The History And Benefits of Chinese Oolong Tea

There are countless numbers of teas and herbal extracts that are consumed each day around the world. Many enjoy the benefits of drinking natural tea and regularly promote their beverage of choice. Chinese oolong tea is at the top of the world’s most celebrated teas. Many of the reasons is in the the taste, and benefits, but also in some of the lore and history. Halfway in between a black tea and a green tea, Chinese oolong tea carries the clear look and fragrancy of a green tea, with the aroma and strength of a black tea.

Chinese oolong tea is said to be produced first on Mt. Wu-Yi Shan in the Fujian Province during the Ming Dynasty. This area is well known for it’s famous teas, and is often said to be the “birthplace” of Chinese tea. The Fujian Province has a well suited natural environment for the cultivation of tea. Boasting a year round temperature of 18 C, there is a drastic change between morning and evening temps and mist forms easily which helps the tea growing process.

Processing Chinese Oolong Tea Involves Three Steps

As wide and varied are the individual teas, there are different process methods for each kind, mainly centering within the fermentation process. Chinese oolong tea is comprised of several different leaves that lend their own aromas and flavors to make oolong tea distinct. Tie Guan Yin, Shui Xian, and Oolong are used in Chinese oolong teas.

The process of Chinese oolong tea is a time honored tradition. The tea leaves are picked at the beginning of the day in the early morning hours. They need to be picked in units of one bud and three leaves while being exposed to the sun. The second step is to dry them inside to promote fermentation. This is the most crucial step as it is important not to only ferment the leaves, but to know when to stop it. The third step involves a lengthy process of rubbing the leaves to promote good taste, aroma, and texture.

Chinese Oolong Tea Varies In Flavors

As with most teas, there are hundreds of different varieties of Chinese oolong tea. While still cultivated in the famed Fujian Province, each different flavor is processed a little differently to make it unique among the oolong teas. One such type is the Wuyi Rock Tea. This oolong tea is one of the most famous in China. It has a very distinct taste because of a mineral that is present in the tea caused by the high mineral content in the mountains where it is grown.

Another popular oolong tea is the Anxi Tieguanyan Tea. This tea is, by far, the priciest tea and is called the Iron Tea because of the unique processing. The heavy rolling of the leaves causes it become bunched into tiny, iron like balls. Formosa oolong teas are also one of the major types.

Chinese Oolong Tea Benefits

Chinese teas, in general, have several health benefits associated with them. The Chinese oolong tea is no different. This tea has many benefits including those associated with anti-aging and helping lower blood pressure to combat heart disease. Weight loss properties are also associated with this type of tea. By having a daily consumption rate of 6 to 10 cups of Chinese oolong tea, it is said to give you a better feeling throughout the day, increased energy and optimized focus.