Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese tea which is primarily grown and processed in China and Taiwan. This tea, being semi-fermented, has a unique taste that is quite distinct from the traditional black or green teas. Also known as wu long, this tea derives its name from the Chinese harvester of the same name who created it. Being native to China, it is frequently served in Chinese restaurants with meals and is commonly known as ‘Chinese restaurant tea (1).’
Oolong tea belongs to the same family (Camellia sinensis) as green tea and black tea. The difference between them lies in the processing. Green tea is obtained by lightly heating the freshly picked leaves to halt the process of oxidation. When the leaves are allowed to oxidize for a short period of time, it results in the formation of oolong tea. When left to oxidize for a longer period of time, the tea leaves turn dark and the end product is the more traditional black tea. Therefore green tea is unoxidized, oolong tea is semi-oxidized and black tea is fully oxidized.
Fresh tea leaves have a high amount of catechins. Oxidation reduces the levels of catechin in the leaves. Therefore, oolong tea leaves have moderate levels of catechin. They have an oxidation rate of about 10%-70%. This tea is the richest among all the other varieties in the fact that it not only has a strong and refreshing taste, but is also clear and fragrant.
Oolong tea has a great taste and can be consumed either hot or cold. The steeping time of the leaves and the number of infusions depend upon the variety of the tea leaves being used. The method of preparation is simple and easy. Here is what you need to do:
In addition to its pleasing taste and refreshing aroma, oolong tea benefits the health in a number of ways. In fact, it is more beneficial than the other varieties of tea on account of it having the combined qualities of both green and black teas. Moreover, since it contains significantly smaller amounts of caffeine when compared to the other varieties, it is considered to be a suitable option for those who are sensitive to caffeine. Some of the health benefits of oolong tea are as follows:
Regular consumption of oolong tea is known to reduce the cholesterol levels, thereby lowering the risk of heart attacks. Research proves that those who drink 1 to 6 cups of oolong tea in a week are at a lower risk of succumbing to cardiovascular diseases(2).
Skin lipids are essential for a vibrant looking skin. Free radicals accelerate the process of aging by converting the skin lipids into lipid peroxide. This results in dark spots and pigmentation of the skin. The polyphenols found in oolong leaves eradicate the free radicals from our body (3), thereby slowing down the aging process.
The polyphenol compound in oolong tea enhances the metabolism of fat in the body by activating certain enzymes. Hence, the daily consumption of oolong tea promotes weight loss and reduces obesity by accelerating the process of lipolysis which enables the body to burn more fat. The oolong tea weight loss is definitely a much healthier path to choose (4).
Oolong tea improves the oral health by inhibiting the growth of bacteria that cause tooth decay and oral cancers. The antioxidants called polyphenols present in oolong tea contribute to the improvement of dental health and hygiene. Drinking oolong tea helps to prevent the build-up of plaque, fights tooth decay and deters the occurrence of cavities (5).
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