Do you ever feel like you're lost in the world of tea? You're not the only one who feels this way. Millions of new tea drinkers struggle to understand the fundamentals. It can be overwhelming for people who are new to tea drinking to choose between different flavors and execute conflicting brewing techniques.

That brings us to the next question. Have you ever had an Oolong Tea? Oolongs are a unique type of tea that strikes a delicate balance between green and  black teas. This category of teas is a hybrid of sorts, combining the best of both worlds to create something unique and wonderfully complex. Many tea connoisseurs enjoy the complex flavors and aromas of oolong teas, but if you've never tried one, you should.

Oolong tea is gaining in popularity in today's world, and it's reaching new heights every day! Many people are surprised to learn that Oolong tea is already a heart thief! Tea connoisseurs have already tried and fallen in love with this unique tea.

A bit of history about Oolong tea:

Before learning how Oolong tea tastes, it's important to understand a little bit about its history! Oolong tea, as previously stated, is a distinct type of tea that falls somewhere between black and green tea. Oolong tea is referred to as a "partially oxidized tea." Black teas have been fully oxidized, which gives them their dark black color. Green teas are the least expensive.

Oolong tea is partially oxidized, which is why it has a lighter color than black teas but a darker color than green teas! The shape and color of black and oolong teas are two of the most significant differences.

To achieve their authentic shape, oolong teas are rolled, twisted, or curled into tight small balls. Rolling is the most important aspect of oolong tea cultivation because it is the rolling of the leaves that determines the tea's final appearance, aroma, and color.

How are Oolong Teas processed? 

Tea leaves begin to oxidize as soon as they are plucked. Allow the oxidation to finish, and you'll have a malty black tea with a lot of tannic stringencies. Stop oxidation as soon as it begins, and the bright green qualities of the leaves for green tea will be preserved.

Oolongs, or partially oxidized teas, are created by manipulating a batch of leaves to achieve a specific oxidation level in a specific way, then heating the leaves to lock in the flavor and aroma. Oolong tea is defined as any tea that has been oxidized between 8% and 85%. It's not just a question of timing, though.

It's just as important how you let the tea oxidize and what you do with it while it's happening. From withering time to the way the leaves are tossed, bruised, rolled, compressed, and roasted, to exacting temperature and humidity standards, oolongs have recipes and variables that must be carefully managed. Oolongs are made with larger leaves than greens and blacks, and they require extra room to unfurl and release their full flavor.

Some unique characteristics of oolong tea:

The oxidation of the oolong tea is what distinguishes it. It is slightly less oxidized than black tea but slightly more than green tea. The process of oxidation transforms green tea leaves into a dark black color.

1. The color of oolong tea can be affected by several factors, including:
2. The land on which they have grown The climate and weather of the region
3. The procedure to be followed before packing the leaves

Oolong tea is a partially fermented tea, whereas black tea and green tea are fully fermented and unfermented teas, respectively. As a result, the best oolong tea combines the advantages of black and green teas.

1. The best oolong tea stands out among the other teas due to its- Healthy compounds that help the body soothe, calm down, and lose weight.
2. The essence of aroma that is not present in the other teas

Does oolong tea contain caffeine?

Yes, oolong, like other traditional teas made from Camellia sinensis leaves, contains caffeine. The caffeine content in oolong teas varies, but it is similar to green teas, ranging from 9 to 63 mg per 8 oz cup. In comparison, a cup of coffee of the same size usually contains 72-130 mg.

What are the Health Benefits of Oolong Tea?

Oolong tea accounts for only 2% of the world's total tea production, making it rare and expensive. Flavonoids, caffeine (though not as much as black tea), fluoride, and theanine are just a few of the ingredients in oolong tea, and you can bet it's good for you. Oolong teas are especially beneficial in preventing heart disease, cancer, obesity, and diabetes.

How to brew the perfect cup?

To begin, we strongly advise brewing loose leaf teas rather than using tea bags. This results in higher-quality tea leaves, a more rewarding experience, and a more authentic taste.

Oolong teas are traditionally made with a small teapot, a larger amount of tea leaves, and multiple short infusions. However, you can brew oolong teas in the Western-style just as easily.

Warm up your teaware by pouring hot water into the pot and cups before you begin. Because oolong teas should never be brewed with boiling water, this will help keep your tea hot. If you're using a rolled oolong, it's also a good idea to rinse the leaves by pouring enough hot water to cover the leaves and then immediately pouring it out. This will aid in the growth of the leaves.

The temperature of the water will vary depending on the type of oolong you want to drink, with less oxidized green oolongs requiring 80-85 °C water and more oxidized dark oolongs requiring slightly higher temperatures of 90-95 °C. For the Western-style, use approximately 3 grams of tea per 200ml of water and brew for approximately 3 minutes. After that, you can re-brew the leaves 3-4 times, slightly increasing the brewing time with each infusion.

You can also add honey, sugar, milk, or lemon juice to enhance the range of flavors in this enticing tea, but most oolongs are best enjoyed plain to fully appreciate the range of flavors it contains.

Profile of Flavor

oolong teas that have been heavily oxidized have a stronger, earthier flavor, whereas those that have been lightly oxidized have a lighter, more floral flavor. Lighter oolongs have a lighter body and sweeter floral notes. Oolongs with a darker hue have a fuller body, toasted notes, and a longer finish.

TIPS FOR OOLONG TEA

• When you start buying loose tea, you'll notice that prices can quickly escalate. Begin with the less expensive teas.
• Use a small mug with an infuser, which is much easier to find and use than a clay teapot, if you're just getting started.

When is the best time to have a cup of oolong tea?

There is no such thing as a perfect time to drink tea, as all tea lovers know! However, there are a few times when drinking a specific type of tea is not recommended.

Morning and before bedtime are the best times to drink the best oolong tea.

Morning tea helps your digestive system function properly and gives you a boost of energy to get your day started.

Before going to bed, drink some tea to relax your body and manage your stress levels. Because oolong tea contains very little caffeine, it does not interfere with sleep.

Final Words

Tea is a tea drinker's best friend! Tea connoisseurs prefer to devote their lives to only one type of tea. However, a small percentage of tea connoisseurs enjoy traveling the world in search of the best teas. They go somewhere and want their tea to taste good! In the hilly areas where it is directly derived, the best oolong tea can be found in its purest form.

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to refresh yourself is to make oolong tea at home. Take a cup of oolong tea to your workplace or gym to cherish and enjoy the events of your life! So don't wait to order your pack from the Tea Swan and enjoy a taste of paradise right in your own home!