Oolong Tea

Oolong tea is an ancient Chinese tea that according to some experts is similar to green tea and black tea in that it is half way fermented. Oolong tea is clear and fragrant like green tea. It is also refreshing and strong, like black tea. It has been said that the aroma of oolong tea will linger in your mouth and relieve a sore throat.

The origins of the name itself are somewhat of an enigma in Chinese tea history. It is not known whether the tea is actually named after a place or a variety of plant. A similar Chinese word is “wu long” meaning dragon, which has connotations of luck, but it is not known if oolong is itself a derivative of that term.

How Chinese Oolong Tea is processed

One can process oolong tea in one of six widely-accepted methods. You can wither the tea in direct sunlight; you can process it by tedding fresh leaves, by rocking green, stir-frying green, rolling or drying. It can be considered one of the most complicated of Chinese teas, and even the most complicated whole food beverage.

After oolong tea leaves are plucked, they are withered, then bruised, then dried. Then they are twisted or rolled by hand, depending on what type of oolong it is. It may seem fairly straightforward, but the varying techniques and the need for exact timing of the process impart very complex and wide-ranging flavors, fragrances and colors on different types of oolong teas.

Many Types and Flavors

Chinese oolong tea is generally available in many varieties. These range from light and sweet, such as from the large beautiful leaves of the Formosa oolong. Another good example of a light and sweet oolong is Tieguanyin. This variety has thick, shiny, dark green leaves that impart an amber colored tea reminiscent of flowers. Tieguanyin is a great all-purpose tea with lots of balance.

Another type is the Wuyi Cliff oolong. This is grown in a Fujian province where temperatures are mild most of the year, and the mountains are misty and cool. Wuyi Cliff has rich, lasting flavors. The leaves must be highly fermented prior to twisting and drying. This tea is said to be one of the best Chinese oolong teas in aiding digestion. It is a great complement to Pu-erh tea when striving for a well balanced weight loss program.

More benefits of Chinese Oolong Tea

Chinese oolong has many medicinal properties, just like other Chinese teas. It is said to have great anti-aging properties such as lowering blood pressure, improving immune system functionality, and preventing heart disease. Studies show that this tea can help one’s digestion, as well as be a refreshing way to fight off the effects of drinking alcohol.

Some say it can even prolong your life. Chinese oolong has also been shown to improve one’s results when trying to loose weight. To perform at ones peak as far as energy and vitality it is best to increase your daily consumption to between four and ten cups daily.