For a class rate tea, you cannot go wrong in choosing Chinese oolong (or wulong) tea. Of all tea consumed in the world, this is by far the most popular. Because of the half-fermentation process it goes through, the tea is a cross between green tea and black Chinese tea. The flavor is smooth and refreshing and the aroma natural and lingering.
The name “wulong” translates in Chinese to dragon, which has quickly become the symbol for Chinese tea in general. Although history does not tell us if the name came from a particular location or part of the Camellia sinensis plant, we do know that it is an amazing choice. The pinyin for oolong is pronounced “Wu Long”, which again means black dragon, a lucky character to the Chinese people.
Special Processing of Wulong Tea
The process used to make Chinese oolong tea is unique. For this, the tea maker would choose one of six methods, which include withering with sunshine, fresh leaf tedding, green rocking, green stir-fry, rolling, and drying. While it sounds as if making Chinese oolong tea is a long and complicated process, in truth, it is relatively easy and the outcome worth the effort.
Typically, once the tea leaves have been pulled from the plant, they are withered by some process, bruised, and then finally dried. Depending on the specific variety of wulong, leaves would be rolled or twisted. The key to making this type of Chinese herbal tea is with precision, offered by Chinese tea makers. The timing must be exact so the tea is only partially oxidized, which creates the wide selection of flavors, as well as aromas and even colors.
Varieties and Flavors of WulongTea
Another aspect of Chinese herbal tea such as oolong that makes it so unique is the vast flavors that can be produced are amazing, each with specific notes and luxurious bouquets. For instance, some tea is made to be sweet and light, which would seen with Formosa oolong tea. In this case, large leaves are tightly rolled to create the wonderful, smooth flavor.
Another flavor of oolong tea is called Tieguanyin. This is made with dark green leaves that are extra thick and shiny. However, these leaves produce a wonderful, flower brew with an amber color. Of all varieties of oolong tea, this is considered the all-purpose choice, one with a balanced flavor that most people love.
Wuyi Cliff Chinese oolong tea is also popular. This tea is grown in the Fujiun Province of China, which boasts a mild climate year round. In the mountains where the oolong tea is grown, the climate is cool and misty, perfect growing conditions. The flavor is rich and because the leaves go through fermentation, which are then twisted and dried, this variety contains caffeine. However, known as a healthy tea, it helps with digestion and even weight loss.
Wulong Tea Benefits
Chinese tea in general offers some type of health benefits but Chinese oolong tea is believed to have the most benefits of all. For instance, this tea helps with anti-aging, lowering blood pressure, improving immune system, and even preventing heart disease. Numerous studies have been conducted on this exotic tea and they show that oolong tea can help with food digestion, relaxation, and increase lifespan. Specific to weight loss, experts say drinking 10 cups of oolong tea every day would be beneficial, as well as increase energy levels.
