Ruby is a summer-picked oolong with a long oxidation process, giving it a strong and long-lasting flavor profile. Its distinct, deep red liquor has assertive notes of toasted pecan, brown sugar, and nectarine. As the tea is steeped, notes of honey and oak gradually develop. It is a wonderful tea to enjoy all day long.
Ruby depicts “Fire”- the character is strength, vitality, and a lasting, yet smooth finish. This Ruby is hand-rolled, followed by brief and gentle mechanical rolling to give it a fine twist. It is oxidized over 24 hours at 6500 feet elevation. The constant flow of cold mist supplied by nature at this altitude makes the oxidation process extremely slow, which allows a gradual change of polyphenols to flavonoids (theaflavins and thearubigins) to such an extent that they wind up almost equal in ratio. Once the quintessential hue and nose (flavor) is attained during this natural oxidation process, this tea is dried slowly and matured over time to perfection.
One teaspoon of tea per 8 ounce cup. Cool boiling water for 2 minutes, then steep tea 3 - 4 minutes. Tea can be steeped more than once.