You’ve heard of black tea and green tea, but what about oolong tea? Dating back to the Tang Dynasty, oolong tea can be thought of as the middle child of teas that come from the camellia sinensis plant.
While not as intense as black tea, oolong is also not as light as green tea. It’s a happy medium for tea drinkers who want to switch it up from their favorites. The good news is that there are several varieties of oolong tea, so there’s something for everyone. Let’s dive into what oolong tea is and how to get started enjoying it!
What is Oolong Tea, Exactly?
To start, oolong is a traditional Chinese tea grown mainly in China and Taiwan. It’s made from the same plant as green and black tea, the camellia sinensis plant. While they all come from the same plant, the difference between the teas lies in the oxidation process.
Oolong tea leaves are harvested when they’ve been wilted by the sun and are slightly bruised. This allows the plant to be partially oxidized, which gives oolong tea its color. After being withered, the leaves are tossed in a basket to break down the cells of the leaves. Then, they’re wok fired to stop oxidation.
Once all is said and done, the leaves are rolled up to give them a unique shape that you don’t find in other teas. Oolong tea can be harvested all year, but it’s best when harvested in late spring.
Origin of Oolong Tea
When it comes to the origin of oolong, there are many theories. What all these theories have in common is that oolong tea originated in the mountainous Fujian Province in China during the Tang Dynasty.
In one theory, the tea was named after its creator, tea farmer Wy Liang, who may have discovered oolong tea while harvesting his plants. He was distracted by a deer, which led to leaving his green tea leaves to oxidize on the vine longer. The end result was oolong tea!
Another theory is that oolong tea stems from the Dragon-Phoenix cake tribute, in which a special blend was made to honor the emperor, and the name oolong came from combining the words for black and dragon (due to its shape).
Oolong tea has spread in popularity along with green and black teas and is now drunk all over the world for its flavor and health benefits.
What Does Oolong Tea Taste Like?
The flavor profile of oolong tea is going to vary based on the type. Typically, oolong is known for its bright and fresh taste. It gives off a fruity and floral aroma and has a thick mouthfeel compared to other teas.
Varieties of Oolong Tea
Think of oolong tea as an umbrella term. There are several varieties, and what you call it depends on the region it comes from. For example, oolong from Taiwan will be different from oolong from China. Let’s look at a few of the most popular types of oolong tea.
Dan Cong/Phoenix Tea
Phoenix tea is one of the most popular types of oolong. It comes from the Guangdong Province in Southern China and has a full-bodied taste with a fragrant aroma.
Jin Xuan/Milk Oolong
Have you ever wanted a creamy tea, but didn’t want to add anything to it? This oolong tea does exactly that. It tastes like there’s milk in it, and it has a smooth texture. Jin Xuan gets its creamy taste from being grown at a lower altitude than other oolong teas. If you want something unique, look no further.
Tieguanyin/Iron Goddess of Mercy
Tieguanyin is a great option for those entering the world of oolong tea, as it gives you an idea of what oolong tea is all about. While most teas have leaves and a bud, Tieguanyin only has leaves. It has a light refreshing flavor, and is one of the lightest oolong teas.
At The Tea and I, we use Tieguanyin in our Spice Revival Blend! Not only does it taste great, but it also has health benefits as well. Tieguanyin oolong tea is known to improve_
● Metabolism
● Digestion
● Gut Health
Health Benefits of Oolong Tea
Anti-Aging
Most teas have anti-oxidants, but oolong has a high concentration of them compared to green and black teas. Antioxidants can help with anti-aging.
May Lower the Risk of Diabetes
Oolong tea is packed with polyphenols, which regulate blood sugar levels. This can help with diabetes because high blood sugar and insulin resistance are risk factors.
May Improve Heart Health
The polyphenols found in oolong tea are also known to improve heart health. This is because the polyphenols break down triglycerides, which are a type of blood fat. Studies have shown that those who drink tea regularly had overall lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
May Help With Weight Loss
There is a lot of research out there that connects weight loss with tea consumption. Studies show that not only do the antioxidants in tea help with weight loss, but that tea also enhances enzyme inhibition.
Are There Side Effects?
When drinking oolong tea, it’s important to remember that it is caffeinated, so it can give you effects such as_
● Racing heartbeat
● Trouble sleeping
● Nervousness
● Headaches
● Abdominal pain
● Nausea
● Increased Urination
If you’re sensitive to caffeine, be aware of how much oolong tea you’re drinking. A cup of oolong can have 12-14 mg of caffeine.
Who Shouldn’t Drink Oolong Tea?
While oolong tea has many benefits, there are certain groups that should avoid it due to health concerns, such as people with kidney or heart disease. Pregnant women should also stay away from drinking large amounts of oolong tea as well.
How to Store Oolong Tea
Since the level of oxidation is what determines whether it’s oolong tea or not, you’ll want to store the tea leaves properly. It’s recommended that you store oolong tea in an airtight vessel. Some varieties have more water content, such as Tieguanyin, so they should be stored in the freezer to preserve them.
Other oolong teas that are darker should be stored at room temperature. If stored properly, light oolong tea can last for about 5 years. Darker oolongs can last almost forever without losing flavor or aroma.
Best Way to Brew Oolong Tea
Now that we know how great oolong tea is, it’s time to brew! Oolong tea should be left to steep for 1 to 5 minutes, depending on your flavor preference. It may take some time and practice to get it exactly how you like it.
When you’re learning how to steep your oolong tea, try steeping it for 1 minute and doing a taste test. Continue tasting every 30 to 60 seconds until you get the desired flavor. Then grab your favorite mug and sit down with a cup of oolong tea today!