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Oolong tea · Nitrogen-processed

GABA Oolong

Gabaron, 佳葉龍茶, Jia Ye Long cha

6.6/10 editor's score

An oolong given a special step: the leaves are kept in an oxygen-free nitrogen chamber, which raises their GABA content. Developed in Japan, now widely made in Taiwan.

Unusual processFruityTaiwan

↓ Jump to brew guide About this tea Compare

Based on published sources, not yet tasted.

What you need

250 ml water90 to 95°C

Steep 2:002 steeps

LiquorAmber gold

Served inGaiwan and small cups

At a glance

An oolong given a special step: the leaves are kept in an oxygen-free nitrogen chamber, which raises their GABA content.

CaffeineMedium~30 to 50 mg, our estimate

Beginner fit7.0 / 10From the editor's score

HarvestSpring and winterSpring oolong.

Pairs withFruit, Nuts, Light cakesLess good with very spicy food

Grown atVaries by makerVarious regions, Made by many Taiwanese makers

Served inGaiwan and small cupsGongfu style, many short steeps

About GABA Oolong

What sources say about the taste

Sources describe the processing, not a fixed taste; styles vary by maker ¹.

01 · Aroma

First sip

Lift the cup and smell before you drink.

02 · Taste

Middle

Let it sit on the tongue for a moment.

03 · Finish

Finish

What stays after you swallow.

Hover or tap a noteBigger image and more dots mean a stronger note.

Notes and intensities are an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not our own tasting.

Where it grows

Method: Leaves stored in nitrogen, without oxygen ¹
Developed: Japan, from 1984 ¹
Taiwan: Widely adopted by Taiwanese makers ¹
Unchanged: Catechin and caffeine content ¹

History and culture

Dr Tsushida and colleagues at Japan's MAFF began developing GABA tea in 1984 ¹.

In the late 1980s it was sold in Japan as a product for people with hypertension ¹.

Editor's score

6.6/10

Weighted across six criteria: flavour 30%, heritage 20%, availability 15%, value 15%, beginners 10%, versatility 10%.

Based on published sources, not yet tasted. Rates the tea style, not a brand. How we score →

Taste profile and caffeine

Profile is an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not a lab measurement or our own tasting.

Caffeine

Brewed coffee~95 mg

Black tea (average)~47 mg

GABA Oolong~30 to 50 mg

Green tea (average)~28 mg

Our estimate. Processing leaves caffeine unchanged ¹. Per 8 fl oz (240 ml) cup. Coffee and tea averages from Mayo Clinic^C.

Harvest calendar

Made from regular Taiwanese oolong seasons. Tap a month or a season.

Cultivars and plant

Ordinary Camellia sinensis; the change comes from processing ¹.

How it is made

01Plucking

Fresh leaves.

02Nitrogen

Six to ten hours in an oxygen-free chamber ¹.

03Oxidation

Oolong-style.

04Rolling

Rolled into balls.

Dry leaf and liquor

**Dry leaf**Tightly rolled dark green-brown balls.

LiquorAmber gold.

After steeping

Wet leafWhole leaves unfurl.

The colour swatch is an approximate guide, not a photograph.

Food pairings and storage

Works well

Fruit
Nuts
Light cakes

Best avoided

Very spicy food

Pairings are general suggestions from the tea's style, not tested matches.

Storage

Airtight, opaque tin or pouch, away from light, heat, moisture and strong smells.
Keep it out of the fridge unless fully sealed, to avoid condensation.
Most loose tea is at its best within a year. Note the harvest date on the tin.

Grades and fakes

Graded by maker and GABA content.

How to spot a poor or fake one

Health claims are still being researched ¹.
Green and black GABA teas exist too ¹.

FAQ

Does GABA tea help with stress?

A 2020 review said GABA may help stress and sleep but more research is needed ¹.

Find it inOolong teas Teas from Taiwan Various regionsUnusual processFruityTaiwan

Sources

Wikipedia, "GABA tea". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GABA_tea
Mayo Clinic, "Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more". www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20049372

Scores and content updated 30 Oct 2026.