Oolong Tea
Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese tea made from the Camellia sinensis plant, just like green, black, and purple teas. What makes oolong unique is the semi-oxidation process — it's somewhere between green tea (unoxidized) and black tea (fully oxidized).
- Key Features of Oolong Tea:
- 1.Oxidation Level
- Oolong tea is typically 20–80% oxidized, giving it a wide range of flavors — from floral and light to toasty and full-bodied.
- 2.Flavor Profile
- It has a complex taste, with notes of fruit, honey, nuts, or cream depending on how it’s processed.
- Some popular oolongs like Tie Guan Yin have floral and buttery notes, while Da Hong Pao is more roasted and mineral-rich.
- 3.Caffeine Content
- Oolong has moderate caffeine, more than green but less than black tea.
- 4.Health Benefits
- Like purple tea, oolong contains polyphenols, catechins, and theaflavins.
- Benefits include:
- a) Improved metabolism and weight loss
- b) Better brain function
- c) Heart health
- d) Dental health (reduces plaque)
- e) Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
- Brewing Tips
- Water temperature: 85–90°C (185–194°F)
- Steep time: 3–5 minutes, depending on preference
- Can be re-steeped multiple times (some oolongs are even better on the 2nd or 3rd brew)