Collection: Oolong Tea

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 About Oolong Tea

Oolong tea is among the lesser-known types of tea. It is a semi-oxidised tea, tracing its origin to China. Oolong tea derives its name from 'wu long' or black dragon. According to a popular legend, oolong tea was discovered by a tea grower, Wu Long. One fine day, he forgot to process his handpicked leaves, and they began to oxidise naturally. The next day, he processed those tea leaves mildly, which resulted in a brew similar to black tea, but it was sweeter, smoother and more fragrant. This tea was called Black dragon tea since it was dark, long, and curly in appearance. Today, the Wuyi Mountains in Fujian province in China are known for their most assorted range of organic oolong tea. Other countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Japan, Thailand and New Zealand also produce oolong tea. While Taiwan and China produce oolong teas with woody and toasty notes, India is known for floral and fragrant oolongs.

 

What makes oolong tea different from others?

Oolong teas lie between black and green tea. Although they possess light flavour notes like green tea, they are more complex in taste than green tea but not as strong as black tea. The colour of oolong tea depends upon the extent of fermentation of tea leaves. Oolong teas come in several flavours. While oolong green tea has an earthy taste, its darker version offers a roasted flavour.

 

How is oolong tea produced?

Like other teas, oolong tea is derived from Camellia sinensis. What sets its apart from other tea is the extent of oxidation. While green tea is the least oxidised tea type and black is the most oxidised one, oolong tea lies between green tea and black tea as it is partially oxidised. Its leaves are formed by two distinct methods- rolling them into long and curly or wrap‐ curling’ the leaves into small bead‐like shapes. Like other teas, oolong tea production follows traditional steps of wilting, bruising, fermentation and fixing several times, but careful attention is paid to the timing and temperature in these processes. Hence, producing oolong tea is a delicate and labour-intensive process requiring intricate skill. Mostly, mature leaves are preferred for making oolong tea as they contain mellow flavours and fewer tannins. Oolong teas are only slightly oxidised to bring out their unique flavour.

 

What are the health benefits of oolong tea?

A cuppa of oolong tea is known to confer several health benefits. Since it is a completely zero-calorie drink, it is highly recommended for weight loss. Organic oolong tea contains alkaloids, including caffeine, that boost well-being, stimulate serotonin production and reduce free radicals. It also contains polyphenols that are known to lower blood sugar levels. These polyphenols also reduce the incidence of heart diseases by breaking down triglycerides (a type of fat which causes the thickening of artery walls).

 

Where to buy oolong tea online? 

It is recommended to buy oolong tea online from reputed brands only to ensure their quality and freshness. If you are looking to buy the best oolong tea online or looking for the best oolong tea for weight loss, CelesTe should be your first choice. CelesTe teas are handpicked from the reputed tea gardens of India and delicately processed without adding any artificial flavours or preservatives to retain their freshness and quality.

We specialise in the loose-leaf oolong tea, which offers a wholesome flavour and aroma compared to machine made teabags. Our exquisite offerings range from golden oolong tea, rose oolong tea, chocolate oolong tea and many more. Taking into account a slew of benefits it offers, don't let the high oolong tea price hamper your purchase decision as it is actually an investment into your well-being.   

 

How to prepare oolong tea? 

• - Boil water for 3-5 minutes, and then add tea leaves to it
• - Be careful not to overheat the water; that might destroy polyphenols in the tea leaves
• - Let it steep for some time
• - Filter its content using a strainer and pour the tea into your cup
• - You can also prepare iced oolong tea by brewing it with hot water and then allowing it to cool down