Second only to China, Taiwan produces a large amount of oolong tea and in fact, they grow some of the finest in the world.  While there are different varieties, Imperial Formosa is by far the most enjoyable, which is delicate but also full-flavored.

This type of exotic tea offers an amazing flavor and aroma.  While the flavor is more complex than you would find with other types of oolong, even green tea, the floral note of peach coupled with chestnut and cedar is unbeatable.  The taste of Imperial Formosa has a subtle sweetness yet mild.  Since this tea is full bodied and light at the same time, drinking it offers a unique experience you would not get with other types of healthy tea.

Finding Imperial Formosa Oolong Tea

Finding this type of oolong tea can be somewhat difficult since it is considered more of a rare tea.  In addition, you would expect to pay more and depending on the tea companies you shop from, the price could be high.  The reason is that Imperial Formosa requires more work to produce, which justifies the higher price.

In fact, when looking at Chinese herbal teas, you will find that Imperial Formosa is even more costly than you would pay for Chinese oolong tea simply because the cost to hire laborers in Taiwan is much greater than the cost of workers in China.

Whether you buy tea online or at a local store selling specialty teas, you should be able to get Imperial Formosa but it might need to be special ordered.  Even if you need to wait for delivery, it would be well worth it.

Brewing Imperial Formosa

Even the brewing process of Imperial Formosa is different from other types of white tea.  For this, you want to run hot water from the tap into both the cups you will be drinking from and the teapot.  The best type of teapot for this type of herbal tea is a Yixing clay teapot.  Once you have run the hot water, add only cold, purified or mineral spring water into the pot, bringing it to a full boil.  At that point, take the teapot off the burner, allowing the water to cool down to 180 degrees.  Then, use one full teaspoon of tea per cup.

With Imperial Formosa, you also need to bring the leaves to life.  For this, pour a small amount of hot water over the leaves, which helps to rinse them off, followed by pouring the water off quickly.  At that time, you can then add more hot water to fill the cup, steeping the tea for only one minute.  Remember, if you brew oolong, loose green tea, loose black tea, and other varieties too long, the flavor becomes bitter.

Infusing Imperial Formosa

If you purchase quality Imperial Formosa oolong tea, it can be infused up to five times, which means using the same leaves.  Therefore, while you would pay more money initially, considering that you get more out of the leaves it actually cuts the price down.  Interesting, both flavors and aromas you experience with each infusion is slightly different but still distinct and delicious.

With Imperial Formosa, it is best enjoyed naturally without adding milk or sugar although you could if you wanted.  This tea is simply delicious without additions and it can be enjoyed to unwind or for entertaining friends with snack foods.  In fact, many people in Asia will use oolong tea along with fresh fruit, finger sandwiches, soups, and salads for entertainment.

Serving Imperial Formosa with Food

Some of the favorite types of food that go well with Imperial Formosa oolong tea include seafood, especially scallops, lobster, and shrimp.  However, this type of tea is also wonderful with poultry, particularly dishes made with heavy cream sauces.

Numerous countries have a culture whereby tea is made specially to compliment a meal, choosing the exact variety based on the type of food being served.  This would be equivalent to people In the United States choosing wine for a meal.

Remember, if you want the perfect tea, one that would go with meals or even dessert such as banana pudding, key lime pie, or pound cake, you cannot go wrong in choose Imperial Formosa oolong tea from Taiwan.

Once you taste the flavor and smell the aroma, you will fall in love with this tea.  While most people drink oolong tea hot, it also makes an exceptional cold beverage without losing any of its flavor but you want to be sure the tea is cooled before adding ice to the glass.  Otherwise, the hot tea would cause the ice to melt, thereby diluting the tea.  Since the flavor of Imperial Formosa oolong tea is already delicate, you would not want this to happen.

Although the majority of people in the world have not yet had the privilege of tasting Imperial Formosa oolong tea, once they do, it will quickly become a favorite.  With the delicate texture and complex flavors, it is the ideal tea for everyone.

As mentioned, standard oolong originated from China with the name translating to “black dragon”.  The official name is Wulong tea, which most people believe is named after the person that developed this particular variety of tea.

What is the legend of Oolong Tea?

This person, Wu Liang, was actually a tea gardener in China.  According to the country’s longstanding legend, this gardener was out gathering tea leaves to be processed and while out in the forest, he saw a River Deer.  Killing the deer, he turned all his attention to dressing it and not on the tea processing so the leaves were never dried.

The following day, Wu Liang recalled that he had forgotten about the tea leaves and when he went back, he noticed the color had begun to change.  His initial thought was that the tea was rotting but on a whim, he went ahead and completed the drying process.  When done, he decided to make a cup of tea and he was surprised at the unique and wonderful flavor produced, as well as fragrance.  This story is the legend of how oolong tea was created.

Characteristics of Oolong Tea

Often referred to as a type of tea that is in the “middle of the road” because it is not as strong as Chinese black tea but stronger than Chinese green tea is.  While oolong tea is fermented, it only goes through a partial process.  Because of that, the flavor and aroma leans more toward green tea than it does black tea.  Additionally, the leaves used for making oolong tea are actually quite large because they grow toward the base of the Camellia sinensis plant.

Now, the other type of oolong tea is called Formosa oolong.  This tea is grown in Taiwan and falls between loose black tea and loose green tea.  Keep in mind that the largest producer of oolong tea in the world is Taiwan, not China.  When buying Formosa tea from reputable tea companies, you will find two categories, which is based on the way in which the leaves are fermented.  Similar to standard Chinese oolong is True Formosa oolong, which is fermented to the point of 30% of the leaves turning red and 70% turning green.

The second category of Formosa oolong tea from Taiwan is called Formosa Pouchong oolong.  The flavor and color is very similar to green tea but in this case, fermentation occurs until the leaves are 15% red and 85% green.

Brewing Oolong Tea

For both True Formosa and Formosa Pouchong, leaves are hand plucked in the early part of the day, then set out in the sun to wither.  From there, the leaves are tumbled or shaken to bruise them just slightly, which starts the fermentation process.  Artisans that ferment oolong tea are very skilled, spending time carefully watching the leaves throughout the entire process of fermentation.  The leaves would continue to be bruised on a regular basis until they have been properly fermented.  After turning the right red/green color, the fermentation process would be deemed complete.

Once the fermentation process is completed, the leaves go through the drying phase.  For this, workers typically use charcoal prior to the tea being graded for quality.  Once done, the oolong tea is packaged and ready to be exported.

One of the most sophisticated and delicious types of Formosa oolong tea is called Imperial Formosa.  The color is a beautiful gold and the flavor crisp and refreshing.  The flavor of this tea is amazing, offering a subtle hint of citrus, wood, and nut.  After taking a sip, you would notice a slight sweet flavor lingering in your mouth.

Keep in mind that you would need to purchase Imperial Formosa oolong tea from one of the quality tea companies online since it is rare and somewhat hard to find.  Additionally, expect to pay a little higher price for this type of oolong over other varieties.  However, chances are that once you taste Imperial Formosa oolong tea, it will quickly become your favorite tea, putting all other types of healthy tea or exotic tea to shame.

Healthy Oolong Tea

Along with the unrivaled flavor, oolong tea is also great for promoting health.  This tea is high in antioxidants.  Of course, with oolong tea going through a partial fermentation process, depending on the variety and the level of fermentation, the level of antioxidants would vary.  Even so, since this involves only a partial process of fermentation, antioxidants are effective while retained at a high level.

Polyphenols are the antioxidants that oolong tea contains and of all antioxidants, this is one of the most powerful, known for preventing both heart disease and certain types of cancer.  In the past few years, medical professionals and scientists have conducted a tremendous amount of research and the results confirm that oolong tea is loaded with healing properties.  Therefore, if you want to protect your body from major illness so you can live a long, healthy life, oolong tea should become a part of your daily regimen.

Studies also show that oolong tea increases the body’s metabolism and oxidizes fat so it is an effective tool for weight loss.  Then, because of the partial fermentation process associated with oolong tea, it only has a small amount of caffeine, which means you could enjoy a cup of hot tea before bed without being kept up.  In fact, even people that have sensitivity to caffeine can drink oolong tea without any problem.

When searching for a new type of tea to try, something complex, sophisticated, delicious, and healthy, you cannot go wrong in choosing Formosa oolong tea.  Whether you have enjoyed tea for most of your life or you are just learning about tea, you will love the flavor and aroma.  Again, the best of the best is Imperial Formosa oolong tea, which will surprise you.

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.

Fine Dining and Tea

One type of service we now see associated with many fine dining establishments is the serving of exotic after dinner.  While restaurants still offer guests coffee, espresso, or cappuccino, more and more restaurants are realizing that people look for quality tea after the meal such as Chai green tea or Chinese black tea.  Unfortunately, many restaurants have the right idea by offering tea but they do not have a broad enough selection.  Additionally, to make a lasting impression, guests should only be provided with loose leaf tea and an individual teapot for steeping.  This way, when served loose black tea, loose green tea, loose white tea, loose oolong tea, or even Jasmine tea or other flowering tea along with purified or mineral water, the guest would have the perfect cup of tea.

The biggest mistake that all restaurants, regardless of rating need to avoid is offering patrons a tea bag.  For instance, if a guest were offered green tea bags after dinner, they would not actually be getting quality green tea from leaves but dust, which is the leftover that comes from processed leaves.  Obviously, the quality would be subpar, nothing that should be served in an upscale restaurant.

Sure, tea bags are easy to find, they are convenient, and affordable but they lack in quality and healing properties found with loose leaf tea.  Today, many tea suppliers are now providing quality restaurants with teapots and single serve infusers so the type of tea chosen could be steeped to perfection right at the table.  In fact, many of the best hotels and restaurants actually have a tea variety specially made for them and given a private label.

The Popularity of Loose Leaf Tea

In the past five to ten years, the level of popularity associated with loose leaf tea has grown tremendously.  After enjoying a delicious meal, this type of tea is the ideal way to finish the dining experience.  To provide customers with a nice selection of loose leaf tea but without spending a fortune, most hotel and restaurant owners will work with a particular wholesale supplier that can get what they want and at a discounted price.  This supplier would also provide the owner of the hotel or restaurant with the teapots, infusers, cups, saucers, and other tea accessories at a good price.

Hotel/Restaurant Owner and Supplier Connection

The hotel or restaurant owner that has a solid relationship with the wholesale tea supplier will always feel confident that the best quality loose leaf tea is being provided and at the lowest price possible.  With this, diners are given an opportunity to end a perfect meal with a perfect cup of hot tea.  Typically, the longer this relationship lasts and the more quantity of tea ordered the lower the price offered by the supplier.  Remember, success is not only important to the hotel or restaurant owner, but also to the supplier who depends on the owner’s success.

For a wholesale tea supplier to be successful and enjoy a long relationship with his or her customers being the restaurant or hotel owner requires spending time to understand needs and then following through.  The supplier that only provides a few tea choices or is never available to answer questions or help with issues will fail.  Being available and working hard to satisfy the hotel and restaurant owner is reflected by the diner’s experience and level of satisfaction.

Because oolong tea is only partially fermented, it has a flavor that falls between green tea, which is not fermented at all, and black tea, which is fully fermented.  This means the cup of tea you would enjoy is not as strong and bold as black tea but bolder than a cup of green tea.  In addition, oolong tea has some interesting and complex flavors, as well as a soothing aroma.

Unique Characteristics of Oolong Tea

Initially, oolong tea was discovered and grown in China.  Keep in mind that when comparing Formosa oolong tea with standard oolong tea grown in China, they are different.  The primary difference is that the Formosa varieties are produced and harvested in Taiwan and the name “Formosa” was the original name for “Taiwan”, thus the name of the tea.

You will also find when comparing oolong tea to other types of tea, you would find more differences.  For one thing, the processing method associated with oolong tea is very precise so it requires a highly skilled worker.  Every leaf is hand plucked, after which time the leaves are set aside to wither and dry out.  For Chinese oolong tea, the withering process occurs in sheds.  However, Formosa oolong teas are allowed to wither outside in the sun.

After withering, leaves for oolong tea must be slightly bruised.  With this, the oxidation process begins, which involves the leaves being tumbled or shaken regularly.  After the partial fermentation is complete, the leaves are fired on just one end, which completes the process of oxidation.  Again, each step of processing oolong tealeaves requires specific skill and if not, the tea would not come out right.

Due to the intense level of skill involved in processing oolong leaves, this type of tea is usually grown in smaller tea gardens where everything is done by hand.  Today, some types of teas are not processed through automation but oolong cannot be processed this way or the quality would be poor.

Flavor of Oolong Tea

You would also find that when comparing flavor of oolong tea between loose black tea, loose white tea, or loose green tea, there is a distinct difference.  Usually, oolong varieties are more delicate than you would get from black tea and the grassy flavor associated with green tea is eliminated.  In addition, oolong has a wonderful aroma that has a subtle hint of floral and peach.

Then when you look at Formosa oolong tea, without doubt, this variety offers the greatest fragrance and fruity hint of all oolong tea.  Even the peach notes can be detected easier in the flavor of the tea and fragrance.  However, as in the case of Imperial Formosa Oolong Tea, you would also taste nutty and woody notes.  In fact, people that have tasted Formosa oolong teas agree the flavor is somewhat like chestnut.  Of all tea grown, people agree that oolong is the most complex and sophisticated.

Grading of Formosa Oolong Tea

The way oolong tea is graded differs between Chinese and Taiwan varieties.  In Taiwan, the government has established a grading system that is standard for all tea.  With this, consumers have peace of mind that they are buying only high quality.  If you purchase Formosa oolong tea, varieties graded as “Finest to Choice” is the best with the second best being listed as “Finest.”

Interestingly, Formosa oolong teas are actually very easy to judge with each grade relating specifically to the tea’s quality.  Therefore, if you purchase loose Formosa tea leaves with a Finest to Choice grade, which is the highest, you can be sure that the money you spend would be well worth the quality you get.

Preparing Formosa Oolong Tea

The way Formosa oolong tea is brewed is unique to Chinese Formosa oolong tea.  The goal with Formosa leaves is to awaken them prior to being brewed.  To accomplish this, you would boil purified or bottled water and then allow it to cool down to a temperature of 180 degrees.

Next, only a small amount of the water would be poured over the leaves of this health tea, followed by rinsing them off and pouring off all the water.  With this step, both flavor and fragrance of the tea is awakened.  After that, you would pour more hot water over the leaves so they can steep.

With this type of exotic tea, it is imperative that you not allow the tea to steep longer than one minute since any longer would create a bitter taste.  For the best cup of Imperial Formosa Oolong Tea, we strongly recommend you use mineral water for the best quality in that this actually enhances the flavor and aroma of this type of tea.

The great thing about Formosa oolong leaves is that they can be infused multiple times.  Although you would notice a slightly different taste for each infusion, they are all delicious.  In addition, the flavors vary in prominence with each infusion but while different, choosing quality oolong tea from any of the reputable tea companies would ensure an amazing beverage.

Health Benefits of Formosa Oolong Tea

In addition to being delicious and aromatic, Imperial Formosa Oolong Tea is also healthy.  Just as with the best green tea, black tea, and white tea, remember that oolong tea also contains antioxidants.  Since this type of tea is only partially fermented, the level of antioxidants is actually quite high.  Therefore, one antioxidant in particular called Polyphenol is powerful and studies show that it can prevent and fight heart disease and cancer.

Other benefits of drinking oolong tea includes helping with weight loss by speeding up the body’s metabolism and oxidizing fat.  Therefore, people trying to drop unwanted pounds could drink oolong tea daily and see quicker results.

The bottom line is that Imperial Formosa Oolong Tea is delicious to drink and healthy at the same time.  With the sophisticated flavors, nutty, woody, flora, and fruity, it is a wonderful tea to enjoy.  Then when you consider the incredible healing properties, just imagine living a long, healthy life simply by sipping on a wonderful cup of Imperial Formosa Oolong Tea.

Typically, green tea benefit comes from both fermented and unfermented types, which include:

• Green Tea – Unfermented
• Oolong Tea – Partially Fermented
• Black Tea – Fermented

Both oolong and loose black tea are popular choices but of the three, green tea actually offers more health benefits. Chinese green tea is unique because it does not go through a fermentation process, meaning it is dried immediately after being picked. Because of this, the polyphenols in the leaves are untouched. However, with oolong and black tea, they go through a partial or full fermentation process so polyphenols are impacted.

What are Polyphenols?

Polyphenols are extremely strong antioxidants, which are known to fight off free radicals within the body, which are cells that become seriously damaged. The damaged cells quickly become unstable, no longer being able to respond normally to DNA molecules. When this happens, the body’s cellular level becomes damaged as well, leaning to illness.

In a short amount of time, various types of disease appear to include cancer and heart disease. However, when drinking the best green tea available, tea rich in polyphenols, the free radicals can be eliminated from the body. In fact, to prevent from having a second heart attack, people can consume green tea or take green tea supplements to help blood vessels relax. In fact, green tea has been show to lower blood pressure that can lead to heart attack.

Numerous studies have been conducted showing that up to 50% of people that drink green tea have lower risk for esophageal and stomach cancer when compared to people that do not drink green tea. Additionally, a green tea benefit has been shown to help with weight loss. The combination of polyphenols and caffeine boost metabolism and energy, which helps burn fat and calories.

The key is drinking the right amount of this healthy tea so the full benefits can be enjoyed. Most studies show that three to five cups daily is the perfect amount, which could be hot or cold. Now all you need to do is enjoy.

Burn those calories: Boost your resting metabolic rate

Numerous studies have been done on the Camellia sinensis plant, as well as green tea varieties. Many of the most current studies show that drinking three to five cups of green tea each day not only helps with better digestion but it also helps to raise the resting metabolic rate by as much as 3%. For instance, consuming three cups with a basic metabolic rate of 2,000, you would burn 60 additional calories.

Weight Loss and Green Tea

If you were trying to drop some unwanted weight, 60 calories a day would help you achieve your ultimate goal. Of course, along with drinking this type of healthy tea, you also need to eat a healthy diet and get a minimum of 30 minutes exercise daily. Even so, knowing that three to five cups of green tea daily to lose and maintain weight is exciting.

The benefits of Chinese herbal tea that people in the western world are beginning to realize have been enjoyed by people in Asia for thousands of years. In fact, if you were to compare Americans with Asians regarding incidences of serious health problems, to include heart disease and cancer, you would see that Asians are much healthier. In addition, people in Asian seldom have weight problems whereas America is in the midst of an obesity epidemic.

Fighting Free Radicals

The food we eat is converted into energy but every day the body also battles what are known as free radicals, which are damaging to DNA and cells. If these free radicals are left untreated, they multiply and begin the process of allowing diseases to develop. Other problems associated with free radicals include the cause of premature aging and clogged arteries, among other things.

The best method for fighting free radicals is with antioxidants. In fact, studies show that using antioxidants can actually reduce risk of the development of cancer, heart disease, and stroke, and bad cholesterol levels are lowered. Green tea can help since it contains high levels of antioxidants. Drinking about three cups daily will help prevent disease, stop early aging, and help with weight loss, all while enjoying a delicious, light flavor.

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.

Alternative Medicine

The benefits of herbal green tea, Chinese black tea, and other types of exotic tea from China are incredible. In addition to wonderful flavor and aroma, each type of tea has therapeutic properties that can improve health of mind and body. In addition to green and black tea, Jasmine flower tea, chrysanthemum tea, and Rosebud tea are also excellent choices. Interestingly, the last two mentioned are typically used to treat women although they both offer relief from digestion problems.

Everyone can enjoy the flowering flavor and aroma of herbal teas, regardless of gender. Tea made from miniature roses, as in the case of Rosebud tea, may seem like a dainty type of tea but in truth, it has a great flavor and health benefits. Then for Chrysanthemum tea, the flavor is hard to describe but wonderful. For centuries, the Chinese people have been using this particular type of Chinese herbal tea to reduce fever. Then, teas such as green tea and oolong tea, which are not fermented and therefore have little, if any caffeine, make a great beverage in the evening.

Some of the More Popular Flowering Teas

As you look at options for Chinese herbal tea, you will soon find that flowering or petal teas are among the most popular. Again, many of these teas contain no caffeine so they can be enjoyed any time of day or night but they also produce a calming effect, along with incredible flavor. Some of the favorites among flowering and petal teas include:

• Carnation Flower Tea – Made from a beautiful red flower, the health benefits include restoration of energy and promotion of relaxation

• Chrysanthemum – Again, this is an infusion of herbs often used to lower fever but it is also refreshing with a slight sweet flavor

• Gongju Herbal Tea – This flowering tea contains no caffeine, has a soothing flavor, and it promotes relaxation

• Jasmine Bud Flower Tea – Many believe this to be one of the best of all Chinese herbal teas, made only from Jasmine flower buds that have not yet opened and no tea leaves, sweet and caffeine free

• Forget-Me-Not Flower Tea – This type of Chinese herbal tea is another one that contains no caffeine with a slight grassy, sweet flavor that comes from purple flowers. The health benefits include promoting healthy lungs, among others.

• Yunnan Flower Bud Tea – These flowers grow in the Yunnan forests in China, a rare flower that contains no caffeine but is loved by the local people of Yunnan

• Wild New York Ginseng – With this Chinese herbal tea, it is grown in harsh conditions that produces unique roots, some small, some old, some large, and some with distinct character. The roots used to make this healthy tea can actually survive as long as seven years.

• Kuding Pearl Tea – This is one of the special teas of China with a slightly bitter but made by rolling the leaves into large pearls. Because of the size of the leaves, it has also been called the one leaf tea or one leaf.

Most people believe that there are virtually hundreds of possibilities when it comes to types of tea.  However, every tea available is based off one of the four types of tea covered in this article.  These four teas are made with different ingredients and processes so the benefits yielded are unique.  These teas include Black Tea, Green Tea, Oolong Tea, and White Tea.

Although distinct in flavor, therapeutic properties, and color, all four types of tea are made from the Camellia sinensis leaf, more commonly referred to as the “tea plant”.  As you look at other options for tea being sold, you will find many that have been infused with herbs, such as the Rooibos leaf to include chamomile tea and ginger tea.  However, while marketed as “tea”, because the Camellia sinensis leaf was not used, they are not actually tea.

Now, when you look at the four types of tea listed, they all come from the same tea plant but depending on the way in which the tea is made would determine flavor, strength, color, and healing properties.  Below is a breakdown specific to the process for making each type of tea.

Black Tea

Of all four types of tea, Chinese black tea is by far the most popular among people living in the West although this particular type of tea is often used in ceremonies held around the globe.  The process of making this strong-flavored tea involves Camellia sinensis leaves being heavily oxidized.

When done, black tea can be enjoyed without accompaniments or served with sugar, milk, or lemon.  A single cup of black tea without adding anything has zero calories, fats, and carbohydrates, which are just some of the black tea benefits.  However, this tea also contains the greatest amount of caffeine over other types of tea.

Green Tea

Although green tea has been an important staple throughout Asia for hundreds of years, specifically Japan, China, and Korea, this is also a popular choice for people in North America.  The process of making green tea consists of the Camellia sinensis leaves being only slightly oxidized and dried, but it does not go through a fermentation process.

Regarding flavor, the best green tea is mild, although there are some varieties with a subtle bitter taste.  While many people prefer to drink this kind of tea on its own, it also tastes delicious with the addition of sugar or milk.  While flavor is one benefit, the healing properties have helped boost its popularity in the western world.  Numerous studies have been conducted showing that green tea can prevent certain types of cancer, increase metabolism, and lower cholesterol, among improving other illnesses.

Oolong Tea

When eating at Chinese restaurants in the United States, oolong tea is the traditional variety served.  The name, oolong, translates to “black dragon” in the Chinese language, which comes from the brewed long, dark leaves for making the tea, which many Chinese believe looks like black dragons.

Oolong tea is made from lightly oxidized Camellia sinensis leaves, which are first dried naturally by the sun.  After that, the leaves are completely cooled and dried again.  With this unique method, this variety of tea is a great choice for people that want something stronger than green tea but milder than black tea.

White Tea

The last of the four types of tea is known as white tea.  Although this is the least popular of the four, it is still a wonderful choice but a little on the expensive side.  White tea was first discovered in China’s province of Fujian.  White tea is also made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, which are made by frying or steaming, going through an inactive fermentation process, and then dried.

Although making Chinese white tea is a relatively long process, one that includes the leaves being harvested while the buds are still covered with white hair, thus the name, it has an amazing flavor and considered healthy tea.  In fact, white tea produces a hint of sweet unlike the other the other three types of tea.  Caffeine content is the low but antioxidant levels are high, great for preventing and fighting cancer.