Unique Quality of Wu Long Tea
Again, the formal name of this variety is Wu Long Tea although you would likely find it sold as oolong. For this tea, the leaves are only oxidized partially, which is done by using controlled but varying levels of heat. Just as with loose green tea and loose black that offers a nice flavor and health benefits, oolong also has the same characteristics.
China remains the top producer of Wu Long Tea but with growing consumer demand, it is now grown in other regions of the world.
Processing of Wu Long Tea
With the partial oxidation of this type of tea, you would also find that it comes in different flavors based on how much oxidation is used during processing. Regardless of the tea grown from the Camellia sinensis plant, Chinese black tea, Chinese black tea, Chinese white tea, or Chinese oolong tea, the primary element is oxidation since each type of tea is processed differently.
The one thing that people love about Wu Long Tea is that it is stronger than green tea but not as full bodied as black tea. In addition, the color and fragrance are light as with green tea but still fresh like black tea. Most people agree that drinking Wu Long Tea creates a unique experience in that the aroma actually lingers in the mouth.
Some of the key benefits to drinking Wu Long Tea include slowing of the aging process, lowering high blood pressure, boosting the body’s immune system, and even lowering high cholesterol levels. In fact, this variety of tea also helps with digestion and some claim it can reduce the effects of alcohol. Best of all, studies show that Wu Long Tea slows aging, which means living a longer and healthier life.
The process involved in making Chinese Wu Long Tea is different from other special teas are since whole leaves are used and often, processing is done in small, private homes. From there, the leaves go through a finishing and blending process, which is done in large factories.
Today, many types of tea being produced in China is done on modern terms but for the majority of Wu Long Tea grown, small cottages are still very much involved.
The best Wu Long Tea grown in China comes from Southern Fujian, the Teguanyian line, Western Fujian or the Wuyi line, and Northern Guangdong, or the Phoenix line. Other countries that now produce this tea include India and Taiwan.
People all over the world now enjoy the wonderful flavor and aroma that comes from Wu Long Tea. With so many different flavors and infusions available, there is a specific type of oolong for everyone. Remember, people in Asia, especially those in China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong depend on tea as a vital part of daily life. For this reason, standards of tea quality is taken seriously.
Delicious Flavor
One of the top benefits associated with Wu Long Tea is the delicious flavor. In addition to it being smooth and calming like you would find with green tea, it is also invigorating and refreshing that comes from black tea. For this reason, most people that drink Wu Long Tea say they have a feeling of wellness that comes with each cup.
Additionally, Wu Long Tea is oxidized differently based on the country where it is grown and the tea garden where it is processed. For this reason, some varieties are light because of slight oxidation while others have a more robust flavor due to being oxidized longer.
Then, when Wu Long Tea is blended with other types of tea, you would get a different flavor entirely, as well as greater health benefits.
Enjoying a Sense of Well Being
Without doubt, the one beverage that provides the greatest health benefits in the world is tea.
When tea is naturally produced, such as Wu Long Tea, a sense of well being and calmness is expected. Obviously, drinking coffee or soda can cause a jittery sensation because of the high levels of caffeine and sugar. In addition, soda and other similar beverages are made with dangerous chemicals. On the other hand, sipping on a cup of healthy tea would provide you with a sense of serenity, great with breakfast or before going to bed.
Because of the sense of well being, high-end spas throughout the world serve this and other types of teas to customers.
Losing Weight with Wu Long Tea
Studies have been done on Wu Long Tea with results showing that it can promote weight loss.
Because Wu Long Tea only has a slight amount of caffeine while containing polyphenols and antioxidants that are essential for good health, it helps to boost energy by as much as 10%. This type of tea also increases the body’s metabolism, which in turn helps with weight loss. Another huge benefit is that insulin levels are controlled so Wu Long Tea could even be enjoyed by people with Diabetes. Researchers have found that the number of calories burned with Wu Long Tea compared with Green Tea is two and one-half times more.
Wu Long Tea can also prevent and reduce the amount of plaque that builds in the arteries, which helps lower high cholesterol and produce a leaner body. Even the reduction of fat is encouraged due to this tea containing polyphenols. Another benefit is enzyme activation, which helps to dissolve triglycerides.
The effects of eating too many carbohydrates is also eliminated in that Wu Long Tea controls fat. We all know that when a diet contains a high level of carbohydrates, not only will this add pounds but also cause insulin levels to rise. Therefore, drinking Wu Long Tea that can reduce lipid metabolism has the same effect of fat accumulation being eliminated.
Health Benefits of Wu Long Tea
Wu Long Tea also contains polyphenols and catechins, which are special compounds that promote good health. When buying this type of tea, it is important to purchase from reputable tea companies so you know that the leaves have been handpicked.
Wu Long Tea also helps control free radicals in the body that can do serious damage to the cellular level and DNA. The level of antioxidants contained in this type of tea is high, which is what keeps free radicals from causing damage. Along with this, signs of aging are slowed.
Then, the body’s immune system is strengthened, which helps fight off infections and illnesses, even the flu and common cold.
Buying High Quality Tea
The highest quality of Wu Long Tea would be made with pluckings that come from the Camellia sinensis plant grown in high altitudes. For this reason, tea produced high in China’s Wuyi mountains is considered some of the best. Although you might pay more for high quality, it would be worth the additional cost.
Additionally, when you purchase only loose leaf tea, you know it went through the best processing method available, which means there are no broken or damaged leaves, no twigs, no dust, and no fannings involved.
A process used by some of the better tea companies is called cupping, which is done for every shipment. With this, imported shipments are all tested for quality, which means as the buyer, a company that cups tea can guarantee quality consistency.
Value of Wu Long Tea
Even the best quality Wu Long Tea on the market is still affordable. Keep in mind that you will always pay more for loose leaf tea than you would for bagged tea, regardless of type.
If you were to lay loose leaf tea next to the contents of bagged tea, it would be easy to see the difference. Tea bags are filled with tea dust, broken or damaged leaves, fannings, and sometimes, small pieces of twig. The reason is that the contents of a tea bag can be infused quicker but this also means quality is typically inferior. Interestingly, when you consider the quality of tea you are paying for with tea bags and all the modern processes involved for making the bags, you can see that paying a little more for loose leaf tea is actually not paying more at all.
When you purchase Wu Long Tea or any other variety of tea in loose leaf form, you are getting the best quality possible because the leaves were all hand plucked and carefully processed.
