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🚚 Enjoy Free Delivery upon purchase of $350

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What are the Benefits of Oolong tea? A brief intro to Oolong tea, pros & cons, and precautions for consumption

Oolong tea is a popular beverage enjoyed by many. In this article, we will explore various aspects of Oolong tea, including its caffeine content, health benefits, precautions for consumption, and brewing methods. Finally, we will recommend 6 Oolong tea varieties for you to savor and experience the joy of Oolong tea together!

What is Oolong tea? Interesting facts about Oolong tea!

1. What is Oolong tea? Is it Green tea?

Oolong tea is a type of tea that undergoes different processing methods, which in turn affects its level of fermentation. This results in various types of tea, such as green tea, black tea, and Oolong tea. Green tea typically has a fermentation level of less than 5% and is considered unfermented. On the other hand, black tea is fully fermented, with a fermentation level of over 95%. Oolong tea falls in between and is classified as semi-fermented tea.

 

Therefore, Oolong tea is neither green tea nor black tea, but rather a type of semi-fermented tea known as Oolong. Now, when someone asks, "What is Oolong tea?" you'll know how to answer!

2. Is Oolong tea highly fermented?

After understanding what Oolong tea is, let's delve into its fermentation level. Compared to the warming nature of black tea or the cooling nature of green tea, Oolong tea is considered more neutral. Its fermentation level ranges from approximately 15% to 60%, which is not considered high.

 

The degree of fermentation in Oolong tea, along with the roasting process, contributes to its diverse flavours and mouthfeel. Oolong teas with lower fermentation levels tend to have a refreshing taste, like the well-known Iron Goddess, with a golden tea colour and a light fragrance. Oolong teas with higher fermentation levels have a rich and mellow taste, often accompanied by floral or fruity notes, with Red Oolong being a classic example.

Is Oolong Tea High in Caffeine? How much Catechins does Oolong Tea contain?

1. How much caffeine does Oolong Tea contain?

The caffeine content in 350 milliliters of Oolong Tea is approximately 109 milligrams. However, the caffeine content may vary depending on the variety of Oolong Tea and the brewing method. In comparison, a 12-ounce (approximately 360 milliliters) medium-sized cup of Americano coffee contains around 200 milligrams of caffeine. Although the volumes are similar, Oolong Tea has almost half the caffeine content compared to coffee.


The caffeine content in Oolong Tea increases with higher brewing temperatures and longer steeping times. If you prefer Oolong Tea with lower caffeine content, it is recommended to brew it using the "cold brew" method and reduce the steeping time. Want to consume less caffeine? Consider swapping your cup of coffee for a refreshing glass of cold-brewed Oolong Tea!

2. Is Oolong Tea high in nutritional value? Let's explore the components of Oolong Tea!

Apart from caffeine content, people are also interested in the nutritional value of different types of tea, with "catechins" being one of the most commonly discussed nutrients. Oolong Tea contains abundant tea polyphenols, amino acids, minerals, and more. However, the catechin content in Oolong Tea is lower compared to green tea. Why is that?

 

Due to the higher fermentation level of Oolong Tea, catechins in Oolong Tea oxidize into teaflavins and thearubigins, which also possess antioxidant properties and contribute to health benefits. Additionally, the presence of tannic acid in Oolong Tea aids digestion and metabolism, providing further assistance to the human body.

What are the benefits of Oolong Tea? Is it effective for weight loss?

When searching for the benefits of Oolong Tea online, you may came across results such as "Oolong Tea lowers blood sugar," "Oolong Tea reduces blood pressure," "Oolong Tea lowers cholesterol," "Oolong Tea has anticancer properties," "Oolong Tea aids in weight loss," and "Oolong Tea improves eczema." But is Oolong Tea truly this miraculous? Can drinking Oolong Tea alone control blood sugar, lower blood pressure, and even prevent cancer? Are these claims true?

 

The benefits of Oolong Tea for the body primarily come from the following components: caffeine, tea polyphenols, teaflavins, and thearubigins. Let's summarize the opinions of scholars and experts to answer the question of the benefits of Oolong Tea!

Multiple Benefits of Oolong Tea! Discover 3 Major Benefits of Oolong Tea

Oolong Tea Benefit 1: Regulating Physiological Functions

 

The Institute of Biotechnology at Chung Hsing University conducted research on the metabolism of Oolong tea and found that certain varieties of Oolong tea contain a special component called "teaghrelin." This component can simulate the human hormone "ghrelin" and regulate physiological functions, activating some of the body's metabolic processes, leading to health benefits.

 

Oolong Tea Benefit 2: Dietary Supplement Drinks

 

According to animal test results from Chung Hsing University, the teaghrelin found in Oolong tea can slow down Parkinson's disease in mice and improve muscle synthesis while reducing muscle atrophy. Although human trials are yet to be conducted, these results suggest that the teaghrelin could benefit elders when there are more promising researches being conducted in the future.

 

Oolong Tea Benefit 3: Reduce Glucose Absorption

 

There are claims online that drinking Oolong tea can reduce the risk of developing diabetes. The scientific principle behind this is that catechins in Oolong tea can inhibit carbohydrate digestive enzymes, resulting in less glucose absorption in the intestines and increased insulin sensitivity.

3 Benefits of Oolong Tea

Beware of Oolong Tea Taboos! 2 types of people should be cautious when drinking Oolong Tea!

1. What are the disadvantages of drinking Oolong tea? Does it cause insomnia?

The tannic acid in tea can bind with iron, hindering iron absorption when drinking Oolong tea. If you already have related conditions and consume excessive amounts of Oolong tea, it may lead to Oolong tea-induced anemia (iron-deficiency anemia).

 

Apart from affecting iron absorption, be cautious of the side effects of drinking Oolong tea. Depending on the caffeine content and individual differences, drinking tea may result in varying degrees of side effects, including headaches, palpitations, and insomnia.

 

If you already experience palpitations, it is not recommended to consume Oolong tea for an extended period, especially high concentrations, to avoid exacerbating the palpitation condition. If you are concerned about insomnia from drinking Oolong tea, it is advisable to avoid consuming excessive amounts or opt for cold-brewed tea with lower concentrations.

 

What are some popular cold-brewed tea? We recommend fragrant Number Twelve, or Peach Oolong, as both are suitable for cold brewing.

Click Here to Discover Cold-Brew Tea!

2. Who should not drink Oolong tea?

Apart from avoiding excessive consumption of Oolong tea, there are two groups of people who should pay special attention when drinking tea:

 

1. Pregnant women: Many people wonder, "Can pregnant women drink Oolong tea?" As long as the amount of Oolong tea consumed is not excessive, it should be fine. The main concern is that the stimulating components in tea may increase the burden on the pregnant woman's body, which could potentially lead to miscarriage or affect the fetus. It is recommended to carefully evaluate individual health conditions, with a focus on prioritizing health.

 

2. Individuals with gastrointestinal ulcers or bleeding: In addition to pregnant women, people often ask, "Can I drink Oolong tea if I have a weak stomach?" or "Does Oolong tea harm the stomach?" Although Oolong tea is considered a more neutral type of tea, lightly fermented Oolong tea contains high levels of tea polyphenols, which can cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Individuals with severe ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding should avoid drinking tea.

 

There is also a claim online that "drinking Oolong tea increases the risk of kidney stones." It is recommended that individuals with kidney diseases consume less tea. However, there are many factors that contribute to the formation of kidney stones. According to current research, the oxalic acid content in tea is only about one percent of that found in vegetables. Moreover, drinking tea can generally reduce the chances of developing kidney stones. It is advisable to assess the intake of Oolong tea based on individual constitution (not exceeding 600 milliliters per day), so there is no need to worry too much about kidney stone issues.

 

As long as consumed in moderation and not excessively, it is generally safe to drink Oolong tea every day. Cases like "developing kidney stones from drinking tea" or "drinking strong tea leading to iron-deficiency anemia" are considered exceptional. For example, in the case of kidney stones, the individual consumed 16 cups of tea per day (almost 4,000 milliliters!), which resulted in putting himself in danger.

Secrets to Brewing Great Tea! The Ultimate Guide to Oolong Tea Brewing

It's time to guide you step by step in brewing a perfect cup of tea. The brewing process for Oolong tea is not as complicated as you might think. You don't necessarily need fancy teaware or intricate brewing techniques. With just the right tea leaves and a grasp of water temperature, brewing time, and tea-to-water ratio, you can enjoy a delightful cup of tea anytime, anywhere!

3 tips to brew Oolong Tea

How to Brew Oolong Tea? 3 Steps for Easy Tea Brewing!

1. Water Temperature: 95°C is ideal. Oolong tea has a relatively high level of fermentation, so a higher water temperature is needed to release the tea's tannins and bring out its aroma.

 

2. Brewing Time: 1 to 2 minutes is sufficient. Oolong tea can withstand multiple infusions, so you can re-steep it 2 to 3 times. 

 

3. Tea-to-Water Ratio: Use 2 teaspoons of Oolong tea leaves (approximately 5 grams) for 300 milliliters of water.

 

In addition to loose leaf tea, tea sachets are a convenient option. The tea leaves in tea sachets are carefully selected and measured, ensuring precise portions and easier brewing. They can be steeped in hot water or used for cold brewing, making them particularly suitable for busy individuals.

 

However, be cautious when choosing tea sachets. Avoid low-quality ones made from tea dust or tea fragments. Opt for whole tea leaves to ensure they can withstand multiple infusions for the wonderful flavour.

Want to know how to choose tea sachets? Check out our five essential tips for buying the right tea!

The Best of Both Worlds! Where Tradition Meets Modern Oolong Tea

Oolong teas offer a wide variety of choices with distinct flavors, making them one of the most popular tea options. The flavors of oolong teas can be categorized into three types: light fragrance, light roasted, and heavily roasted. Even though heavily roasted oolong teas have a rich flavor with an alluring smoky aroma, drinking this type of strongly fragrant oolong on an empty stomach can be harder on the stomach. Therefore, it is recommended that those trying oolong tea for the first time start with the light fragrance or lightly roasted fragrance varieties. Detailed recommendations for oolong teas are as follows:

Light Fragrant Oolong Tea

Light Fragrant Oolong: The refreshing taste of the light aroma Oolong tea leaves you feeling invigorated. With its fresh and fragrant aroma, it delights your senses. The tea liquor is clear and presents a beautiful golden hue.

Iron Goddess

A familiar taste that every Hong Konger will recognize upon sipping, as it is a traditional Oolong Tea.

 

It has a feature of golden yellow with a hint of floral fragrance, and is developed from Anxi County in Fujian Province.

 

The tea has a long-lasting mellow and floral taste with a fragrant aftertaste. 

Number 12

The Taiwanese Oolong Tea, which is characterized by its "silky and milky aroma", a signature drink that wellness warriors will enjoy.

 

It helps to lose weight, lower cholesterol, and protects the liver. The "Tea Research and Extension Station" in Taiwan conducts research through the breeding of tea trees.

 

After twelve times of research and development, tea tree was successfully produced, and the tea is named as "Taiwan No. 12" emphasizing the twelve times of development.

Ginseng Oolong

Ginseng Oolong is famous for its unique licorice scent and taste, tangy, sweet, and has a strong long-lasting ginseng aftertaste.

 

Which helps to reduce greasy and fat, and nourish the stomach.

 

Ginseng oolong has a unique shape, each of which is moderate and smooth in appearance like river pebbles. 

Pineapple Oolong

Indulge in the mouth-watering taste of our Pineapple Oolong tea.

 

Experience the richness and sweetness of our signature pineapple aroma, so captivating that you can even smell the aroma before taking a sip.

 

You'll be amazed by how perfectly the delicate Oolong tea blends with the pineapple flavour.

 

Try it now and let the taste of this exquisite tea take you on a tropical journey.

Peach Oolong

Our Peach Oolong are in-house developed for several months, and finally able to blend a flavour that everyone will love.

 

The tea is a combination of fruit and Oolong Tea, it is sugar-free healthy and has a refreshing taste.

 

Peach oolong tea is wonderful when cold-brewed, you can smell the delightful peachy fragrance combined with a lightly roasted oolong tea way before it is served, it lingers a refreshing & cooling sensation across your palate.

 

Benefits include cooling the body and helps to reduce the risk of developing bad cholesterol levels.

Lychee Oolong

Satisfy your cravings for a unique and exotic tea experience with our Lychee Oolong tea.

 

The subtle sweetness of lychee blends perfectly with the light fragrant Oolong tea, creating a refreshing and satisfying taste.

 

The lingering aroma of lychee adds a touch of sophistication to this tea, making it a true treat for your senses.

 

With every sip, transport yourself to a world of rich and indulgent flavours that will leave you feeling energized and refreshed.

Raisin Oolong

Discover the rich and complex taste of our Raisin Oolong tea.

 

With each sip, experience the layers of flavour that unfold in your mouth, creating a truly indulgent tea experience.

 

The sweet and fruity aroma of raisins lingers on your palate, leaving a refreshing aftertaste that is both satisfying and invigorating.

 

For those who love light and fruity tea flavours, our Raisin Oolong is the perfect choice, providing a unique and delicious twist to the traditional oolong tea.

 

Try it now and satisfy your cravings for a truly exquisite tea experience.

Light Roasted Oolong

Light Roasted Oolong tea offers a rich and full-bodied taste. It often carries the fragrance of ripe fruits and a mix of sweet-scented aroma upon sipping. The tea liquor presents a deep reddish-brown colour.

Red Oolong

The tea leaves are shaped into small balls with deep brown colour and golden edges.

 

It carries a roasted aroma with a rich and mellow taste, making it a lovely entry-level oolong tea and perfect for those who are new to semi-roasted oolong tea.

 

It has a rich layer of flavour that appeals to those who prefer a light to medium Roasted Oolong tea.

Oriental Beauty

During the month of June, in the hot and humid weather of summer, pests - small green leafhoppers - bites the young leaves

 

Interestingly, bitten tea leaves produce a delicate honey-ish aroma as a defensive mechanism.

 

This unique aroma then attracts beneficial insects to catch the green leafhoppers and save the tea plants. 

 

Rich in natural ripe fruit aroma and honey aroma, it exudes a touch of honey sweetness upon sipping.

 

Oriental Beauty has both the sweet and mellow aroma of oolong tea, while has a rich aroma like black tea.

Honey Oolong

Honey Oolong Tea leaves needs to be bitten by small green leafhoppers, and the leaves will emit a natural honey-like aroma.

 

However, because it undergoes less fermentation than Oriental Beauty and requires additional steps in the production process.

 

It has a slightly different ripe fruit and sweet fragrance, and its taste is closer to the classic Oolong tea.

Recommended Oolong Tea Shop in Hong Kong: Chinese Tea Gallery

Chinese Tea Gallery, a branch of Fook Wah Tea Company Limited, has been operating in Hong Kong for over 60 years. Unlike the low-quality tea leaves commonly found in the market, Chinese Tea Gallery is dedicated to providing people with the most delightful tea-drinking experience using whole tea leaves.

 

Whether you are searching for high-quality tea leaves, convenient tea sachets for brewing, or elegant tea gifts, you can find the perfect choice here. Chinese Tea Gallery offers a diverse selection of Oolong teas. In addition to traditional flavors, they have also developed new flavors by combining different baking techniques with flowers and fruits.

 

Experience the innovative flavors of Osmanthus Oolong, Camellia Oolong, Peach Oolong, Lychee Oolong, and more. With a wide range of Oolong tea options, from refreshing to rich, traditional to innovative fruity aromas, each with its own unique characteristics, we believe everyone can find their perfect tea among these rich and varied flavours!

Oolong Tea - Frequently Asked Questions

What is Oolong Tea?

Is Oolong tea high in caffeine?

What are the benefits of Oolong tea?

Are there any precautions when drinking Oolong tea?

Do you have any recommended brewing methods for Oolong tea?

If you want to enjoy a cup of great tea in your life, come to Chinese Tea Gallery!

Read more related knowledge about Oolong Teas:

• Does Oolong Tea Have High Caffeine Content? Will Drinking It At Night Affect Sleep? 4 Key Factors Influencing Caffeine Levels!