Anyone who loves tea will want to try each of the main varieties that come from the camellia sinensis plant. Oolong tea is one of them, which has unique characteristics that set it apart from the other camellia sinensis varieties of black, green and white tea.
The difference between the types of teas is in the processing. Oolong is a variety of tea that is semi-oxidized. It is oxidized longer than white and green tea but for a shorter time than black tea.
At the same time, you can find different types of oolong tea, which vary based on where each one comes from and how it is processed.
The flavor and benefits of oolong tea can differ depending on how much each variety is oxidized. Some oolongs are closer to the oxidation level of green tea while others are closer to black tea, yet they are also distinct from green or black tea.
In addition to the oxidation level, oolong tea has a unique shape of balls or strands that have been tightly curled, rolled or twisted into its shape. The shaping process affects the flavor of the tea.
Traditionally, oolong was made in China and Taiwan, yet modern tea options include oolong from around the world featuring different processing methods and characteristics.
Oolong teas are enjoyable because of their distinct taste. They have a more full-bodied flavor than green or white tea, yet less than that of black tea. It can be fun to try varieties of oolong tea to discover the range of flavors from one type to another, similar to tasting different coffees or wines. This tea is also a nice choice when you want less caffeine than coffee or black tea but a bit more than white or green tea.
Oolong tea health benefits provide another reason to drink this hot beverage. This tea offers similar benefits to other teas from the camellia sinensis plant. In particular, it provides the body with healthy antioxidants. Oolong tea benefits from these antioxidants include reducing cholesterol and promoting heart health. Tea has also been associated with additional health and wellness characteristics, such as promoting weight loss and improving the health of teeth.
Culinary Teas offers oolong teas from China to give the traditional characteristics of this tea. We also have a full collection of oolong teas, so you can taste different flavors and varieties. Some feature specific types of oolong tea, such as our Phoenix 1 Iron Goddess Oolong Tea, while others stand out through the ingredients with which we blend them, such as our Loire Valley Peach Oolong or Oolong Orange Blossom Tea.
All of our oolong varieties feature gourmet loose leaf tea, which is high-quality tea with improved flavor, freshness and health benefits compared to the crushed, stale tea generally found in tea bags. We take steps to ensure the quality of our teas — from premier ingredients and regularly taste testing each batch to packaging and storing it with a method that maintains its freshness and flavor.
Look at our selection of gourmet oolong teas and order your favorites today.
