Recently, more and more people are starting to make tea lattes at home and add tea powder to their baking.
When choosing tea powder, most people's first thought is matcha. However, there is another option on the market – Taiwanese Oolong tea powder. The flavors, uses, and suitable audiences for the two are completely different.
This article is not about which one is better, but rather to help you understand: Which one do you really need?
First, let's talk about the fundamental differences between the two.
Matcha is a representative Japanese tea, ground from shaded green tea leaves. Due to shading, it has high chlorophyll and amino acid content, which gives it its signature dark green color and umami flavor.
Taiwanese Oolong tea powder (taking Baozhong tea powder as an example) is ground from semi-fermented Taiwanese Oolong tea leaves. The fermentation process gives the tea a natural small white floral aroma, and its color is more golden. It has the inherent bitterness of tea, but the bitterness is different from matcha – matcha has a grassy bitterness, while Baozhong tea powder has a floral bitterness with a more pronounced sweet aftertaste.
One is "umami, grassy, bitter," and the other is "small white floral aroma, bitter base with sweet aftertaste."
Flavor Comparison
| Matcha Powder | Taiwanese Oolong Tea Powder (Baozhong) | |
|---|---|---|
| Aroma | Grassy, nori-like | Small white floral aroma |
| Bitterness | Grassy bitterness, pronounced | Bitter, but with floral notes, sweet aftertaste |
| Sweet Aftertaste | Medium | Pronounced |
| Color | Dark green | Golden yellow |
| Caffeine | Higher | Medium |
Uses Comparison
For Lattes: The grassy bitterness of matcha lattes pairs well with milk, a classic combination. Oolong tea powder lattes have a small white floral aroma, a different kind of bitterness, a tea-like sensation on the palate, and a sweet aftertaste, making them appealing to those who enjoy floral teas.
For Baking: Matcha's vibrant color creates visually striking desserts. Oolong tea powder, with its floral aroma, is suitable for recipes that desire a tea fragrance without excessive bitterness, such as oolong streusel or tea-flavored cookies.
Which one is right for you?
Choose matcha if you:
- Enjoy a rich bitterness and umami flavor
- Want to make visually striking green desserts
Choose Taiwanese Oolong tea powder if you:
- Prefer floral teas, especially the elegant aroma of small white flowers
- Want a tea drink with a tea-like feel, a bitter base, and a pronounced sweet aftertaste
About Buying Taiwanese Oolong Tea Powder
If you want to try Taiwanese Oolong tea powder, there are a few key points to note:
Origin: The flavors vary greatly between different production areas in Taiwan. Baozhong tea from Pinglin is known for its small white floral aroma, making it one of the most recognizable tea powders in Taiwan.
Additives: Some tea powders may contain added flavorings or starches to increase bulk. When purchasing, it is recommended to confirm that the ingredients list only "tea leaves."
Grind Fineness: Finer tea powder dissolves better and is less likely to clump when brewed.
Leaflow's Baozhong tea powder comes from century-old tea farmers in Pinglin, New Taipei City, Taiwan, with no additives or flavorings. The entire process, from tea picking to grinding, is completed in Pinglin.
