Tea
Best Oolong tea: 4 types with sweet to smoky flavors
Aug
Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese tea that is well-known for its health advantages. Oolong tea may aid in weight loss and disease prevention by boosting the immune system. It has been used in traditional medicine for ages and is consumed daily in Asia. This tea is a popular choice in Chinese restaurants and has a cult following in India and other parts of the world. Oolong tea has become more popular in Western countries during the last century. It combines the flavors of green and black teas to create a sweet or roasted flavor that is pleasing to the palate. With the best oolong tea kinds, you may immerse your senses in a world of flavor and aroma.
What is Oolong tea?
Oolong tea is derived from the same plant that produces green and black teas. The time it takes for the leaves to ferment makes a difference. The leaves of green teas are unfermented, whereas the leaves of black tea are fully fermented. Oolong tea is made from partially fermented leaves.
The color and aroma of teas are determined by fermentation, or the lack thereof. It also changes the chemical composition of tea. Catechins, a class of compounds, undergo the most significant modifications. These are potent antioxidants that have the potential to directly affect human cells. There’s a lot of evidence that drinking tea makes you live longer.
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Best oolong tea: 5 types of oolong tea
Chinese Oolong Teas
Phoenix Tea (Dan Chong or Dan Cong)
Phoenix oolong tea is one of the most popular in China’s Guangdong province. This tea’s Chinese name means “one bush.” Phoenix oolong teas are made from leaves picked from a single teas bush. Because each bush has its own distinct flavor, each batch of tea is unique. When steeped, the curled look of the dried leaves gently unfurls.
Today, the term “Phoenix teas” refers to all oolong teas grown in Guangdong province, not only those from a specific bush. Phoenix teas are known for their floral and fruity flavors and smell.
Phoenix’s best oolong tea has a full-bodied, rich flavor. The floral flavor of some Phoenix oolongs is reminiscent of orange flowers or orchids. Other Phoenix oolongs are fruity or spicy, with ginger and grapefruit flavors.
Iron Goddess of Mercy
Ti Kuan Yin or Tie Guan Yin is undoubtedly the most well-known Chinese oolong tea.
Iron Goddess of Mercy tea is cultivated in the southern Fujian province’s high hilly terrain. The teas leaves are specifically harvested in the Anxi region.
According to legend, monks first trained monkeys to pick tea leaves from high cliff sides.
The highest quality oolong teas were sometimes referred to as “monkey-picked” teas leaves. Only the Chinese emperors were served teas made from these oolong teas.
High mountain oolong teas once reserved for royalty are now available to the general public. Teas from the Iron Goddess of Mercy can be found in most tea shops as well as online retailers such as Amazon.
This oolong tea is light and airy, with floral and honey notes. It has an orchid-like scent and a pleasant aftertaste, according to many.
Taiwanese Oolong Teas
Oolong Tea from the High Mountains (Gaoshan)
High Mountain oolong teas are made up of a range of oolongs grown at Taiwan’s highest elevations. Due to their production schedule, these are usually seasonal teas. Alishan, Wu She, and Yu-Shan are among the High Mountain oolongs. These oolongs are produced at elevations above 3,300 feet and have a slower growth rate than other oolongs.
Oolong teas from the High Mountains are collected by hand twice a year. Winter Gaoshan refers to leaves harvested in October, whereas spring Gaoshan refers to leaves harvested in June. Before oxidation, the leaves are spread out on a big tarp to dry. Rose, jasmine, and geranium smells arise as the leaves dry.
The leaves of the Gaoshan are folded and withering for eight hours once they have developed scent. The leaves are then oxidized before being processed and packaged for sale by tea masters. Gaoshan tea is typically crisp and sweet, with floral or pine overtones. The tea leaves a buttery, smooth, and creamy aftertaste.
Milk Oolong Tea (Jin Xuan Tea)
Golden Daylily tea or Nai Xiang tea are other names for Jin Xuan tea. The tea is named for its light and floral creamy flavor.
This tea is also produced in Thailand and is grown at greater altitudes. A buttery, creamy flavor with a smooth finish characterizes milk oolong teas.
Infusing Jin Xuan tea in milk does not give it a creamy flavor. Instead, when the tea leaves are oxidized for a particular amount of time, they produce a milky flavor and scent.
Some artificial milk oolong are available, however, they are usually branded as flavored oolongs.
Learn more about oolong tea
Teas drinkers are likely to find new favorite tea, whether they enjoy the taste of Taiwanese or Chinese oolong teas. With flavors ranging from sweet and floral to smoky and roasted, oolong teas provide an immersive teas experience. Oolong teas are available as hot or cooled beverages. Because oolong tea is naturally low in calories, it can help you lose weight faster. Because oolong teas contain antioxidants and vitamins, they might be good for your health.
Oolong tea’s advantages extend beyond health to taste and enjoyment. Enjoying the simple joys of life while sipping a cup of this delicious tea allows you to unwind and relax. Oolong tea has few adverse effects and helps to boost mood. You can also use tea in a traditional tea ceremony to help connect with Asian culture and the role tea plays in society. Oolong teas have a low caffeine concentration and you can consume them at any time of day.
Add oolong tea to your wish list, or buy a gift set to give a friend this delicious tea. The aesthetic appeal of oolong teas will captivate your senses, while the smells and flavors will tantalize your taste buds. These popular oolong teas will make you fall in love with these authentic tea treats.