsmanship: Taiwanese tea producers are renowned for their meticulous attention to detail and traditional craftsmanship. The harvesting, processing, and roasting of Taiwanese oolong tea require exceptional skill and expertise, contributing to its premium status. 4. Demand and Reputation: With its exceptional quality and distinct flavour profiles, Taiwanese oolong tea has gained global acclaim. The high demand, coupled with limited supply, further elevates its price, making it a sought-after choice among tea enthusiasts worldwide.

At Formosa Tea Co., we're often asked about the factors that contribute to the premium status of Taiwanese oolong tea. When you choose Formosa Tea Co., you're selecting the pinnacle of Taiwanese oolong tea excellence. Here are six key reasons why our Taiwanese oolong tea stands out as a top choice among tea enthusiasts worldwide: • Authentic - True Taste of Taiwan: With British roots intertwined with Taiwanese heritage, we speak the local language and have a unique understanding of the true authenticity of tea from Taiwan. • Single Estate: Not just single origin, we offer single estate tea, selecting among the best producers in the region. It's akin to selecting wine from a specific château in France or choosing a single malt whisky from a Scottish distillery. • High Altitude Cultivation: Grown at elevated altitudes, Taiwanese oolong tea benefits from a slower growth rate, enhancing its flavours and unique characteristics. However, this requires labour-intensive methods and results in higher operational costs. • Limited Harvests: Taiwanese tea plants undergo fewer harvests annually due to the region's unique climate conditions. This scarcity makes each batch of tea more exclusive and commands a higher price. • Quality and Craftsmanship: Taiwanese tea producers are renowned for their meticulous attention to detail and traditional craftsmanship. The harvesting, processing, and roasting of Taiwanese oolong tea require exceptional skill and expertise, contributing to its premium status. • Demand and Reputation: With its exceptional quality and distinct flavour profiles, Taiwanese oolong tea has gained global acclaim. The high demand, coupled with limited supply, further elevates its price, making it a sought-after choice among tea enthusiasts worldwide.

Tea, much like wine or coffee, offers a wide spectrum of flavours and styles to suit different palates. At Formosa Tea Co., we are committed to sourcing highest quality tea at every price point. Every tea in our collection is carefully selected and rigorously tasted to ensure refinement, balance, and quality. Enjoying a truly good cup of tea does not have to be expensive. The price of tea depends on factors such as cultivar, harvest yield, rarity, quality and production costs. In general, high mountain teas are more expensive because they are grown in remote, high-altitude regions where cultivation is more difficult and costly. They are also harvested only twice a year, compared with up to seven harvests at lower altitudes, making them more limited in supply. For those new to Taiwanese oolong, starting with a mid-range tea is often the best introduction. It allows you to experience the character and craftsmanship of Taiwanese tea while finding the flavour profile that suits you best.

Our teas are carefully packaged to maintain their freshness and flavour. When unopened and vacuum-sealed, they can be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and will maintain their quality for years. Once opened, the tea is best enjoyed within the first 30 days with proper sealed and storage. While some customers may take longer to finish their tea, it’s important to store it properly and minimise exposure to moisture and air (oxygen) to preserve its quality. This is similar to other products like coffee or wine. For customers who order a tea caddy, we provide a bag sealer to help seal the open bag more effectively. However, please continue to follow the recommended storage guidelines to ensure the best results. Instruction for Using the Sealer https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a75697_a330b49cc02b4bc7ab4a354eaf32f23c~mv2.jpg

While not all of our teas are officially certified organic, we source teas that are grown using sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices. We partner with like-minded tea producers who are committed to sustainability. Whether certified or not, they place great value on sustainable agriculture, using only organic fertilisers and avoiding harmful chemicals. They choose to forgo the cheaper option of herbicides, relying instead on manual weeding, even though this labour accounts for half of their annual expenses. It’s actually impossible to produce top-notch tea buds when the soil ecosystem is damaged by chemicals that destroy beneficial microorganisms, reduce soil fertility and harm soil structure. By committing to these sustainable methods, we ensure our teas deliver exceptional quality while protecting the environment for future generations.

We are committed to providing high-quality tea that’s both delicious and great value for money. The cost per mug is an estimated cost based on the minimum standard of the following brewing method. The cost per mug for our teas starts at only £0.27, making it an economical choice for enjoying premium loose tea. This estimate may vary based on your personal brewing preferences and the number of times you steep the leaves. Here's the breakdown: • Brewing Guide: Using 5 grams of loose leaf tea to brew a 250ml mug. • Multiple Steeps: You can steep the same 5 grams of tea leaves at least three times, yielding 750ml of tea (3 cups of 250ml each). • Cost Calculation: For a 75g pack priced at £11.95, this translates to 45 cups of tea, making the cost approximately £0.27 per cup (£11.95 ÷ 45 cups).