Basic Facts Of Oolong Tea You Should Know

By David Xiaottout


I think you've heard oolong tea before, through a good friend, Television show or maybe magazine, and you may somehow know that oolong tea could benefit your well-being; however, you are not that positive with it. Thus, if you're a newcomer to oolong, this article is for you.

What Is Oolong Tea?

Tea is gaining lots of traction recently beyond the borders of China, particularly in western countries. There are 3 major different types: green tea, oolong tea, and black tea. And oolong tea is really unique, which is a semi-fermented tea.Having said that, you may try to ask what exactly is semi-fermented tea? For the manufacturing approach is rather sophisticated, I have to put in a way which you are able to understand quickly (I will cover much more information later in the following paragraphs):

You must try green tea before, which is well liked internationally, perfect for weight-loss. The green tea will never be fermented at all, which implies when the tea leaves are reaped, they are roasted at once, keeping the chemicals of tea the way it is.

The black tea is actually quite contrary, entirely fermented, which means chemical changes have taken place for a long time, then the fundamental natural ingredients are already transformed into a new form; therefore, the quality of black tea is totally distinctive from green tea. But, the oolong tea won't go that far. It will be somewhere between green tea and black tea, getting highly distinct tastes as well as some added health benefits.

Etymology of Oolong Tea

This Chinese tea was firstly known as Beiyuan Tea, which was a tribute tea. What was a tribute tea? This was a specific tea given to royal families or an emperor, like a tribute to them.In fact, Beiyuan is a place at the north area of Fujian province (home of oolong tea). Then the tea farmers of An-xi county, south part of Fujian, considerably improved the traditional tea making methods; therefore, the Beiyuan Tea was evolved into a whole new category. It is known that the name of first person that by accident obtained this specific tea producing skill was pronounced as "oolong", and so in order to memorize him, this later well-known tea was called "oolong tea".

In many other places, oolong tea is also interpreted as "Wu long", precisely the same pronunciation, having said that I need to clarify here since it befuddles lots of people. The reason behind different spelling is related to two distinctive transliteration methods: the Wades Giles method gives us Oolong, and the Chinese Pinyin system gives us Wu long. But sometimes(rarely), oolong tea has other names, such as brown tea(named after its color) and rock tea(some varieties of excellent oolong tea actually grow over the rocks/cliffs).

So, if you read here, you might get the idea of oolong tea now. But I will not stop here. Like I promised, I will uncover the manufacturing routine, which will be more engaging and illuminating, which means you can understand this tea more deeply. So, bear with me.

Producing Routine In Depth

This rather complex manufacturing process has 7 important steps.

1. The Withering Step - Leaves are unfolded, typically under the sun, with the purpose of drawing out dampness, softening the leaf cell wall and starting the natural enzymatic fermentation.

2. The Turning Over Step - Specifically designed equipment is widely used to break down the leaves, improving oxidation and helping the chemical components, within the stems, mix with the leaves. This step contributes much towards the balance of quality in the finished product.

3. The Oxidization Step - The leaves are now given time to rest as natural fermentation process moves on. Throughout this step, leaves can change coloring, often into darker green because cell structure further disintegrates. And now the tea is growing an intense flavor.

4. The Kill Green Step - This step will stop natural fermentation process although keeping the leaves unchanged.

5. The Rolling Step - To improve the entire amazing flavor and give shape to the leaves, cold or hot rollers (sometimes both) are employed to break down the leaves.

6. The Drying Step - Approaches such as hot air, sun or pan drying are being used at this moment. The flavor and aroma are further intensified, whilst the step also serves the purpose of controlling the growth of mold and eliminating any grassy taste that remains.

7. The Heating Step - In the end, to give the demanded smoky flavor the leaves is going to be roasted.

Locations Oolong Tea Grows

Oolong tea grows primarily in northern Fujian Province, southern Fujian Province (the best place producing one of the best oolong, i.e. An-xi county), Canton and Taiwan. The 4 major areas yield the most of oolong tea in China, if not in the entire world.

In addition, oolong tea has been found replanted outside of China, which includes Thailand and India.

How Will You Benefit From Taking Oolong Tea?

You may be tired of water (like me), perhaps you are tired of green tea (like me before bored with water) or other types of tea, perhaps your friend told you that oolong tea is often very good for your quality of life due to the high poly-phenol antioxidant properties, having said that you can still have concerns in your head, that's OK.

There's no need to push yourself, just click the web links at the bottom of the article, go directly into the subject which causes you to wonder if you need to give oolong tea a go or not. Right now, I'll just include the benefits here.

-Promote Fat Loss

-Resist the Signs of Aging

-Lessen Risk of Heart Disease

-Avoid Most cancers

-Maintain Diabetic issues

-Reduce Emotional stress

-Alleviate Ache

-Reduce Cholesterol




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