Most people know oolong tea as the kind they are served in Chinese restaurants. Although this type of tea has long been treasured in Asia, partly due to its weight loss reputation, it is now gaining popularity in the west. Most people know oolong tea as the kind they are served in Chinese restaurants. Although this type of tea has long been treasured in Asia, partly due to its weight loss reputation, it is now gaining popularity in the west.

Although there are many different types of tea, they all come from the same plant, camellia sinensis. The leaves of the tree are processed in various ways, giving us the many kinds of tea. White, green, oolong and black tea are all from the same plant, but are processed differently. This processing affects the flavor, color, caffeine content and health benefits of the different types of tea.

After oolong tea is hand picked, it is shaken slightly to bruise the leaves, then left out in the sun. It is important to the ultimate flavor of the tea that this is done immediately after it is picked. This begins the drying and fermenting process. It is then roasted, traditionally in a hot wok.

Oolong means black dragon. It comes originally from Fujian Province in China. Today there is both Chinese and Taiwanese. This tea is semi-fermented, somewhere in between green tea, which is unfermented, and black tea, which is fully fermented. It contains caffeine, but slightly less than either black or green tea.

There is a large variety available. Different fermentation times produce different flavors and textures. Some oolong is flat and straight, some is curly, and some is rolled into tight balls. Often jasmine is added for flavoring. Some varieties are grassy and light, others are dark and richer.

The darker variety is best brewed kungfu style. Traditionally a very small clay pot is used. Pure water is boiled and poured over the leaves. Allow to steep for just one minute before serving. It is best taken hot.

This tea contains antioxidants, which are important to good health. While it contains fewer of beneficial compounds such as EGCG than green tea, it has far more of them than does black tea. This tea accounts for just a small percentage of all of the tea consumed in the world. It is renown in China for its weight loss effects. Try some today for a new tea experience!

Among all tea types, Chinese oolong tea has the highest level of aromatic oils and therefore is the most fragrant. The Iron Goddess oolong tea especially is renown for its intoxicating aroma. For further information, visit the Chinese Tea Shop at Amazing-Green-Tea.com.


Article written by Julian Tai. To view the original post, click here.
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