Where:  Belonging to the distinctive Oolong family of teas originating from the Fujian province in China, high mountain Oolong has been refined and perfected in the lush green mountains of Taiwan ever since Chinese planters bought it to the island in the 17th century.  Taiwan’s unique island geography, with high mountain ranges at its centre, high humidity and rainfall, makes it a perfect environment for growing tea.

What:  The cultivation and appreciation of Oolong is somewhat similar to that of fine wine, with each plantation and mountain “terroir” producing its own unique bouquet of flavours, and each year's harvest yielding its own special character.  In Mandarin Chinese dialect, Oolong (or 'wu long' in some spellings) means “black dragon”, so named because of the resemblance of the tea leaves to the twisted bodies of the mythical Chinese dragons, the leaves awakening and exuding their flavour with hot water.   The leaves are lightly oxidised by tumbling and bruising and are then hand rolled or twisted and finally dried to halt full oxidation.  It is this partial oxidation that gives the tea its rich and fragrant flavour.

How: Use one large teaspoon of tea per person, place in a teapot and fill with steaming hot, but not boiling water [ideally boil and then let cool for 5 minutes].  Local planters would even use water at 60 degrees to prepare this tea.  This is called “awakening the leaves” and you’ll smell the aroma of the tea as the warmth from the water causes the tightly rolled leaves to unfurl and release their fragrance.  Now, quickly pour out and discard the water and then refill the teapot with fresh steaming hot water and steep for 60-90 seconds before serving into small porcelain bowls if possible.  The pot can be refilled several times using the same batch of tea leaves, but for each additional refill, add an extra 20 seconds before pouring.   As always, this is our guidance only – experiment to find how you like it best.

With:  This particular Oolong [also formally known as Formosa Oolong] has wonderful delicate peach and strawberry flavours, so drink with foods that have a lighter flavour.  It’s particularly delicious drunk with soft fruits.

The exciting new way to discover tea yourself …. or the perfect unexpected gift for a loved one.  Here at Twinings, we are absolutely passionate about tea, so we're inviting you to join us on a journey around the world's finest teas by becoming a member of the Twinings Tea Tasters' Club.  Every month we'll send you our choice of our finest loose teas and infusions and that's not all ....

http://www.twinings.co.uk/shop/tea-tasters-club.html

We'd love to hear your thoughts about our teas here are on our "Tea Talk" blog ... and we'll send a free refill to our favourite comments each month!

If you need a bit of added relaxation after the festive period, we're giving you the chance to win the ultimate spa break.  Courtesy of Pennyhill Park Hotel and The Spa, we have an indulgent spa day for two, including  a soothing treatment, and a delicious lunch for one lucky win to enjoy.  We will include up to £150 per person towards dinner in the acclaimed Michelin starred Latymer restaurant, all topped off with an overnight stay in one of the 123 individually designed rooms of Pennyhill Park.  This really is the ultimate indulgence. 

It is a great prize, so we want you to work for it.  Do some research - have a look at our current range of green teas and infusions on our website - and then create your own new one!  Tell us why you've suggested it and when you would drink it - and the prize will go to the idea we like the best!

We are now well into the New Year, and despite the odd flurry of snow that is still lingering, the festivities are well and truely over, and our hectic day to day life resumes.  Why not give yourself the opportunity of a little "me" time.  Perhaps a relaxing bath with a dreamy cup of Camomile, Honey and Vanilla, or a chat with a friend over a fruity Cranberry, Raspberry and Elderflower.  Simply tell us which Infusion or Green Tea you like to treat yourself with and when you like to drink it, and our favourite will win the whole range.  Imagine......a box of each to share with your friends, or to keep as a little secret just for you.

The glow of sunshine outside your window in the morning, and a mug of Peppermint & Eucalyptus to clear your sleepy head.  Wile away an afternoon with a friend and a cup of sweet Cranberry, Raspberry and Elderflower to sip as you chat.  A bubble bath and a cup of Camomile, Honey and Vanilla to help you unwind before bed. Discover the perfect infusion or green tea for every moment in your day & feel beautifully refreshed.

We're back on air again from today with a new TV advert for our Infusions range. Tom Parks is a talented artist who creates beautiful pictures out of everyday objects - in this case, our rainbow of Infusions.

To help you find the ones for you, from next week you'll be able to pick two flavours to try for free - watch this space.

As the New Year chimes in, you may feel in the need for some time to relax. We have 2 tickets for the “Turner and Masters Exhibition” at the Tate Britain in the last 2 weeks of January 2010 to give away which means you can take time out and indulge in a bit of culture.  Winning couldn’t be simpler.  All you need to do is tell us the optimal brewing time for Black, Green and White tea, posting your answer below – and we’ll pick a winner at random.  And here’s a little hint…..all the information you need, can be found in our super new shop; Twinings Direct Online.

The festive season is upon us, and I shall be spending my weekend around town, doing my last few bits of Christmas shopping; I just love the local boutique style shops and seasonal markets that appear at this time of year, great for gifts.

However, after a long day of hustle and bustle at the shops, I always make sure my cupboard holds a refreshing box of Twinings Ceylon, so I can collapse into the armchair in the corner and have a bit of me time when I get home.

Why not tell us how you like to enjoy the festive period, and what essential teas you like to drink, whatever your mood, and you could win a fabulous weekend away at Norfolk’s Fritton House, courtesy of Adnams.

Why Not take a trip down the road or around the corner today to Lyric square  to see our crazy twinings team shivering in the London rain and cold.  Today our team are doing our bit for 'Save The Children' and ' Help for Heroes'.   If you do take the plunge and turn up to support them at their stall, you could win a fantastic tea drinking experience with a celebrity mystery guest [ leave your details with Claire at the stall ]......  Grab you coat and hat and dash down town.  NOT TO BE MISSED ! Our team have also been spotted at Leadenhall market - under the Christmas Tree !

Think back over your last week. Maybe there was a sleepy morning when you padded downstairs in your pyjamas to make a slice of toast, put your feet up & looked forward to a hearty English breakfast. Maybe you were lucky enough to steal an evening, where you ran yourself a bubble bath, then put on your slippers & curled up with a good book.

Now imagine if you could have the perfect tea for each of those moods; from strong & full bodied Assam to shake away those morning cobwebs to uplifting & cheerful Lady Grey, a tea to lift your mood on the rainiest of days.

We're back on TV for 4 weeks from Monday 16th November. We're airing our Lady Grey 30" ad again & a brand new ad about our whole range of teas.  The pictures are created out of tea by Ilana Yahav, a hugely talented artist. It's hard to believe there's no digital 'enhancement' - what you see is what she created, and amazingly, all in one take.

This new ad is all about how we all go through different moods every day & we have a blend of tea for every one of them. Also, a sneak preview of what’s coming: in a few weeks, you’ll be able to choose 2 free samples of new teas to try & we’ll pop them in the post to you. Watch this space.

In the meantime, we’d love to know what you think of the new ad.

I am pleased to say that Paul Guntons book signing at our Twinings store was an exciting and wonderful afternoon, a truly warming experience on what was a very chilly autumn's day.  For one lucky person we have a signed copy of Paul's book to give away.  Simply tell us about your favourite Twinings tea tale, the one we like the most will not only receive the specially signed book, but also a selection of our delicious teas to quench your thirst whilst you are busy reading.