If you always opt for black tea or green tea, oolong tea is a good way to mix things up. Some varieties have a fragrance reminiscent of flowers. Others, toastier, carry notes that evoke dried fruits. Next time you spot it in a store, check whether the package describes the flavor. That detail can guide you more than the name blue tea, with which it is also known.
What is oolong tea and how does it differ from green tea
Oolong is made from leaves of Camellia sinensis, the same plant from which green and black tea come. What changes is how the leaves are processed. In the case of oolong, they are allowed to oxidize partially and then heated to stop the process. The oxidation level sits between that of green tea and black tea. The toasting also influences the flavor, which is why two oolongs can taste very different in the cup.
What properties does oolong tea have and what is known about its benefits
Oolong tea provides polyphenols, including the catechins, compounds with antioxidant activity. It also contains caffeine, known as theine when we talk about tea. It is responsible for its stimulating effect and can help you feel more alert for a while.
And what about its reputation for helping with weight loss? In a small two-week study, participants used more fat as fuel when they drank oolong. During that period, their weight and their body fat percentage remained stable. The study measured a shift in how the body obtains energy and left open questions about long-term effects.
When it is advisable to moderate consumption
If you are sensitive to caffeine or have trouble sleeping, try drinking it earlier in the day. Excess caffeine can cause nervousness, palpitations, or insomnia. If you are pregnant or nursing, count oolong within the total daily caffeine you consume, alongside coffee, mate, and other caffeinated drinks.
If you have low iron, it is better to drink it between meals. Tea can hinder the absorption of iron present in plant-based foods, such as lentils, when consumed together with a meal.
How to brew oolong tea, step by step
For a first cup, start with a teaspoon of loose leaves and about 200 ml of water. If the package indicates a different temperature or time, follow the instructions for that variety.
- Heat the water to between 85 and 90 °C.
- Place the leaves in a infuser and pour the water over them.
- Let it steep for 3 to 4 minutes. If you prefer a milder tea, try three minutes.
- Remove the leaves and serve. You can use the same leaves for a second infusion and see how the flavor changes.
