What is Oolong tea and why should you buy it?

Oolong tea is one of the most significant types of tea, which has gained increasing popularity in recent years among tea lovers and those with a healthy lifestyle. If you don’t know Oolong yet, it’s time to change that. Let’s find out why!

What is Oolong tea?

Oolong, often called “blue-green tea”, is a semi-fermented tea that lies somewhere between green and black tea. What does this mean? That its processing is carried out so that part of the enzymatic oxidation of the leaves is stopped at the exact moment when a characteristic balanced taste and aroma arise. Thanks to this, Oolong offers a wide range of flavors, from floral and fruity notes to gently smoky or honeyed ones.

It mainly originates from China and Taiwan, where its production has a long tradition and it is considered a tea with exceptional properties.

Why get Oolong tea?

1. Great taste and aroma

Oolong offers a complex taste experience appreciated by both beginners and experienced tea connoisseurs. It can be delicate and refreshing, but also rich and distinctive. Moreover, its flavor can change even during brewing.

2. Supports metabolism and weight loss

Many studies suggest that Oolong tea can support fat burning and speed up metabolism, which is why it is popular among people trying to lose weight.

3. Antioxidants and health

Oolong contains polyphenols and other antioxidants that help protect the body from free radicals, support the immune system, and contribute to overall vitality.

4. Aid in digestion

Thanks to its properties, Oolong tea helps digestion and can relieve discomfort after heavy meals.

5. Mental well-being and relaxation

It contains the amino acid L-theanine, which promotes calmness and focus without drowsiness, an ideal combination for work breaks and relaxation.

How to choose and prepare Oolong tea?

When choosing, focus on quality, because the higher the quality, the better the taste and effects. The best are loose leaf teas, which you can brew multiple times and each time get a slightly different experience.

Preparation is simple: just pour boiling water at around 85–95 °C over a teaspoon of Oolong tea and steep for 3–5 minutes. The tea can be brewed repeatedly, often up to 3–5 times, with aroma and taste gradually evolving.

Recommended Oolong teas for beginners and connoisseurs

• Wuyi Rock Tea – a high-quality and aromatic Oolong with distinct mineral tones originating from the Wuyi mountains in China. Great for those seeking an authentic experience.

• Da Hong Pao Shape Tea – an exclusive type of Oolong known for its rich taste and legendary history. It is an ideal choice for true tea lovers who want to explore deeper flavor layers.

Difference between green, black tea and Oolong

Green, black, and oolong teas all come from the same plant Camellia sinensis, but differ in processing, which affects their taste, color, and compound content.

• Green tea: The leaves are quickly processed after harvest to prevent oxidation (fermentation). The result is a fresh, slightly astringent tea with a pronounced green color and a higher content of antioxidants, which remain in their original form.

• Black tea: The leaves are fully oxidized, meaning they are exposed to air and enzymatically changed. This process creates a darker color and a stronger, often more pronounced flavor. Black tea usually contains more caffeine than green tea.

• Oolong tea: Oolong is a partially fermented tea, which means that oxidation occurs only partially, between 10 and 70%. This partial fermentation gives Oolong a unique flavor complexity and aroma that is somewhere between green and black tea. The color and taste can vary depending on the degree of oxidation.

Oolong and caffeine

Oolong tea contains caffeine, but its amount depends on the type of Oolong and the preparation method. Generally, the caffeine in Oolong is between the amounts found in green and black tea.

• Milder than black tea – Oolong contains less caffeine than most black teas, meaning it acts as a stimulant but not too strong.

• More than green tea – compared to green tea, it has slightly more caffeine, which can help increase alertness and concentration.

• L-theanine for a balanced effect – thanks to the presence of the amino acid L-theanine, Oolong tea has the ability to promote calm and focus without the nervousness that sometimes occurs with coffee or energy drinks.

Conclusion

Oolong tea is a great choice for anyone looking for a taste experience somewhere between green and black tea, while also wanting to benefit from its health advantages. Thanks to its unique processing method, it offers a wide range of flavors and aromas that will please both beginners and experienced tea enthusiasts. Moreover, its positive effects on metabolism, digestion, and mental health make Oolong not only a delicious beverage but also a healthy companion for every day.