Oolong tea, often considered one of the most complex and versatile teas, is located between green and black teas in terms of oxidation. This semi-oxidation, which ranges from light to heavy depending on the type of oolong, gives the tea its unique character and rich flavour profile. Oolong tea is praised for its subtle flavours, aromatic complexity and health benefits. We are happy to tell you more about this special tea variety.
What is Oolong Tea?
Originally from China and Taiwan, Oolong tea is known for its varying levels of oxidation. While green tea is minimally oxidised and black tea is fully oxidised, oolong is somewhere in between, with oxidation levels ranging from 10% to 85%. This means the flavour of oolong tea depends on how far the leaves are oxidised, creating many different flavour profiles - from floral and fruity to rich and smoky.
Oolong is made from the same Camellia sinensis plant as green and black teas, but the unique production process gives oolong tea its own distinctive characteristics.
The Production Process of Oolong Tea
The production process of oolong tea is labour-intensive and requires precision and skill. The main steps in oolong tea production are:
- Picking: Oolong tea begins with picking the tea leaves, usually a combination of the young leaf and bud. The quality of the picking is crucial to the final result.
- Wilt: The plucked leaves are wilted in the sun or in a controlled environment to reduce the moisture content. This softens the leaves and prepares them for the oxidation process.
- Oxidation: During this process, the cells in the tea leaves break down, causing changes in flavour and colour. For oolong tea, oxidation is controlled and stopped once the desired level of oxidation is reached.
- Rolling and Shaping: After oxidation, the leaves are rolled or shaped to break down the cell walls and release the juice flow, which contributes to the tea's complex flavours. Oolong tea can take various forms, from tightly rolled balls to long, twisted leaves.
- Heating: To stop the oxidation process, the leaves are heated. This can be done by pan-roasting or frying, depending on the desired flavour.
- Drying: The final step is drying the leaves to remove all remaining moisture and prepare the tea for packaging.
Different Types of Oolong Tea
Oolong tea has quite a few styles and flavours, depending on where it is produced and how it is processed. Here are a few popular types of oolong tea:
- Tie Guan Yin (Iron Goddess of Mercy): One of the most famous oolongs from China, Tie Guan Yin is known for its delicate, floral aromas and a slightly sweet taste. It usually has low to medium oxidation levels.
- Da Hong Pao (Big Red Robe): This is a famous Chinese oolong from the Wuyi Mountains. It has a rich, smoky flavour with woody and spicy notes. This tea has a higher oxidation level and a deeper, darker character.
- Dong Ding (Frozen Summit): This oolong comes from Taiwan and is known for its complex flavours that range from floral to nutty. Dong Ding oolong is often baked, giving it a toasted flavour.
- Oriental Beauty: Also from Taiwan, Oriental Beauty oolong has a distinctive sweetness and fruity notes. It is often produced with higher oxidation levels and has a complex flavour profile with hints of honey and peach.
Health benefits of oolong tea
Like other types of tea, oolong tea offers a range of health benefits, largely thanks to the antioxidants it contains. Here are some of the benefits of drinking oolong tea:
- Oolong tea contains catechins and caffeine, which together can boost metabolism and promote fat burning. Studies suggest that drinking oolong tea regularly can help with weight management and fat loss.
- The antioxidants in oolong tea can help lower blood pressure, improve circulation and reduce the risk of heart disease. Regular drinking of oolong tea is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Thanks to its caffeine, oolong tea can help improve mental alertness and concentration. At the same time, the L-theanine in the tea offers a calming effect, which helps reduce stress and promote relaxation.
- Oolong tea contains antioxidants that can contribute to healthy skin and shiny hair. Drinking oolong tea can help fight inflammation and reduce skin conditions such as acne and eczema.
Important to mention, is that tea is not a medicine. In case of health complaints, it is always advisable to consult a doctor or specialist.
How to brew oolong tea
Proper preparation of oolong tea is hugely important to enjoy its rich flavours and aromas. Here is a simple guide to brewing oolong tea properly:
- Use water with a temperature of around 85°C to 95°C. Too hot water can burn the delicate flavours of oolong, while too cold water will not allow the tea to reach its full potential.
- Use about 1 teaspoon of oolong tea per cup (250 ml) of water. This is about 2.5 grams.
- Allow the tea to steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on the degree of oxidation and your personal taste. Lighter oolongs can have a shorter infusion time, while darker oolongs may benefit from a longer infusion time.
- Oolong tea is ideal for multiple infusions. You can reuse the same leaves up to 4-6 times, with each infusion revealing subtle changes in flavour and aroma.
