Who does not love tea? And tea, whether Chai tea or Oolong tea, is the world’s largest consumed beverage.
Have you heard of the black dragon tea? Yes, the Oolong tea.
Do you know that the same plant for oolong tea makes black and green tea?
It also represents two percent of the world’s tea. Won’t it be interesting to avoid sickness by drinking just oolong tea?
Oolong tea may have its uses, but there is no scientific proof to support the benefits of the tea.
But do not be disappointed. Let us read ahead to know what does oolong tea tastes like? What is the best way of drinking oolong tea?
What Is Oolong Tea?
It is a traditional semi-oxidized Chinese tea made from the leaves, buds, and stems of the Camellia Sinensis plant, making green and black tea.
Though the plant may be the same, the harvesting and processing of the plant make the difference.
The process and amount of oxidation turn leave either in green or drop black. Oolong tea is just in between both.
It is partially oxidized, which is the result of the tea’s color and characteristics.
The tea is made by keeping the plant under intense sun and deteriorated at 8 to 85 percent. It has high consumption in China and Taiwan.
What Does Oolong Tea Taste Like? Does Oolong Tea Taste Good?
The taste of oolong tea varies from light to full-bodied, sweet to toasty, floral to grassy, depending on the processing technique.
The color of the leaves also varies from green to brown.
Sometimes the type and flavor of the tea are compared to the difference between fine wines.
Because of its complicated making techniques, the tea is the crown jewel of all tea.
The tea usually tastes floral, fruity, and thick.
Oolong and green tea are pretty similar in taste, though the oxidization and process are entirely different.
Both are equally famous among tea drinkers. They both contain caffeine.
Other names of Oolong tea are brown tea, black dragon tea, dragon Noir, Wu Long, Camellia Sinensis, Wu Long, Earl Grey tea, and many more.
Different countries have different names for the tea.
Oolong tea processing requires cultivating, harvesting, withering, oxidation, rolling and drying, roasting, and packaging.
Research shows that the nutrients of oolong tea have higher antioxidant and Antimutagenic effects than green and black tea.
It also contains several vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals.
According to the Oregon State University, a cup of oolong tea contains the following percentage of required dietary intake (RDI) nutrition value: 26 % of Manganese, 5 to 24% of fluoride, 36 mg of caffeine, and 1 % of sodium, magnesium, and niacin.
Theaflavins, Thearubigins, and EGCG are some of the primary antioxidants know as tea Polyphenols in oolong tea. It is responsible for all the health benefits.
The tea also contains an amino acid called Theanine which gives relaxing effects when you drink tea.
How to Drink Oolong Tea Properly?
People enjoy a wide range of oolong tea. Because it prevails for centuries, Oolong tea has many techniques and methods for consumption.
Depending on personal preference, the flavors and colors of the tea are developed.
Usually, steep the tea for 1 to 5 minutes. The more time it takes to steep, the additional flavor develops.
The best way to drink is to allow the tea to steep for 1 minute and sip it every 30 seconds.
It will help you to get the flavor of your preference. Then pour the tea into the teacups and enjoy your oolong tea.
Some precautions and warnings are essential when you are drinking oolong tea.
- It is advised not to drink the tea during pregnancy and breastfeeding except in small quantities.
- The caffeine present in the tea may increase anxiety disorder.
- Some research suggests that oolong tea might make the bleeding disorder worse by slowing the blood clotting.
- It may also cause irregular heartbeat for some people.
- Caffeine in oolong tea increases or decreases blood sugar. It is better to take with a doctor before using oolong tea for diabetic people.
- Tea, when taken in large amounts, may cause diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome.
- It also increases blood pressure because of the caffeine contained.
Conclusion
Oolong tea may not be as famous as green tea, but it has similar benefits.
It benefits the brain, bone, dental health, and heart.
The tea also boosts the metabolism and protects from a specific type of cancer.
The tea dramatically benefits the consumer. You definably will not be disappointed if you give it a try.