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.

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.

An interesting fact about amaretto flavored tea is that the key component, being the amaretto has a long and interesting history. In Italian, the word amaretto translates to “a little bitter”. Qualified as being among herbal teas, this amber colored beverage is simply delicious. The very first bottle of amaretto produced came out of a love connection in Italy.

The truth about amaretto lies somewhere in middle of the story but no one is sure where. The story is that Bernardino Luini, a famous painter, the one that painted the Madonna fresco in the Santa Maria delle Grazie Church was given a special gift from the innkeeper. The innkeeper presented the gift because she was in love with this Italian painter. As a result, amaretto liqueur was an inspiration that came from a time when the innkeeper posed for the painter.

Interestingly, the wonderful flavor associated with amaretto flavored tea comes from apricot pits. In initially, amaretto was created from apricot pits that were soaked in grape brandy. Over time, various mistakes lead to changes to what we know of today as being amaretto. Although history does not reveal if changes to using tisane along with apricot pits were intentional or a mistake, the result was perfection.

As you buy tea online or at a local specialty store, you will discover that amaretto flavored tea actually comes in a number of forms. As an example, you could purchase the best green tea or black tea made with flavoring already added or you could purchase the amaretto syrup and add it to the teapot while brewing fresh tea of your choosing.

A huge benefit of using syrups is that the traditional grassy flavor and aroma of green tea can be masked. Additionally, you would have control over how intense you want the amaretto to be. If you like, you could also purchase amaretto flavored tea along with a second or third flavoring to come up with your own creation.

Although the more common types of tea are great choices, such as Chinese Black Tea or Chinese Green Tea, choosing flavored tea such as amaretto from Italy allows you to mix things up. More and more, people look for interesting teas that could be enjoyed hot or cold, and all year long, making this a great choice.