While green tea has always been associated with Japan’s tea artistry and black tea culture to the Brits, Oolong tea (also called “wu long”) is traditionally Chinese. It is usually served along with meals in Chinese restaurant making it virtually known in the modern tea culture as “the Chinese restaurant tea.” This Camellia Sinensis extract is actually a sister to both green and black tea, only that it is semi-fermented and oxidized halfway between the lightness of a green tea and the hardcore oxidative power of a black tea. The result– a stunning and distinctive taste that many enjoy to this day.
Source: doctoroz.com
Uses and Benefits
Oolong tea’s medium-level fermentation and oxidation provides moderate levels of catechins, a flavonoid found in tea as well as in fruit, wine and chocolates. With an oxidation rate ranging from 10 percent to 70 percent, there’s no doubt why it’s been considered the richest tea variety. Strong and refreshing, it is widely consumed for mental alertness and as an alternative to coffee.
But apart from kicking one’s performance level, it is also widely popular for promoting weight loss, tooth decay prevention, managing hypertension and reducing certain cancer risks. Mainly because Oolong tea possesses high concentration of polyphenols, a group of potent antioxidants. It is also suffused with vitamins and minerals including Vitamin A, potassium, calcium, fluorine, selenium, phosphorus, and magnesium.In fact, studies revealed that women who drink Oolong tea have significantly lowered their risk to develop ovarian cancer. A good blood-sugar stabilizer, Oolong tea also helps prevent high blood pressure and other complications of diabetes. Some of the known health benefits of Oolong tea are:
- Reduction of cholesterol levels
- Lower risk of cardiovascular diseases
- Anti-aging
- Enhanced metabolism/fights obesity
- Oral health improvement
- Reduced risk to cancer
- Prevents osteoporosis
- Improve digestion
- Lower risk of chronic diseases, e.g., diabetes
- Stress-buster
- Antibacterial effect
- Various skin benefits,e.g., treatment for atopic dermatitis
- Hair care
Preparation
This unique tea can be consumed in either hot or cold condition. Traditionally, the following steps are done to prepare great-tasting cups:
1. Boil mineral water in a kettle.
2.Preheat tea set including the teapot. For the Chinese, using a Yixing clay teapot. These teapots normally are made of clay from the said region in Jiangsu, China, which is known to trap heat, flavor and aroma of the tea being infused.
Steeping time and infusion also depends largely on the product being used. Thus, it is highly recommended that you read carefully the directions/instructions at the back of the package when preparing it.
3. Add Oolong leaves, approximately 3g or at least covering some 5 percent of space, to the teapot then pour water boiled at around 180 to 200-deg F. Here’s an excellent variety of Oolong loose leaves from Darjeeling, India. It is well-loved by people wanting to detoxify or slim down.
When using loose Oolong leaves, white bubbles may float on the top. Push them away and then, cover.
4. To some, using a tea bag may be more convenient. Here’s a perfect alternative to Oolong loose leaves:
5. Whether you use loose leaves or tea bags, don’t forget to follow steeping directions at the back of the package. Do remember that the longer the steeping time, the more powerful is the extraction process.
6. Once ready, pour unto tea cups and drink with gusto.
Note: For iced version of Oolong tea, simply steep, strain and transfer to a glass pitcher. Chill for 2 to 3 minutes or add ice cubes. Perfect for summer!
Precautions
Source: monicashealthmag.com
While Oolong tea is known for its wide-ranging benefits, a word of caution on its consumption though. It must be consumed in moderation as it contains significant amount of caffeine. Over-consumption can lead to nervousness, migraine headaches, irregular heartbeat, irritable bowel syndrome, heartburn, and so on. People who inhibit negative reaction to caffeine, pregnant women, and young children should refrain from drinking Oolong tea. Overall, Oolong tea is a wonder-rific tea variety. So go ahead and take pleasure from your cup!
source https://www.organicteagarden.net/all-you-need-to-know-about-oolong-tea
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