Wu long tea has the benefits and taste of both Green Tea and the fully oxidized Black Tea. Although a number of countries now produce Wu long tea, China is the largest and best known producer.
The Wu long (also referred to as oolong) family of teas is characterized by a partial oxidation process that is controllable by varying degrees of heat. Wu long tea has the benefits and taste of both Green Tea and the fully oxidized Black Tea. Although a number of countries now produce Wu long tea, China is the largest and best known producer.
Health Benefits of Wulong Tea
Recently, wulongs have become interesting to the West because of current research being done with obesity and weight loss, but wulong teas with heavier oxidation have been famous for hundreds of years for aiding digestion, curing headaches, and cleansing the system from excessive use of smoke and alcohol. Though promising research has been published, the weight loss claims surrounding wulong tea have yet to be substantiated by a large body of western medical research. Beware of unscrupulous merchants trumpeting claims of weight loss to mask poor quality tea. As with all tea, we suggest the health benefits are just icing on the cake, the experience of drinking these teas are what it’s all about.
Still, physiological comforts to drinking wulong can be quite blatant if one takes some tea (especially Dan Cong!) after a heavy meal. Soothing to the stomach, wulong tea is a great counter balance to rich or greasy food.
A famous culinary grease cutter in its own right, Rock Wulong tea also offers nutrients from the mineral rich soil of Wu Yi Shan, which are popularly believed to benefit joint health, to relieve muscle aches and are considerably popular in Japan as an aid to liver health.
On the other end of wulong’s spectrum of processing, the lightly oxidized teas Anxi and Taiwanese wulong is viewed by traditional Chinese medicine as beneficial to the respiratory system.
Oolong Tea Brewing Tips
The better form of Oolong tea is the loose tea form. Tea bags are not as ideal because tea bags only hold dust and tiny pieces from the leaves.
1. Brewing Accessories
A pot or kettlefor boiling water
A tea pot for brewing tea
Tea cups for serving tea
2. Brewing Steps
First pour cold water into the pot or kettle and bring it to a boil. It is not recommended to reboil water because water looses oxygen as it boils. Using reboiled water can affect the taste of the Oolong tea.
While waiting for the water to boil, put 1 to 2 teaspoons of Oolong tea into the tea pot for every 5 to 8 ounces of water depending on personal taste. It is a common practice to rinse the tea leaves with the first brew. Pour some water into the tea pot when the water temperature is right. After a few seconds of rinsing, dump the water out. Pour water in agian and let it sit for 1 minute or until the water turns golden yellow and serve. You can reuse the same tea with new water for 3 or 4 more times or until the tea has lost its flavor. Oolong tea can be served cold as well.
If you wonder what Oolong Tea is about, click here.
How to Drink Pu Erh Tea for Weight Loss
Pu-erh tea is one of the favorites in the weight loss tea category because it has a number of properties that will help you lose weight more quickly and effectively.
Tea with Caffeine
Caffeine occurs naturally in tea. A mild stimulant, it accounts for tea’s reputation as a beverage that clears the mind and lifts the spirit.
Chinese Black Tea Benefits
Chinese black tea is often confused with red tea because black tea in America is something completely different. Chinese black tea can also be called fermented tea or more commonly known as dark tea.
