Among many teas, it is worth taking a more favorable look at the oolong variety. It is a great alternative to coffee, although it has a gentler effect and does not cause sudden spikes and drops in energy. It will be especially appreciated by people who care about their figure.
Oolong tea has an extremely diverse taste and is difficult to describe clearly. This is due to the fact that the oxidation process can be short or longer, which determines the final character of the infusion. If it is less oxidized, it resembles the freshness and lightness of green tea, with notes of flowers, fruits and grass. When the fermentation process is longer, the infusion becomes deeper, with noticeable tones of caramel, nuts, honey and baked grains. In some varieties, you can even find a buttery smoothness or a creamy aftertaste, which is why oolong is sometimes referred to as “milk tea”, even though there is not a drop of milk in it.
This diversity makes oolong tea a drink for people who like to discover the taste gradually. With each sip and each subsequent brewing, you can discover different nuances of aroma. Its consumption is celebrated. It is not worth drinking it while running, but rather sipping it slowly, letting its warmth and aroma have a calming effect on the senses. In China it is called dragon tea, in Poland it is called blue tea. In the times of the Polish People’s Republic, it was considered a great weight loss aid.
Drinking oolong tea regularly brings tangible health benefits. The polyphenols contained in it support the circulatory system, helping to reduce the level of “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Oolong supports fat metabolism, therefore it promotes weight loss. Its effect on the nervous system is also important. Moderate caffeine content combined with the amino acid L-theanine will improve concentration and mood. Drinking it will not leave you with the feeling of irritability or sudden stimulation typical of coffee.
Oolong tea also has a mild digestive support effectso it is worth drinking it after a meal. Thanks to fermentation processes, it facilitates intestinal function and favors their microflora. This does not mean, however, that everyone should drink it without restrictions. The caffeine contained in dragon tea may harm people with hypertension and heart rhythm disorders. Pregnant women and people sensitive to caffeine should be careful with it. The drink may limit the absorption of iron from plant foods, so you should not drink it with a meal if you are deficient in this element. In such cases, it is better to leave an interval of at least an hour between a meal and a cup of tea.
The secret of a good drink lies in the way it is brewed. Oolong tea leaves are quite large, often rolled into small balls that unfold only when exposed to hot water. It is best to use one teaspoon of dried herb per cup for brewing and pour it with water at a temperature of about 90 degrees Celsius.. Boiling water will destroy the delicate aromas and make the infusion bitter. The brewing time depends on the type of oolong, but is usually from 2 to 4 minutes.
Oolong is a tea that can be brewed several times. With subsequent pouring, the leaves develop more and more, and the flavor becomes fuller and deeper. Many people believe that only the second or third brewing reveals the true character of this tea. Therefore, in Asia, oolong is often a drink accompanying long meetings or conversations. You can drink the drink for a long time, and each cup tastes slightly different. It is best to drink this tea without any additives. Sugar or milk suppress the natural flavor and deprive the infusion of the subtlety for which oolong is so appreciated.
Sources: Terazgotuje.pl,zdrowie.interia.pl
