A Great Tea for Taste, As Well As Health
Oolong (or Wulong) tea is perhaps still not that well known to the the Western public at large. However, it is often the favorite beverage of choice amongst many tea connoisseurs, being considered by them to be amongst the finest teas you could get your hands on.
Oolong (Wulong or Wu Yi) tea originates from China, where it has been enjoyed for centuries. It is being manufactured here to this very day. Outside of China, several types of oolongs are now being produced in Taiwan (Formosa) as well.
The Oolong tea comes in many distinct styles aromas and flavors – widely recognized for its sweet and flowery qualities.
Being partially-fermented (oxidized) during the drying process, ensure that this type of tea lies somewhat in the middle between green tea (unfermented) and black tea (fermented). You might indeed see it as a blend or step between the two.
Tea drinkers who perhaps might want to slowly expand into the territory of the somewhat more bitter, pungent ‘grassy’ tasting and exotic green teas, often times find oolongs to be a perfect, tasty bridge.
The varieties known as Green (Jade) exhibit a slight withering and browning of the edges of the tea leaves. The darker types, known as Wuyi oolongs are browned fully and thus more robust.
The Tea Health Benefits
Oolong is known to have many metabolic stimulating attributes and it is often used for weight management, of course in addition to well balanced, natural eating habits.
A 2007 American study found that the tea reduces blood concentrations of what is called triglycerides (the most common form of fat in the body) by no less than 80% compared to rats on normal diet.
A Japanese study from 2001 says it reduces cholesterol after 1 month of regular drinking.
A more recent Japanese research shows that daily consumption of Oolong tea (3-4 cups) is effective in the control of body weight.
Wulong, Oolong or Wu-yi?
A very common common misconception is that Wu Long (Wulong) tea is somehow different than Oolong tea. These two are however the same, it is only the name that is different; Wu Long being the Mandarian term. Tradition says that the tea was discovered by a man named Wu Liang. It is said his name got distorted to Wu Long and then to Oolong.
Wu-yi tea is also simply another name for oolong tea. In China, oolong tea is often referred to as wu-yi tea – harvested from the (Chinese) Wuyi Shan mountains in the Fujian Province.
Brewing wulong Tea
How to reap the full Oolong tea benefits…
To bring about that delicious pot of tea, you need to begin with well selected and blended — preferably organic — loose-leaf tea from the Far East.
Then you add cold, clean, good water — spring water is preferred — to your kettle. Bring the water to a pre boil. The water should be a bit hotter than you need for green teas. When little bubbles come to the surface of the kettle (165-190 F), remove the kettle from the heat.
Next, you would want to have your teapot filled with hot tap water in order to pre-warm it. When the pot is warm, empty the teapot of the tap water.
Then you add tea leafs to your infuser, approximately two teaspoons per 6oz cup. Pour the pre-boil water directly onto the leaves and steep the tea for 2-4 minutes and strain.
Even if the organic Oolong tea leaves definitely are the best, you can’t go wrong with even trying out compressed leaves or Oolong tea-bags!
On the following pages you’ll find more information about tea: Oolong Tea Benefits – The Benefits Of Oolong – The Oolong Tea Weight Loss Alternative – Tea Health Benefit – China Oolong Tea – Dragon Eye, Oolong Green Tea – Formosa & Taiwan Oolong Tea – Buy Wulong Tea.
Oolong Tea Bags
What are oolong tea bags? If you want to enjoy oolong tea, you can already buy them in tea bags! It is convenient while traveling and it will never mess up.
3 Easy Ways To Lose Holiday Weight
You may or may not be aware of it but Oolong tea is a good antidote for sugar! Make sure you drink one cup of Oolong tea once before your breakfast and again before going to bed.
Chinese Oolong Tea
Persons suffering from heart palpitations and caffeine overdose are not advised to drink Chinese Oolong Tea. There are lots of Chinese Oolong tea market on the internet.
7 Common Questions About Oolong Tea
How much caffeine does green tea contain?. Where can I buy oolong tea online? Adagio Teas have a handful of oolong offerings, including a sampler set for those who want to get acquainted with a variety of oolongs.
Oolong tea benefits
The word oolong is a chinese word for black dragon and is pronounced O-liông.
Some Basics On Oolong Tea
The name oolong tea descends into the English language from the Chinese name wulong (in the Min Nan verbalized form). The Chinese name means "black dragon tea."