This tea not only has a special taste and aroma, but also the ability to change them from brew to brew. Green oolong tea depending on the variety, can be brewed up to 7 - 15 times, and every time you will enjoy a new taste and aroma Oolong.
Real oolong tea has has such features and properties , which do not allow it to be confused with other types of tea, it is thanks to these properties that this type of tea has only positive reviews.
Oolong tea leaves are tightly rolled and have a characteristic spicy aroma. Brewed Oolong It turns out with a specific, spicy and slightly sweet, floral or honey taste and aroma.
The color of tea can vary from light green to light brown and orange-red, depending on the variety. Oolongs are usually produced from mature leaves collected from mature bushes.
Collection and production of oolong
The collected leaves are dried in the sun for half an hour to an hour. The dried leaves are then placed in a thick layer in baskets and placed in the shade to ferment. The key point in preparation is that during fermentation the leaves are gently stirred and kneaded every hour, being careful not to break them. This processing results in Leaves ferment unevenly- the edges of the leaves are larger than the middle.
After reaching the desired degree of fermentation, it is interrupted by heating - the leaves are dried at a temperature 250-300 °C. Typically, drying is carried out in two stages - first, the leaves are briefly dried for a few minutes, then twisted, after which the tea is dried to reduce its moisture content and finally stop fermentation. The resulting tea is packaged and sent for sale.
The characteristic features of Oolong processing technology make it possible to quite easily determine the authenticity of tea - real Oolong is always whole leaf, it should not contain broken leaves, crumbs, dust, and its leaves, unfolding during the brewing process, have a characteristic appearance - the edges are dark, like a black tea leaf, and the leaf veins and some part of the leaf in the middle part are green and have retained their structure and strength.
However, the characteristic taste qualities of Oolongs make them very difficult to counterfeit.
Benefits of oolong tea
Favorable environmental conditions (Oolongs grow in such famous provinces of China as Fuzzian, Guangdong, on Taiwan), the mastery of centuries-old traditional tea cultivation, as well as complex special processing technology - make this tea of excellent quality extremely useful. Benefits of oolong tea huge, it’s hard to overestimate it!
Rich Content vitamins in Oolong tea helps strengthen fibrous tissue of the walls of blood vessels, prevents thrombophlebitis. With regular consumption of Oolong tea, obese people lose weight and improve their figure (polyphenol compounds break down and remove fat from the human body, and Oolong tea breaks down and removes fat better than any other tea).
That's why oolong tea is exceptional natural remedy. Oolong tea has various properties: quenches thirst, strengthens teeth, invigorates the human body, and improves mood.
Once you try it, you will never forget its amazing taste!
Oolong varieties
The most famous variety of oolong in the world is the classic one. Tie Guanyin, which is called the standard of this type, a masterpiece of Chinese manufacturers. This variety is great for weight loss,
Oolong tea is considered one of the most popular varieties, however, few people know what it is and what varieties there are. The name oolong comes from the Chinese "oolong", which means "Black Dragon".
This is a very special product that grows on the very tops of the mountains and is collected by hand by people who pass on their knowledge and skill from generation to generation. Its quality largely depends on the combination of sun and fog that envelops the area.
What is oolong tea
Before purchasing this product, you definitely need to know what it is - oolong tea, and how it is obtained. This is a large group of teas that grows only in southern China, in two provinces. In Fujian province, dark and light varieties of oolongs are collected, and in Guangdong - only dark ones. Some types of oolong tea are also grown in Taiwan, however, they differ from Chinese ones in taste and cost.
Light varieties are somewhat similar to green tea, however, there are certain differences. Oolong leaves are always crumpled, as this is required by a special production technology. It has the aroma and taste of freshness and flowers. Green tea is different in that its leaves are whole, and it tastes like grassy tea, with sharp notes of greenery.
Dark oolongs are distinguished by the fact that at the last stages of production, they are simmered on charcoal. As a result, the tea leaf is very dark, and the drink acquires a cognac color, and spicy notes are felt in the taste. Dark varieties can be confused with red tea, however, the latter has much smaller leaves and is made only from the buds. Oolong tea of dark varieties is characterized by the fact that it has large leaves. The aroma of dark oolong is astringent and rich, while red tea has a soft, delicate, chocolate aroma.
History of appearance
Many people are interested in what oolong tea is, as well as the history of its origin. The best varieties have been grown in China for several centuries. At the same time, various experiments were carried out all the time, technologies were improved. As a result, a unique drink with good taste appeared.
Oolong immediately began to enjoy great popularity. Manufacturers decided to further enhance the pleasant creamy aroma using natural methods, but this did not lead to success. Therefore, they began to introduce flavoring, which made it possible to produce it in large quantities.
Tea composition
Oolong tea has a unique composition, as it contains minerals, vitamins, and other components that help maintain normal well-being. Its chemical composition includes:
- selenium;
- phosphorus;
- magnesium;
- zinc;
- iron;
- calcium;
- manganese.
In addition to vitamins and minerals, tea contains caffeine, antioxidants, tannin, as well as tannins and natural oils.
Varieties of oolong tea
There are several different types of oolong tea, the most popular of which are:
- oolong milk tea;
- ginseng oolong;
- Jin Xuan;
- Tie Guan Yin.
Jin Xuan is an all-natural version of this amazing drink. It belongs to one of the very first varieties, therefore it is considered natural. It is very difficult to acquire, as it is extremely rare on sale. This drink has a faint aroma of milk.
Oolong green milk tea is produced exclusively from young leaves and buds through incomplete fermentation. Due to the use of certain manufacturing secrets, the infusion acquires a very delicate and unique creamy taste, which is where it got its name.
In some regions, to obtain a more pronounced taste, freshly picked leaves are slightly steamed over hot whey. Oolong milk tea can be brewed approximately 3-4 times. Chinese varieties are somewhat different from Taiwanese in production technology and taste.
Ginseng oolong is a mildly fermented variety. When making it, the leaf is treated with a special extract of ginseng or crushed ginseng is added to the tea leaves. It consists of fragrant balls of heterogeneous color. This is the most popular oolong green tea in Taiwan.
Tie Guan Yin is one of the least fermented varieties. It is characterized by a very delicate and pleasant taste and floral aroma. Due to its light color, it is somewhat similar to white tea. Brews in a few seconds.
How it is made
Chinese oolong tea is a semi-fermented variety. Only mature leaves are collected by hand, and then the collected raw materials are laid out in a thin layer in the sun. The leaves should wilt a little. This process takes no more than 1 hour. After this, the leaves are transferred to large baskets made of bamboo, which are placed in the shade. Periodically they are kneaded and turned over, however, everything must be done very carefully so as not to damage their structure.
When the leaves become a little brown, the fermentation process must be stopped by heating with very hot air. The finished tea leaves should look like curled balls, and when brewed they will open up and become whole leaves.
There are additional steps involved in the production of milk oolong. In preparation, the leaves are crushed well with your hands and processed over the steam of milk extract. The tea leaf absorbs this aroma quite well and then releases it into the drink when brewing. The technology is complex and labor-intensive, which is why their cost is high.
Benefits of oolong tea
The benefits and harms of oolong tea are determined by its chemical composition. It has a very high caffeine content, much more than many other types of tea. Thanks to this, oolong is considered a good antidepressant, and when consumed, brain activity is normalized, a surge of vigor and strength is felt, and mood improves.
Doctors note its beneficial effect on the walls of blood vessels, which helps prevent atherosclerosis. Oolong tea helps normalize hematopoietic processes and improves the condition of the spleen. Due to its high content of minerals and vitamins, it helps normalize the immune system, so it can be used as a prophylactic during the cold season.
Oolong tea is a natural antioxidant, so consuming it has the ability to fight free radicals inside the cells themselves. They begin to renew themselves more actively, helping the body maintain youth for a long time.
Since the composition contains flavonoids that help stimulate metabolism, you can significantly speed up metabolic processes. The healing drink helps reduce blood sugar levels and also prevents the development of malignant cells inside the body. However, it is worth remembering that it cannot be called a cure for diabetes or cancer.
Oolong helps to normalize digestion processes and remove excess fluid from the body, therefore, it has proven itself well as a means of losing weight. However, in order for him to maximize his qualities, he must additionally follow a special diet.
How to choose it correctly
Oolong tea has the best reviews, however, provided that the product is of high quality. Many people pass off a fake as an original, so it is important not to make a mistake in choosing this product. Real oolong is distinguished by the fact that it contains only whole twisted leaves. It should not contain broken leaves or foreign impurities.
According to the degree of fermentation, oolong is divided into several types, which have different brewing colors. The country of manufacture must also be indicated on the packaging. This tea may be Thai or Chinese, and if another manufacturer is indicated, it means it is fake. It is best to purchase tea in specialized stores and you need to remember that its cost is quite high.
How to brew correctly
To prepare a tasty and healthy drink, you need to follow all the rules for brewing tea. Initially, you need to warm up the teapot well and rinse it with boiling water. Pour 2 tsp into the teapot. dry tea leaves, pour hot water for a few seconds to remove dust, and drain the water. Then pour 1 tbsp into the kettle. boiling water, cover and leave for 10 minutes.
The prepared drink should be poured into cups, but it is not recommended to drink it right away. When its temperature reaches approximately 40 degrees, you can try it, as all its taste qualities will be revealed.
You need to brew it no more than 7 times, but the best drink is obtained the third time. Oolong tea can absorb foreign odors, so you need to store it in a tightly closed glass container.
Harm of oolong tea and contraindications
There may be not only benefits, but also some harm when consuming this product. It may contain flavorings if it is a low-quality product, as well as a lot of caffeine. It is not recommended to drink this tea:
- for kidney diseases and urolithiasis;
- individual intolerance;
- before bedtime;
- pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding;
- for stomach ulcers.
The quality and taste of oolong can be felt only if it is consumed in its pure form without additives.
After a couple of years in Cambodia, you inevitably become an expert in green teas. Here this drink is so loved and revered that even in the cheapest Khmer canteen there is a decanter of it on every table. And what a zesty one, with a jasmine or milky aftertaste. And when they sent me gifts from Thailand just now - an ensemble of assorted green oolongs - at first I just smiled wryly: they found, they say, something to surprise me with.
The fact is that my communication with these shriveled oolong tea leaves, as this variety is also called, has been kept to a minimum throughout my life. For different reasons. That’s why she smiled crookedly because she didn’t know the full extent of their interest. But now, having tried different types, as often happens, I was inspired, studied in detail, and now I will do my best to imagine myself as an expert in this field.
Let's look at several important issues in this review.
- How is oolong tea different from regular tea?
- What varieties are there?
- Useful properties and precautions.
- Where to buy and how to choose.
- How to brew correctly.
All this already looks more like a manual than a review and feedback. Which is also not bad. We will deal with this today, and leave subjective emotional reports for the future.
The difference between oolong teas and green and red teas
We see ready-made oolongs in the form of tightly rolled pellets of leaves, which, when brewed, open up so powerfully that you immediately understand: there is no need to borscht with it. The first advantage of oolong is that it is consumed incredibly economically. Literally 2-4 leaves are enough for a cup, depending on how strong you prefer.
Technically, four fundamental differences from more prosaic varieties can be distinguished.
- Collection stage. It is collected together with leaf cuttings, which contain a high content of essential oils. This is one of the keys to greater usefulness, the presence of microelements and other biologically active substances.
- A special degree of fermentation is semi-fermented. When frying, only the edges of the leaves are subjected to heat treatment. Hence the unusual shape, strength, brightness of taste, “reusability”, etc. Oolongs are also classified as an intermediate form between black and red.
- Elitism.
Yes, it’s not for us to throw “Princess Gita” out of bags! The anxious processes of collection and fermentation are expressed in yuan, rubles, baht, etc. cash equivalents. There are no cheap oolong varieties. In addition, they are found on sale much less frequently than their mass-market counterparts. - Grown in the highlands.
At least, according to the Internet, everything is exactly like that. And even more: they say that every branch of a tea bush is shrouded in alpine fog. That’s why the results are so impressive for everyone.
Tasters of green oolongs are really impressed all the time. Because the taste is unusually soft, completely devoid of characteristic bitterness or sourness. Interestingly, you can brew it even 2-3 times, each time being surprised at the appearance of new notes.
Treatment
Immediately after picking, the tea leaves are placed in a thin layer in a shady place, where they lose their bright emerald color and fade very slowly. Next, the mass is transferred to special bamboo trays, where it is necessary to carefully mix and stir every hour. The leaves eventually wrinkle and wither, but the middle of each remains intact and is touched to a minimum. When the leaf edges acquire a reddish tint, the processing is completed in the oven at high temperature and the cooled sheets are rolled.
Varieties of green oolong
Conventionally, they are divided into four groups according to the degree of fermentation and places of growth.
- Heavily fermented - up to 70%: Da Hong Pao, Gaba Alishan, Xiao Hong Pao, Wu Zhui Gui, Shui Jin Gui, etc.
- Low-fermented - up to 40%: TieGuanYin, Dong Ding, Alishan, Mao Se, Huang Jin Gui, etc.
- Flavored - the most famous ones: ginseng, milk, strawberry, etc.
- Seasoned: Tie Guan Yin Wang, Lao Tie Guan Yin.
Strict and conservative connoisseurs in China, however, are not particularly fond of flavored varieties. Meanwhile, for European tastes it is milk, strawberry, etc. oolongs with additives are the most desirable... Pure taste!
The benefits and harms of green oolongs
There's good news and bad news. Let's start with the positive.
- Stimulate digestion and remove the feeling of heaviness after a heavy meal.
- Excess fluids are also removed, as a result of the first and second points lead to the sharpening of the bodies.
- Famous antioxidants. Scientists have long proven to us all that their huge amount in green tea helps protect against cancer and generally preserve youth at the cellular level.
- Contains many essential oils and special caffeine, due to which it stimulates and tones. Sets you up for active work. At the same time, it “shakes” much more gently than coffee, which has too strong an effect on the heart.
- Provides vitamins B, C, K, E, as well as iodine, zinc and iron.
- Helps eliminate toxins.
But, as always, there are some nuances.
- Theine is present - a milder analogue of caffeine. It does not “shake” like coffee; it is quickly and easily eliminated from the body, unlike coffee, which accumulates in tissues and can cause intoxication. However, pregnant women, nursing mothers and those with heart disease should not drink either. So, through breast milk, all the substances will be transferred to the baby, and you are guaranteed a sleepless night for unidentified mysterious reasons. As well as the damage to the delicate health of children!
- Not recommended for gastritis and stomach ulcers.
- Even a healthy and non-pregnant person will benefit from 1-2 cups a day, but a liter daily can damage the cardiovascular system, the stomach, doom your kidneys to excessive stress and provoke dehydration.
To summarize, like everything in this world, all oolong is both medicine and poison. It's just a matter of dosage.
Green oolongs have been popular since ancient China. For some reason the name translates as “black dragon”.
Where to buy quality green oolong
...And how much should it cost - many will ask.
You can search in special tea shops in Russia, Ukraine, etc. Prices for the most affordable ones - usually flavored oolongs - of the most affordable range from 500-600 per 100 g and above. The only difficulty may be:
- to find such a shop - it seems to me that not in all cities and villages of our native expanses, you know, such drinks are in great demand.
- be confident in the quality and freshness of the product. Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg and other cities of the Fatherland are far from China. And the goods, obviously, are not essential.
And Doctor Holland offers us a wonderful alternative - its own healthy selection of always fresh, assorted Chinese green oolongs. From the favorite strawberry, pineapple, milk and mint varieties, as experience shows, by Russians to the rarest elite varieties - Da Hong Pao, Tie Guan Yin and others like them.
Prices - from 190 rubles/100 g.
Quality and deliciousness in at least four varieties:
- dairy,
- ginseng,
- with osmanthus,
- Tie Guan Yin
— were recently thoroughly inspected by me. She may not be the most qualified of tea drinkers, but she is very meticulous and observant. Everything is quite rosy and worthy. Many customers also leave reviews on the site, and in the foreseeable future I will try to briefly reveal the secrets of the tastes of each tested variety.
How to brew oolong teas correctly
There are several golden rules for drinking oolong tea, according to the Chinese classical tradition. It is not difficult to follow them and they guarantee that it will be tasty, enjoyable and healthy.
- Proportion: ⅓ in the teapot is the tea itself, the rest is water.
- The bouquet opens perfectly in clay teapots. Porcelain ones will also work. The worst option is metal ones, in which oxidation occurs.
- The water temperature should be 80 - 90 degrees. Not boiling water!
- The first water is used only to steam the leaves and wash away dust and dirt. They don't drink it! Pour for 5 - 15 seconds and immediately drain.
- Real oolongs are brewed multiple times - up to ten, and some varieties up to twenty cups from the same leaves. Each time the taste and bouquet will be revealed in a new way.
That's it for tea ceremonies, but only for today. The topic of oolongs will certainly be discussed in the future.
With wishes for a pleasant tea party and health, sincerely yours, Marta.
China is the undisputed world leader in the cultivation and export of an invigorating and aromatic drink. Green tea makes up a significant share of tea production. One of its subspecies is milk oolong, the benefits and harms of which we will consider in our article.
What he really is
Oolong is a selected large-leaf variety characterized by medium fermentation. The raw materials for its production are collected in the highlands of Fujian, the provinces of Anxi, Guangdong and on the sunny island. Taiwan. The drink has several completely incompatible names. Translated from ancient Chinese, it is called “dark dragon”. However, many people call it “turquoise” due to the fact that during processing the leaves acquire the color of an azure sea.
Peculiarities
In China, it occupies the middle stage between black, red and green teas, combining their best qualities. The taste is similar to the latter, and the smell is similar to the second. Black varieties are 100% fermented, green varieties are 10-12% fermented, and milk oolong is 50%. The finished, properly brewed drink has a caramel-creamy aftertaste, a light lemon tint and light, subtle notes of fresh cream.
High-quality oolong, as it is commonly called in England, is characterized by whole leaves rolled into hard round granules, which open under the influence of moisture. High-quality oolong should be free of small particles, dust, branches and foreign impurities. If you smell a strong aroma of milk, most likely the raw materials have been artificially flavored.
What are the types?
The most famous are:
- Chinese – distinguished by the most delicate soft aftertaste of cream.
- Taiwanese - has a sweet taste and milky smell. Only royal, expensive varieties are produced from such tea bushes.
Traditional and flavored subtypes of oolong are produced. To create a pleasant aroma, ginseng, rose extract, cinnamon tree extract and fragrant jasmine flower petals are used.
Unusual oolong aroma
There is a hypothesis that the creamy taste is formed by irrigating the tea bushes with a milk mixture or pre-soaking the shoots in milk. But this is not true. The product is characterized by a refined, slightly perceptible aroma, formed during a special fermentation. All leaves are subject to oxidation and withering, due to which the characteristic aftertaste and aroma are acquired.
Due to the popularity of this variety, manufacturers often use a trick by treating ordinary tea leaves with artificial flavors. This method is less expensive and simpler than natural production. Therefore, if when purchasing you catch those same notes of fresh cream, most likely it is a banal flavoring.
Chemical composition
The composition contains a huge amount of healing substances, as well as a number of micro- and macroelements. The leaves contain magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, manganese, zinc and fluorine, which are useful for strengthening tooth enamel, improving sexual function, and stimulating brain activity.
It is impossible to answer the question in a nutshell about the benefits of milk oolong green tea, since it contains a whole vitamin complex. B vitamins have a good effect on digestion processes and stabilize the psycho-emotional state. “PP” makes blood vessels more elastic. Group “E” – stimulates epidermal cells, improves the appearance of the skin, and prevents atherosclerosis. Vitamin “A” is indicated for those who are in the stage of physical development, and “K” affects the functioning of the liver and gall bladder.
Production
The variety is not fully fermented. This is an intermediate option between black and green teas.
Fermentation refers to the process of oxidation of substances contained in raw materials. The juice released during rolling of the tea leaves undergoes a process of oxidation and fermentation. It is important to control this process and stop it in time before the tea is completely fermented and turns black. As a result, the leaves acquire an unusual aroma and taste. In this way, the most expensive and well-known varieties are obtained.
Oolong production has its own characteristics:
- The collection of raw materials occurs from mature, fully formed bushes. Young shoots and buds are immediately removed.
- Withering of leaves in the open air takes from 1 hour.
- The dried product is transferred to bamboo sieves.
- To speed up the fermentation process, tea leaves are crushed for several hours inside special drums, in which the tea leaves are broken and the juice is released.
- Fermentation is stopped by heating in rotating drums.
- Next, the raw material is shaped and twisted depending on the grade.
- Fry: fast on high and slow on low.
- Sorting and packaging.
The flavor of oolong is added in several ways:
- By treating the bushes with a liquid based on cane sugar with milk flavoring.
- By adding whey from milk to the raw material base of the product, immediately before final packaging.
The last option is used much more often.
Benefits of milk oolong tea
The beneficial properties are stronger than those of many similar varieties. Its effect on the body is in many ways similar to black varieties and the most expensive in the world - white.
- It gained its popularity due to the fact that it effectively breaks down fats. Of course, it does not guarantee quick weight loss, especially if you drink it with high-calorie cakes. But in combination with diet and exercise, it will undoubtedly give the desired result in the form of weight loss.
- Famous for its antioxidant properties. Those who enjoy this drink are less susceptible to various ailments.
- Indicated for people of the older age group with diseases of the cardiovascular system. Its active substances can help strengthen blood vessels and make their walls more elastic.
- This is a good immunostimulant that helps strengthen the body and prevent colds.
- It has a positive effect on the cells of the human body, slowing down their aging processes and restoring collagen levels. Collagen makes the skin more elastic and it looks healthier and younger.
- Helps remove cholesterol from the body, eliminates toxins, waste and heavy metals, preventing them from settling on the walls of blood vessels.
- In addition, it promotes weight loss (in a comprehensive weight loss program) due to the fact that it normalizes metabolism and improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Ensures stable operation of all vital systems in the body, protects against strokes and heart attacks.
In addition to its therapeutic properties, milk oolong also brings other benefits to the body - it lifts your mood and helps overcome depression. Activates brain activity, invigorates, relieves fatigue and restores strength.
Harm from use
The main negative impact of the drink arises from the caffeine in the composition and all kinds of flavoring additives (cream, caramel, milk). Although, the latter are present only in low-grade tea. If you buy a high-quality product and drink it in moderation, it will not cause harm.
Before use, it is advisable to study the composition for the presence of elements that may cause allergies.
Selection rules
The choice of variety depends on individual preferences and the condition of the body as a whole. Low-fermented is recommended for those who are looking for a less pronounced taste and aroma. Heavily fermented – for those who want to feel a richer taste. Pay attention to the quality of the product and how the subtle aroma was achieved - during production or by adding a flavoring agent.
The main difference between a low-grade fake and real oolong is weight. Oolong should be heavy due to tightly rolled tea leaves. Its appearance is characterized by a green color with easily visible highlights.
Refuse to purchase if instead of individual lumps there is fine dust or damaged leaves.
As a means for losing weight
It has long been known that Chinese oolong milk tea has beneficial properties and helps to cope with extra pounds. Its use accelerates metabolic processes and leads to fat burning. By drinking 3-4 cups a day for a month, you are guaranteed to lose weight from 3 to 6 kg.
Brewing rules
You can enjoy the extraordinary taste and delicate aroma and benefit from consuming oolong only if it is brewed correctly. This process is very delicate and has its own nuances. Earthenware or ceramic dishes are suitable for it. However, all its sides will truly be revealed if you pick up a clay teapot. Clay is porous, but at the same time retains all the useful elements inside, a rich taste and forms a refined smell.
High-quality tea leaves can be steeped up to 10 times. The time of the next infusion increases each time by 3 minutes. But cycle 3-4 is considered the most useful and correct.
Before pouring dry leaves into a vessel, it is recommended to rinse it with boiling water. This will help to reveal all shades of taste and aroma faster and brighter.
The duration and temperature of brewing is taken according to the average, classical principle - 75-85 ° C for 1-3 minutes. But in reality, these parameters depend on the level of fermentation. So, weakly fermented ones are filled with water at 65-70°, highly fermented ones - 90-92°. If you exceed these limits, you can kill all the beneficial properties.
The selected container is filled 1/3 with tea and poured boiling water. The first portion is drained after a couple of minutes. This infusion is not yet suitable for consumption. The second time, fill the container with hot water, close the lid and leave for 2-4 minutes, after which it is poured into bowls.
Storage nuances
Like other varieties, oolong absorbs all the aromas that float around. It should be stored not only away from foods with a strong odor, but also separately from other teas.
For long-term storage, it is not recommended to use tin and metal jars. It is better to look for porcelain, ceramic or glass vessels with a tight-fitting lid. If the container is well closed and air does not penetrate inside, storage in the refrigerator is acceptable. But it is better to choose a dark, cool place and opaque dishes that protect the contents from sunlight, during which all active substances oxidize, the taste and aroma fade.
How to drink correctly
Tea masters recommend drinking oolong after meals. However, it is advisable not to drink desserts and sweets with it, as with traditional tea drinking. It is a healthy end to a meal, helping the body digest food better.
To improve lactation
Milk tea stimulates milk production in nursing mothers and also saturates it with nutrients. To do this, pour ground cinnamon into a warm drink. When brewing, add a little more water to a regular serving to reduce caffeine intake.
For gastritis
Diseases associated with the gastrointestinal tract cause a lot of inconvenience. The main ones are the correct selection of food products. Just one inappropriate ingredient can cause pain, heartburn, burning and other unpleasant symptoms. Oolongs are used for indigestion, gastritis and other similar ailments. Drink them on an empty stomach up to 4 times a day.
For cholecystitis
A disease in which there is a disturbance in the flow of bile in the body. This happens as a result of inflammatory processes in the gallbladder, which ultimately negatively affect all internal organs and, as a result, a person’s well-being. It is recommended to drink milk tea 1-2 times a day, before meals. This helps to activate the full functioning of the gallbladder and liver.
You should know! Oolong is contraindicated in the presence of urolithiasis. Taking it can promote the movement of stones along the passage, creating blockages and worsening the patient's condition.
For pancreatitis
In the acute form of pancreatic disease, accompanied by an inflammatory process, it is better to avoid consumption, due to the fact that its components can provoke pain. In case of chronic disease, drinking tea once a day is acceptable. In this case, the basis should be 5-6 brews. With this consistency, the drink will not cause any harm.
For diabetes
If you drink oolong without additional sweeteners, it can reduce the amount of sugar in your blood. Along with it, proteins enter the arteries that stimulate the production of insulin and prevent the development and progression of coronary vascular disease.
Contraindications
Tea is the most harmless among all existing drinks and has a positive effect on the body and psycho-emotional state. However, each variety has its own side effects, and before brewing it is better to ask in advance what the consequences of drinking tea will be for you.
It is always worth remembering that oolong:
- Hypertensive patients are not allowed to drink. Theine significantly increases blood pressure along with caffeine.
- Don't drink before bed. It has a stimulating effect, preventing you from falling asleep fully.
- It is a strong diuretic. Therefore, it is not indicated for people with kidney disease.
- It is not recommended for pregnant girls to use. As described above, it can sharply increase blood pressure.
- Strictly contraindicated for gastrointestinal disorders, ulcers, gastritis and colitis. Its effect is especially undesirable during exacerbations of these diseases.
If you do not have the above restrictions, it is still better to listen to the opinion of doctors and set a norm for yourself that does not exceed 3 cups per day.
Conclusion
Knowing the main beneficial properties and contraindications of oolong green tea, you can safely treat yourself to a cup of this sophisticated drink with a pleasant aroma. If it suits you according to all indications, make it a rule to consume it after your evening meal. This will not only improve your mood, but also activate all metabolic processes, filling the body with energy and increasing immunity.
Did you know, dear readers, that the Chinese call oolong tea “the magic medicine of beauty and health.” The beneficial properties of oolong tea are revealed selectively for each person; he will give you those substances that you need.
Oolong is considered a rejuvenating drink that helps in the fight against many ailments and excess body weight. Literally translated from Chinese, it means “crow dragon” or “black dragon” and refers to elite, expensive teas. In Russia we call this tea oolong, and Europeans call it oolong. Today you will learn what oolong tea is, what beneficial and healing properties it has, and what types of oolong tea are found on the market.
Oolong tea: beneficial and harmful properties
This unique tea is grown high in the mountains of Taiwan, on the rocky slopes of Fujian province, where a certain microclimate reigns. For this type of tea, not only sunny days are important, but also the amount of precipitation and the composition of the soil - everything affects the unique chemical composition of the tea, its healing properties and what type and type of oolong tea you will get.
The drink is the most popular type among the Chinese population. It is called pure tea - “kincha” and only this type of tea is used by the Chinese in the tea ceremony of “highest tea skill” - “gong fu cha”. But this collection of superior tea artistry does not include milk oolong.
What is oolong tea
Oolong, in terms of the degree of fermentation, is classified as a semi-fermented tea and, in terms of its usefulness and value, is between green tea and black tea.
- Read,
The usual fermentation of leaves when preparing oolong tea is not completed, it varies from 25-70%, so the inside of the rolled leaf does not have time to ferment and remains unfermented, retaining all its valuable nutrients in their original form.
Therefore, experts say that oolong combines the properties and aroma of natural green tea and, at the same time, has the rich taste of black or red tea.
Types of oolong tea:
According to the degree of fermentation, it is divided into several types:
Low-fermented oolong fermentation passes by 25-40%. The mild subtropical, high-mountain climate and slightly acidic soils make it possible to grow fragrant tea bushes. For tea, the best leaves are removed from the tea bush.
Interest in elite weakly fermented tea began to appear only in the 90s of the last century, which led to the expansion of production and the creation of new varieties. Green tea leaves are twisted weakly and hemispherically.
Highly fermented oolong fermentation passes from 40 to 70%. This type of tea appeared in China before weakly fermented tea. The tea leaves have leaves that are tightly curled into a ball. To produce this type of tea, the collection is carried out from tea bushes of a certain type. They do not take all the leaves in a row, but remove well-developed and healthy ones.
Flavored oolong comes in different scents. For flavoring, extracts and extracts of plants, ginseng, fragrant osmanthus flowers, and rose petals are used.
What is oolong milk tea?
Milk oolong also belongs to the group of flavored oolong teas. Experts say that creamy and caramel notes are present in the leaves of this type of tea. But an uninitiated person cannot catch these subtle odors.
Milk oolong is also flavored, like other flavored teas, and the following flavorings are used: caramel, milk with chocolate, toffee... Therefore, depending on the flavorings, the richness of the aromas can be different.
And of course, for flavored oolongs, even though they are elite, they take low-grade leaves. The quality of this tea can be determined by the integrity of the leaves; the more intact leaves, the better the quality of the tea.
Sometimes you can find milky green tea or pu-erh tea in the market. This suggests that manufacturers can add milk flavors to other types of tea.
Milk tea does not provide any particular super-health benefits; it should be noted that there are delicious milk teas and sometimes tasteless ones, it all depends on the manufacturer. But thanks to this unusual taste, many people’s interest in tea culture begins with milk oolong; they talk and write too much about it.
True tea connoisseurs prefer natural teas to flavored teas. The Chinese believe that flavoring tea generally spoils its true taste. Real tea is only whole leaf.
When brewing tea, curled cylinders or balls expand into leaves, the edges of which are dark in color, and the middle is greenish or completely green (as you already understand, this depends on the degree of fermentation and curling of the leaf). Genuine tea of good quality should not contain broken leaves or crumbs.
Beneficial properties of oolong tea
Due to its beneficial properties, oolong teas not only have taste and aesthetic qualities, but also affect human health, physical and mental well-being. In terms of the degree of impact on the body, oolong teas occupy an intermediate position between green teas and black teas.
☻ They are noticeably distinguished by the content of various chemical compounds necessary for human life. Experts believe that this is the most harmonious combination, which has about 400 types of chemical compounds. The main group of them are:
- polyphenols, caffeine;
- vitamins C, K, group B, D;
- iron, iodine,
- magnesium, phosphorus,
- calcium, selenium,
- manganese and zinc.
Manganese helps vitamin C be absorbed by the body faster, which provides good antitumor protection.
☻ In terms of caffeine content, highly fermented oolong teas are the leaders, which tone and invigorate the human body, relieve fatigue and tension, both mental and physical. Through the blood, theines or caffeine act on the cerebral cortex, which helps relieve vascular spasms, activates blood circulation in the brain and muscles, and improves the functioning of the heart muscle.
☻ Thein improves the thinking process to some extent, a person processes the information received better and faster, focuses more quickly on a specific image, and begins to think creatively.
☻ Oolong contains essential oils, organic acids, aldehydes, which in combination with caffeine increase overall performance and brain activity. This leads to relaxation of the nervous system, a person’s mood improves, with notes of good nature, and anxiety goes away.
☻ Based on this, experts recommend drinking oolongs to improve the tone and performance of the body, to improve mood and get rid of depression, to put your thoughts in order, to restore lost strength after physical and mental stress.
☻ Due to the unique property of tea to reduce weight, the Chinese call it “the magic medicine of beauty and health.” Weight loss occurs due to increased metabolism in the body; oolong tea burns 2 times more calories compared to green tea. And polyphenol compounds break down fat molecules. The efficiency of breaking down fat molecules in oolong tea is much higher compared to other types of tea. It improves the functioning of the digestive organs, intestinal motility, and prevents fat from being deposited in the liver. Has a mild diuretic effect.
☻ Has some anti-cancer ability due to its antioxidant properties, which destroy free radicals and have a depressing effect on cancer cells. Although there are fewer polyphenols in oolong teas than in green teas, their catechins and tannins are converted into thearubigin and theoflavin, which perform functions similar to polyphenols. And the content of polyphenols in plants is a good prevention of cancer and premature aging of the body, which inhibits gene mutations in the body and prolongs the life of nerve cells.
☻ Inhibits the development of heart and vascular diseases, oolong tea polyphenols have a strengthening effect on the walls of blood vessels, improving their permeability and elasticity. Thus, the capillaries do not burst and there is no bleeding under the skin, in the eyes, mucous membranes, or gums. The risk of stroke and heart attack is reduced. And the vitamins that make up the tea strengthen the fibrous tissue of the walls of blood vessels, preventing the formation of thrombophlebitis.
☻ Tea helps dissolve lipids and cholesterol plaques, which significantly reduces the risk of atherosclerosis. Helps dissolve stones in the bile ducts, gallbladder and kidneys, speeds up their process of cleansing from accumulated harmful substances. Strengthens the process of urine formation and urination.
☻ Has a beneficial effect on human vision, due to carotenes and xanthophylls, which give positive dynamics in the treatment of retinal dystrophy and affect visual acuity.
☻ Regular consumption of tea: strengthens the body's endurance to the adverse effects of the environment, protects against the harmful effects of solar radiation. Essential oils and carotenes, vitamins and microelements, soften the perception of stress and external irritants.
☻ This tea also affects complexion and skin health, and alleviates the condition of patients with skin dermatitis and asthma. Oolong tea flavonoids help cleanse the skin of dead cells and regenerate young skin cells, which gives a rejuvenating effect.
☻ Tea has adsorbent properties, binds toxins, heavy metals, poisons in the body and removes them, so I recommend drinking it more often during intoxication with chemicals, alcohol and food poisoning.
☻ Oolongs strengthen the skeletal system, promote bone tissue regeneration, which prevents osteoporosis, promotes rapid healing of bones during fractures and cracks in older people. Block osteoclasts, which destroy bone tissue and accelerate the mineralization process.
Experts say that the beneficial properties of oolong tea are revealed selectively, for each person. Tea gives a person those substances that he needs at a given time and feels the need for them. How does this happen? This unique mechanism of influence has not yet found an explanation in the scientific world.
How to brew oolong
Since oolong tea is called pure tea - “kincha”, this type of tea is used by the Chinese in the tea ceremony of “highest tea skill” - “gong fu cha”. This suggests that tea needs to be brewed in a special way.
The teapot for brewing should be clay or porcelain.
Typically, 30-35 ml of water is taken per 1 g of dry tea leaves. The temperature should be below boiling point when it is just about to boil and lots of white bubbles appear. This kind of boiling water is called “white spring” in China.
- The first brew is drained. Read in more detail,
How to store
All elite teas are stored in hermetically sealed containers made of porcelain, ceramics, glass, so that the material of the dishes does not absorb the smell of tea. If it is glassware, then it must be made of dark glass. It is advisable to place the container with tea in a cool, dark place.
The shelf life, like any tea, is limited, but at the same time it depends on the degree of fermentation. Highly fermented teas last longer.
Does tea have any contraindications?
Despite the fact that oolong tea is beneficial for the heart muscle, people suffering from unstable blood pressure should drink tea with caution, after consulting with their doctor.
The cleansing properties of tea are so strong that you need to be careful and not overuse tea; 3 cups a day will not harm you. If you drink more, you can remove beneficial substances from the body along with salts.
Where to buy oolong tea
Of course, tea can now be bought in any regional center. But where is the likelihood that they will sell you what you want? It is better to buy in specialized tea stores, where trained sales consultants can answer your questions.
You can also buy luxury teas in online stores. I suggest you take a look at one of them. It’s called Elite Teas. Because the choice of teas here is huge and it’s very difficult to figure out what you need. I would like to try this tea and another one too...
A team of professionals from this store developed a questionnaire test for the buyer. Small, fills up quickly. You indicate the properties of the tea, why you need it: to restore strength, for clarity of mind, to strengthen blood vessels, for weight loss and some other parameters and the system will select the type of tea just for you - Elite Teas store.
Do not forget that the beneficial properties of oolong tea are revealed selectively, for each person. Tea gives a person those substances that he needs at a given time and feels the need for them.
- And here you will learn about:
Be healthy, dear readers!
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