Oolong tea belongs to the category of green tea and is a semi – fermented tea. Its tea leaves are dark green or blue – brown. What color is the tea soup?

Honey-yellow

1. Range of Tea Soup Colors
Lightly Fermented Oolong Tea (e.g., Fragrant Tie Guanyin, Wenshan Baozhong):
The tea soup is light in color, usually golden and clear or pale orange-yellow, similar to the hue of fresh honey. It has a delicate aroma and a fresh, brisk taste.

Moderately Fermented Oolong Tea (e.g., Traditional Tie Guanyin, Phoenix Dancong):
The tea soup deepens in color, presenting an orange-yellow or orange-red shade, akin to ripe citrus juice. It features a rich aroma and a full-bodied, mellow flavor.

Highly Fermented Oolong Tea (e.g., Oriental Beauty Tea, Baihao Oolong):
The tea soup is the darkest, ranging from amber to reddish-brown, close to the color of black tea. It emits a sweet and mellow aroma with a soft, smooth 口感 (texture).
2. Factors Influencing Tea Soup Color
Degree of Fermentation: The higher the fermentation level, the more fully tea polyphenols oxidize, resulting in a darker tea soup.
Roasting Process: Higher roasting temperatures and longer durations deepen the tea soup’s color and impart a smoky, roasted aroma.
Brewing Method: Excessively high water temperature or prolonged steeping may cause the tea soup to darken or even become cloudy.
3. Quality Characteristics of Tea Soup
A high-quality oolong tea soup should possess the following traits:
Clear and Transparent: Free of cloudiness or sediment.
Vibrant Color: Exhibiting a “golden ring” adhering to the cup wall with strong luster.
Long-Lasting Aroma: Harmonizing with the soup’s color, such as floral, fruity, or honeyed scents.
4. Typical Examples
Tie Guanyin: Lightly fermented → golden yellow; highly fermented → orange-red.
Phoenix Dancong: The tea soup is mostly orange-yellow to orange-red, with a sharp, intense aroma.
Oriental Beauty Tea: The soup presents an amber color, with notes of ripe fruit and honey.