Oolong (pronounced wu long) tea is really a cross between green and black tea. It is actually known as the Black Dragon Tea. The processing of the tea is what gives it the distinction that is so adored. Oolong tea goes through more processing after harvest then green tea and is not allowed to fully oxidize like black tea. This is why Oolong is called a semi oxidized tea. Different times of harvest will yield various types of Oolong. The area that it is grown in and where it is harvested will also set one type of Oolong apart from another and is the reason in price fluction. Processing also dictates the variety of Oolong that you will be drinking. Some types are processed by rolling the tea leaves and some of the leaves are pressed. Either way the leaves must be processed right after picking. There can be no lull.
The origin of this tea is rather obscure but it would appear to have originated in China. Mainly it is grown in the vicinity of Mt Wu Yi from the Fujian Provence. This variety of tea is quite old and would appear to date back to Qing Dynasty.
One of the truly interesting aspects of Oolong tea that is grown at Mt Wu Yi which makes it one of the purist of all tea’s. The region of Mt Wu Yi and the area around it are pollution free. In 1999 the area was recognized and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region is actually a Bio Reserve because the water and air are so pollution free and perfect in the region. This makes the tea pure and natural. Some Oolong tea is also grown in Taiwan but does not make the boast of purity that the Wu Yi Oolong tea can make.
The health benefits appear to be limitless when dealing with Oolong tea. The tea is filled with polyphenols and antioxidants. It is believed that daily drinking of this tea will boost your immune system, fight the signs and affects of aging, aid in digestion, lower blood pressure, make your teeth stronger, and even make you thinner by aiding in weight loss.
Here are five top Oolong tea’s to try and enjoy.
1) Mitaoxiang Fenghuang Dancong (Dragon Phoenix)
This is a nice sweet variety. Just the smell of this warm tea is heavenly. I love to clutch a cup and inhale deeply before I take that first sip. Yum! Very nice tea. The cost of this tea is around $23 per twp ounces.
2) Rougui Wuyi Wulong Oolong
This is a spicy sweet variety of Oolong. Very nice with a lingering aftertaste. This tea runs around $12 for two ounces
These two varieties of tea can be purchased from Generation Tea. They also have many other varieties of tea including different types of Oolong
Here is their website.
http://www.generationtea.com/
3) Ti Kuan Yin Oolong Tea
A nice golden variety with a wonderful sweetness. The aftertaste is excellent.
Three ounces is around $8.50
You can purchase this variety at Arbor Tea’s.
Here is their website.
http://www.arborteas.com/index.html
4) China Fine Ti Kuan Yin Oolong
A lovely golden color and quite sweet. One pound will cost approximately $21.50
You can purchase this tea at Special Tea’s.
Here is their website.
http://www.specialteas.com/
5) Milk Scented Kinsen Oolong
I love the creamy flavor of this tea.
You can purchase this tea from Stash Tea Company. It runs $14.95 for a small bag.
Here is their website. They are a wonderful tea dealer with quality products. One of my favorite brands of all tea. They have fantastic costumer service and always supply a quality product.
http://shopstashtea.com/index.html
