Most tea drinkers know what black and green tea is, but might not be familiar with one of my absolute favorite teas, oolong tea.
Here are three reasons why you should get into oolongs:
1. Oolongs have a unique flavor
Unlike other teas, oolongs are the mature leaves (rather than young leaves) from the tea plant. Over time, oolong leaves acquire flavor and depth from their particular soil and climate. This is why oolongs, like wine, have terroir. Oolongs are often somewhere between green tea and black tea in oxidation. This gives them a huge range of flavors. Depending on how they are finished, they can have roasty flavors, milky flavors, or floral flavors, and everything in between.
2. Oolong promotes healthy metabolism
Oolongs have been proven to help with weight loss. Researchers are still trying to understand exactly why oolong teas promote weight loss and healthy metabolism more than other teas or caffeinated drinks. Two recent studies showed that drinking 2-4 cups of oolong daily increases energy expenditure 10-20% in as little as 6 weeks. This data also shows that oolong disrupts sleep less than other caffeinated drinks. (study link here)
3. You get more bang for your buck
You get more cups of tea from oolong leaves because of their age, size, and shape. We’re talking 3-5 very flavorful infusions. Next time you brew an oolong tea, reinfuse the leaves multiple times. Some people claim that the second and third infusions have the best flavor.
Try these August oolong blends:
Avalon – Burnt Apple Oolong Tea
If you love oolongs, maybe it's time for a new blend. If you haven't had oolong yet, give one a try. I can't wait to hear what you think.
Gina
Head Blender, August Uncommon Tea
p.s.: Oolong (wūlóngchá) means black dragon in Mandrarin. The twisted shape oolong resembles a dragon, hence the name oolong tea.
