Oolong Tea - Know your tea!

 "When the time comes for relaxation, nothing is better than a hot cup of tea, with a book in hand or some music in a room. We'd say you have Oolong Tea, twice over!"

Oolong (pronounced wu-long) tea is a variety which was developed in Ancient China. The story goes that oolong tea was first discovered in the Anxi region of the Fujian province when a man named Sulong, Wulong or Wuliang, accidentally allowed his tea leaves to oxidize after being distracted during the harvest. When he returned he brewed the semi fermented & semi oxidised tea, and found the flavour to be different. The name "Oolong" means "Black Dragon" in Chinese and refers to the tea's unique appearance. Oolong Tea is rolled into long curly leaves that resemble a dragon's tail, and its flavor and aroma vary depending on the degree of oxidation.

Usually oolongs can be brewed multiple times depending on the strength & type of processing. In India oolong is produced by select gardens in Darjeeling, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, however the quality and the consistency is patchy, as the process takes years to master. We at Absolute Tea ensure that the patchy ones do not feature on our store.

Besides the unique flavour there are many benefits if consuming Oolong tea, some of the major ones are:

• Weight Management

Oolong tea helps with the fat-burning process as it speeds up metabolism for up to two hours after you drink it. It also contains polyphenols, which block harmful fat-building enzymes. Make sure to drink it plain and not add any sweeteners, for effective weight loss.

• Cholesterol Control

Oolong is also said to promote a healthy heart by reducing harmful cholesterol levels over a period of time. The tea contains polyphenols that activate "lipase", an enzyme which helps to burn off and dissolve stubborn body fat.

• Improved Digestion

Oolong tea alkalizes and reduces inflammation in the digestive tract, helping alleviate acid reflux and ulcer problems. It’s also mildly antiseptic and clears bad bacteria from the gut. When drunk hot, it also helps soothe the stomach.

• Immunity boost

The antioxidant flavonoids in oolong tea can help prevent cellular damage and maintain a healthy immune system. Drinking oolong tea is said to increase the production of anti-bacterial proteins, which helps in fighting infections.

• Healthy teeth & skin

Oolong tea also protects teeth from the acid caused by harmful bacteria, preventing tooth decay and plaque build-up. The anti-oxidants in Oolong Tea help fight the free radicals which contribute to aging. Chinese medicine practitioners opine that regular consumption results in beautiful skin and reduced effects of aging.

Caution – We must remember that Oolong tea contains naturally occurring caffeine, which is not the healthiest component of this highly beneficial beverage. Caffeine treats many people differently, so recommended doses of Oolong tea should range between 1 to 3 cups daily.

Where to get nice Oolong tea?
As for the big money question that is in your mind, we are happy to answer it. For the best quality Oolong Tea, we have tasted Oolongs from Eastern India to bring you the best in Indian Tea. You can try our Doomni Oolong, they have been selected from the 1st Flush produce which showcases the more nuanced side of Assam Oolong Tea. So next time you're looking for a flavorful and healthy tea, give Oolong Tea a try! #OolongTea #HistoryOfTea #BlackDragonTea #TeaDefinition #TeaLovers #BrewingTips #TeaTime