Buzz
At Mytour, we openly admit our passion for tea. Why not? It's the second most consumed beverage worldwide after water, so we're certainly not alone. Tea is soothing, incredibly flavorful, and full of health advantages, ranging from the antioxidant properties of matcha to chamomile's calming effects that help promote relaxation.
If you’re starting to feel weary of your regular Earl Grey or green tea (it happens), keep in mind that there are countless other varieties. Lately, our obsession has been with oolong.
What is oolong tea, and how does it taste?
Oolong tea is a type of "partially fermented" tea. The leaves are plucked, allowed to wilt, and then undergo fermentation (oxidation) before being dried. Oolong teas are positioned between green and black teas in terms of oxidation levels.
"To fully appreciate oolong tea, it helps to understand a bit about green and black teas," explains Peter Goggi, president of the Tea Council of the USA. "All types come from the leaves of the tea plant—Camellia sinensis—and are classified as true teas. Green tea is not oxidized, meaning it doesn’t experience prolonged exposure to oxygen during production. It keeps its green hue and has a fresh, grassy taste. In contrast, black tea is fully oxidized, meaning it is exposed to air for a longer period to complete the chemical reactions in the leaves before drying. Black tea has a darker color, a reddish tint in the cup, and a stronger flavor profile."
According to Goggi, oolong tea is only partially oxidized. "The color and strength of the final brew depend on the duration of oxidation," he says. "Some oolongs are lightly oxidized, while others are more heavily oxidized. This variety results in a broad spectrum of oolong flavors. However, the most sought-after oolongs are those that are clear and light in color when brewed, with distinct peach and/or pear notes."
The Benefits of Oolong Tea
Oolong tea is beneficial for digestive health.
"Emerging research indicates that black tea, green tea, and oolong tea can all promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the human gut," says Samina Kalloo, RDN, CDN. "As more studies explore the connection between food and the gut microbiome, many are focusing on the potential role of specific beverages, especially tea, in enhancing gut health." Remember, a healthy gut microbiome is crucial for a strong immune system.
It also helps combat inflammation.
"Besides its distinctive flavor and aroma as a semi-fermented tea, oolong contains a unique compound called theasinensins, a group of tea polyphenols (powerful antioxidants) shown to have health benefits," Kalloo explains. "While more research is needed on the bioavailability of theasinensins, current findings suggest that these compounds might be central to the health benefits of oolong tea, including their blood sugar-balancing and anti-inflammatory properties."
Oolong is effective in reducing stress and promoting calmness.
Kalloo points out that all true teas (black, green, white, oolong, and dark) contain powerful benefits from the amino acid L-theanine. "Research on L-theanine and caffeine—the key components of true teas derived from the Camellia sinensis plant—has shown that L-theanine is linked to enhanced relaxation, reduced tension, and a sense of calm," she says. "L-theanine helps counterbalance the stimulating effects of caffeine. Studies also indicate that L-theanine and caffeine work together to improve focus, memory, and reduce distractions. Moreover, a 2020 study review on pure L-theanine concluded that 200 to 400 milligrams per day of L-theanine can help alleviate stress and anxiety in individuals under pressure."
How to Brew Oolong Tea
The Tea Council of the USA suggests a useful guideline for brewing tea: the larger and more delicate the leaf, the lower the water temperature should be. "Typically, for larger oolong leaves and white teas, water between 180-190°F works best," explains Goggi. Black teas, on the other hand, require significantly hotter water for optimal extraction, while boiling water can damage more delicate leaves like those of white tea. "The steeping time also varies—oolongs generally need five to seven minutes to steep, while white tea requires just three to four minutes. Naturally, you can adjust these factors based on your preferences. These guidelines are just a starting point," he says. Feel free to modify the steeping time, water temperature, and tea quantity until you find your ideal brew.
