What Is Oolong Tea? | A Guide to Oolong Tea Types, Taste, and Benefits
Do you have questions about oolong tea? We've got you covered. From oolong tea types, taste, and health benefits - you'll find your answers here. Whether you're new to oolong tea or you just want to know more, scroll down to check out the most frequently asked questions about oolong tea.
What is oolong tea?
Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese tea that means “dark dragon”. The flavor of oolong tea has hints of green tea as well as the bitterness of black tea, which is why some people consider oolong tea a middle ground between green tea and black tea. Drinking oolong tea regularly comes with a multitude of health benefits from weight loss to dental hygiene.
What types of oolong tea are there?
Oolong tea is grown in China and Taiwan with 20% of the world's oolong tea coming from Taiwan. There are various types of oolong tea, which differ by oxidation percentages that range from 8% to 80%. Tea leaves are oxidized by being exposed to the air and different oxidation percentages produce varied flavors, aromas, and caffeine levels. Taiwanese oolong tea tends to be less oxidized and grown at high elevation so it tastes lighter and more refreshing than other oolong tea types. Chinese Wuyi Rock Oolong tea has a higher oxidation percentage than the Taiwanese oolong tea, which means it has a heavier aftertaste that is reminiscent of dark chocolate or roasted fruits. Other types of popular oolong tea include Dan Cong Oolong and Oriental Beauty, which are both characterized by their sweetness.
How does oolong tea taste?
If you've never tried oolong tea, you're probably wondering, "What does oolong tea taste like?" The flavor of oolong tea has the combined characteristics of green tea and black tea. Lightly oxidized oolong tea has a slightly sweet, melon flavor as well as a woody, roasted taste that is similar to black tea. It’s important to note that the flavor of oolong tea varies depending on the type of oolong, origin of production, and tea processing methods. Steeping time can also affect the flavor of oolong tea.
Does oolong tea have caffeine?
The caffeine in oolong tea varies depending on how long the tea leaves have been exposed to oxygen and the steeping time when making oolong tea. The more oxidized the tea leaves, the more caffeinated the tea. In an 8 oz cup, oolong tea has 30-40 mg of caffeine and coffee has 95 mg of caffeine. Learn about the caffeine in tea vs. coffee.
What are the health benefits of oolong tea?
Drinking oolong tea regularly can help lower cholesterol, the risk of heart disease, and cancer, as well as aid weight loss. Oolong tea also improves dental health as the tea naturally contains fluoride, which is found in toothpaste and mouthwash to help prevent dental cavities. Learn more about oolong tea health benefits.
Is oolong tea good for weight loss?
Oolong tea is known to speed up metabolism and the burning of fat in the body. Therefore, oolong tea can help with weight loss. A study involving overweight and obese adults revealed that drinking 300ml of oolong tea 4 times per day over 6 weeks can help with losing more over 2 lbs (1 kg) in weight and body fat.
Oolong tea vs. green tea health benefits
Although oolong tea and green tea both come from the same plant, Camellia Sinensis, green tea is less oxidized than oolong tea. The longer the oxidation process, the darker the leaves are. This is why oolong tea has a darker brown color than green tea. Oolong tea and green tea have similar health benefits as they both reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and lower high blood pressure. They both help with weight loss as scientists found an increased metabolism in regular tea drinkers as well as an increase in fat oxidation. However, studies have shown that oolong tea is better than green tea for weight loss.
Oolong tea vs. black tea health benefits?
Black tea is higher in caffeine than oolong tea, which makes it a better option if you are looking for an energy boost or need to focus. There are also gut benefits to drinking black tea. With oolong tea, benefits include improved dental hygiene and anxiety relief. Oolong tea leaves can be re-steeped a greater number of times than black tea. With more uses, you can experience the benefits of oolong tea multiple times with the same leaves. Learn more about black tea health benefits.
Are there any oolong tea side effects?
It is recommended to drink within the 2-3 cups range per day for oolong tea because drinking too much of this caffeinated tea can lead to insomnia or skin rashes for those sensitive to caffeine. People with caffeine sensitivity should limit their consumption of this type of tea.
Where can you buy the best oolong tea?
The taste of oolong tea varies depending on how the leaves are treated during production. To find the best oolong tea for you, it is useful to research the tea type, origin, and production process. Buying oolong tea online gives you the opportunity to learn more about the tea brand and the tea type before purchasing. Learn how to choose the best Asian tea brand.
What is in Us Two Tea’s oolong tea?
Us Two Tea’s Homesick Oolong Tea offers premium whole loose leaf tea grown on a 5,000 feet mountain in Taiwan. The loose leaf tea is conveniently packaged in biodegradable, corn fiber tea sachets so that you can make high quality oolong tea anywhere without traditional tea equipment. The gentle grassy melon aroma of Taiwanese oolong tea will bring you calmness and comfort - like the feeling of home.