Theodor Launch of Absolu Oolong Tea

Discovering the art of launching a new tea, thanks to the French teas of Theodor. With the launch of Absolu Oolong tea in Paris, discover more about Chinese green oolong tea. What is green oolong and how to serve it to best enjoy its flavours.

Discovering French Teas

As a Brit, I am used to my classic and familiar, comforting teas. English Breakfast, Darjeeling, Ceylon, Rooibos and Earl Grey are no strangers to my teapot and dare I say, I love to add a tiny little nuage or cloud of milk to my cuppa, which probably has tea connoisseurs throwing their hands up in horror.

More French in style, evenings call for lighter, calming infusions such as la verveine (lemon verbena) and a widening range in my cupboard of fragrant green teas. For more on this, read my recipe post on Lemon Verbena ice cream.

So when I heard from my sweet friend, Francis, about an exciting launch last week of a tea made by creator, Guillaume Leleu (aka l'Insolent Parisian) of Theodor Tea, I had to see what the fuss was about.  Headed with a strong umbrella to face the Parisian downpour, I joined him for the tasting at the Palais de Tokyo in Paris.

The launch was all about Theodor's new J.C. Absolu Oolong.  For a start, I loved the name and was intrigued...

Before the tasting, Monsieur Leleu took us on passionately guided "voyage in the garden of creation" of his Chinese Oolong green tea.

Theodor has been around in Paris since 2002 and within just a few years it now exports to over 30 countries. It has been three years since the Impertinent Parisian created a new tea for Theodor and creating such a tea like this doesn't just happen overnight.

It took 20 months to create this perfumed oolong, needing 230 versions to arrive at the final result.

These lotus flowers give an added "je ne sais quoi" to the taste (although I've never tasted lotus flower so have to try this experience) and there are strong natural aromas of both white peach and pear in there too. The addition of goji berries and carthame flowers add to the magic.

The addition of the white cornflowers (bottom right test tube below) were purely for blending the tea naturally together, as there is absolutely no fragrance in white cornflowers. Who knew?

What Temperature Should Green Tea Be Served?

According to the packet instructions, the water should not be boiled for green tea.  It's best poured at a temperature between 75°-85°C and the tea infused for 2.5 to 4 minutes.

This helps appreciate the unique flavours.

What is Oolong Tea?

Oolong tea is a Tie Guan Yin tea from China from the region of Fujian and only partially fermented. In China, oolong is only fermented 12-20.

Oolong is reputed to have many benefits from drinking it. It helps reduce cholesterol, if consumed regularly. It's delicious served at any time of day (perhaps except breakfast, as it's too light). My preference is with most light lunch recipes.

So a green oolong tea is more sophisticated with flavours that are less 'green'. With the addition of flower petals and flavours of pear and white peach, this Absolo Oolong is also great paired with food.

What to Serve with Oolong Tea

Who would have believed that cheese was served with the tea. As a wine lover, I was expecting mature cheeses to overpower tea but no, it was a wonderful combination.

François (pictured below) explained that in Belgium and in Holland, Betty Koster champions matching cheese and teas. The brie came stuffed with truffles from the Maison de la Truffe. Woah! The Oolong green tea was sensational together.

What a fabulous team at Theodor.  Cheers to the lovely staff who came from Normandy to serve tea for the occasion, from Picorette, famous restaurant tea salon in Granville.  Many thanks to the team for a most warming welcome and to Guillaume Leleu for the discovery of this rather special oolong tea.

I look forward to serving it with cheese - plus treats like financiers and French salted butter biscuits, and with Parisian pastries.

I wonder what Monsieur Leleu is dreaming up for his next tea creation?

In the meantime, pop in to the Theodor boutique at 28 rue des Sablons in the 16th, near Trocadéro. To discover more about this fascinating French tea house, read my post on Theodor.

Note: This was a free tasting open to the public at the Palais Tokyo in Paris on 30 April 2015. This post is not sponsored in any way. Alas, since writing this article, Theodor Teas has closed its doors.