What Is Oolong?
Different varieties of oolong (乌龙) are processed differently, but the leaves are formed into one of two distinct styles. Some are rolled into long curly leaves, while others are 'wrap-curled' into small beads, each with a tail. The former style is the more traditional of the two in China.
The first two steps are withering and rolling. Instead of rolling, sometimes shaking is done to bruise the outer edges of the leaves. The oxidation period for oolong is half that of black tea. The degree of oxidation can range from 10 to 70%, depending on the variety and production style. Once the veins become clear and the edges of the leaves become reddish brown, while the center remains green, the oxidation process is stopped by firing. For oolong tea, the leaves are heated at a higher temperature so that they can be kept longer, due to the lower resulting water content.
Different varieties of oolong (乌龙) are processed differently, but the leaves are formed into one of two distinct styles. Some are rolled into long curly leaves, while others are 'wrap-curled' into small beads, each with a tail. The former style is the more traditional of the two in China.
The first two steps are withering and rolling. Instead of rolling, sometimes shaking is done to bruise the outer edges of the leaves. The oxidation period for oolong is half that of black tea. The degree of oxidation can range from 10 to 70%, depending on the variety and production style. Once the veins become clear and the edges of the leaves become reddish brown, while the center remains green, the oxidation process is stopped by firing. For oolong tea, the leaves are heated at a higher temperature so that they can be kept longer, due to the lower resulting water content.
Benifits
Compared to its distinguished cousin green tea, oolong tea is associated with fewer health benefits.
alertness. Regular intake of caffeine rich oolong tea may help in improving mental performance and maintaining
alertness throughout the day.
8. Tooth Decay. Studies suggest that the chemical antioxidant “catechin” in tea can destroy bacteria and viruses that
cause throat infections, dental caveties and other dental conditions.
Compared to its distinguished cousin green tea, oolong tea is associated with fewer health benefits.
- Blood Pressure. Regular consumption of oolong tea is thought to reduce the risk of high blood pressure.
- Cholesterol. Oolong tea reduces bad cholesterol in the blood and improves the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol.
- Heart Disease. Oolong and other teas contain polyphenols -- a type of plant-based compounds that generally have antioxidant properties. Flavonoids are a subclass of polyphenols and commonly associated with cardiovascular health benefits. Tea flavonoids may prevent oxidation of "bad" LDL cholesterol and increase "good" HDL cholesterol levels. This can help prevent formation of cholesterol plaques, improve artery function, lower blood pressure, and help prevent heart disease.
- Weight Loss. Oolong tea increases the metabolism. The polyphenol found in Oolong works to intensify levels of fat oxidation and the rate at which your body turns food into calories.
- Diabetes. Oolong tea apparently helps regulate glucose levels slowing the rise of blood sugar after eating. This can prevent high insulin spikes and resulting fat storage.
- Immune system. Tea catechins are strong antibacterial and antiviral agents which make them effective for treating everything from influenza to cancer.
alertness. Regular intake of caffeine rich oolong tea may help in improving mental performance and maintaining
alertness throughout the day.
8. Tooth Decay. Studies suggest that the chemical antioxidant “catechin” in tea can destroy bacteria and viruses that
cause throat infections, dental caveties and other dental conditions.