You must have heard of Oolong tea, is not it? although not widely known as green tea and black tea, Oolong tea is one kind of beverage rich in benefits with a delicious taste. Oolong tea history goes back 400 years ago in the Ming Dynasty, where a farmer named Wu Liang tea drying the tea leaves accidentally Excerpts results outside for days. He was surprised to discover that the tea leaves have been oxidized by the sun and gives a delicious flavor when brewed. The tea was given the name "Tea Wu Liang" which came to be known as "Oolong Tea".
image source: mingmingtea.com
Derived from the Camellia Sinensis plant species, Oolong tea is produced from essentially the same type of tea leaf with green tea and black tea. But what differentiates Oolong tea with other types of tea is the process of making and drying. Green tea is obtained by heating to oxidize the leaves. Once dried, green tea leaves are then rolled with the intention of breaking the cell structure in it.
In contrast to green tea, Oolong tea, in the production, which had been plucked tea leaves will be dried in the sun under certain conditions of humidity and temperature to allow for oxidation. However, this oxidation process is only done half way or so-called semi-fermented, where the condition of 30% tea leaves colored red and 70% green. It is this which gives more benefits Oolong tea, even considered the best of the other types of tea fermentation. After the semi-fermentation process, the next step taken is chaoqing, where the tea leaves are dried again in the container will be hot and dry, and ends with the process of rolling tea leaves to give a distinctive pungent aroma of Oolong tea.
Oolong tea flavor can be fairly unique. Once brewed properly, Oolong tea will taste bitter at first, but then will leave a slightly sweet taste after drinking. Not only has a delicious flavor and aroma, Oolong tea is also rich in benefits. High antioxidant content of the oxidation half to give efficacy to the Oolong tea speeds up metabolism in the body, so that those who regularly consume Oolong tea will experience burning calories faster, which certainly helps in the weight loss process.
Oolong tea is also very beneficial for diabetics. A joint study from Japan, Taiwan, and the United States found that regular consumption of Oolong tea can lower plasma glucose levels of patients with type 2 diabetes. Other benefits of Oolong tea is improving digestion, ward off free radicals, as well as provide a sense of relaxation that can reduce stress levels.
Therefore, for those who want to get a taste of delicious tea as well a variety of health benefits for the body, begin consuming Oolong tea regularly. Because it is made from natural ingredients, Oolong tea is also suitable consumed in all ages for a better quality of life.