Milk Oolong, or the “Fire Flower,” as many call it, is green tea that is grown on the mountain slopes of China. An amazing drink has long been considered special because of its beneficial properties and excellent taste. But if only a hundred nobles and nobles could enjoy milk oolong a hundred years ago, now it is available for tasting to everyone. So what is the secret of this ancient green tea, and what are its beneficial properties? The answers to these questions can be obtained further.
The story of the discovery of the legendary drink
The origin of this variety of tea is shrouded in various myths and fictions. So to say exactly where the milk oolong came from and who first discovered it is quite difficult. But according to one of the official versions, green tea of this variety was grown in China at a time when experimental discoveries were only gaining momentum. It was then that breeders noticed special tea leaves, from which a drink with a delicate milk aroma was obtained.
From that moment, a bold procession of this beautiful variety around the world began. Milk oolong tea has become popular in almost all countries of Europe and in England. But due to the fact that in this green drink there were only subtle notes of cream, to enhance the taste and aroma, manufacturers began to produce it using artificial ingredients. Because of this, it is currently quite difficult to find a quality product with a minimum amount of additives even in China and Taiwan itself.
Production and features of a wonderful drink
The main advantage of milk oolong is its unique taste and multifaceted aroma. It is for these virtues that many people from different countries fell in love with him. It is impossible to confuse this unique flavor composition with anything. But there is no special secret in the preparation of milk oolong, since it is practically no different from simple green tea.
After the leaves ripen, it is subjected to medium fermentation (50%), which allows you to save trace elements and vitamins. Further, flavoring agents are added to milk oolong to enhance the flavor composition. In the manufacture of a premium product in Fire Flower, only safe additives are used that do not affect the benefits of tea and are completely harmless. But meanwhile, it should be remembered that the more expensive the milk oolong will be, the higher will be its quality and richer taste.
Varieties of the "Fire Flower"
Traditionally, the "Fire Flower" is divided into:
Their main difference is the presence of additives and impurities. There are no flavors in natural milk oolong; its real taste consists of subtle notes of cream, which are gradually revealed during the tasting. Such an elite variety of tea is rarely found on store shelves, and most often it is not for sale in other countries.
The second type of "Fire Flower" is the most common. But do not think that flavored milk oolong is harmful and does not carry any benefit in itself. With proper production and safe additives, this kind of green tea retains its benefits and great taste. The main thing you should pay attention to when buying this variety is the unobtrusive aroma of cream, whole leaves rolled into balls, and the absence of dust on them.
The benefits and harms of milk oolong tea
"Fiery flower" - tea, which contains a huge amount of various substances and trace elements. Therefore, before use, it is worthwhile to carefully study the composition of this drink and contraindications for use. Milk oolong also has benefits and harms, which must also be taken into account.
The main advantage of the “Fire Flower” lies in its composition, thanks to which it is possible to strengthen health, improve appearance, and a surge of vigor and strength. Vitamins A, C, E, PP, B, K, B3, B6, trace elements iodine, zinc, iron, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus are present in the "Fire Flower". Milk Oolong tea is enriched with catechins - organic substances that have a strong antioxidant effect. A large number of these elements in a green drink is caused by the fact that during the processing of tea leaves they undergo minor heat treatment. Thus, the oxidation of these beneficial substances does not occur.
It is worth noting that this green tea is famous for its low calorie content: one cup of a divine drink contains only 0.5 calories, which cannot but please people who control their weight and diet.
Due to its properties, milk oolong tea is useful for people suffering from insomnia, frequent stress, depression or a bad mood. If a person drinks only one cup of enchanting green tea, his psycho-emotional background will return to normal, and this will be complemented by a surge of vigor and good mood.
Milk oolong plays an important role in digestion. Green tea will become a real lifesaver for people who are overweight, upset gastrointestinal tract, decreased appetite. Trace elements that make up the "Fire Flower" improve the pancreas, actively break down fats and help remove toxins from the body.
Due to the content of tannins in green tea, milk oolong has a beneficial effect on the digestion process and eliminates the feeling of overeating.
For women
Milk oolong is of great benefit to the female body. The substances that make up the "Fire Flower" stimulate the production of collagen. Thanks to this, every beautiful lady who regularly drinks milk oolong receives healthy and strong nails, clean and supple skin, strong and shiny hair.
Also, due to the effect of the "Fire Flower" on the body as an antidepressant, when used, a woman will more easily endure the period of menopause, postpartum stress and premenstrual syndrome.
For men
The main benefit for the stronger sex lies in increasing potency. To do this, it is recommended to drink only 1-2 cups per day. Fresh ginger can enhance the effect if consumed with a drink.
Milk oolong is also able to lower the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke.
Cosmetic use of oolong
After the tea ceremony, an unfinished drink can be useful for wellness and anti-aging procedures:
- From milk oolong you can make lotions on the upper and lower eyelids to get rid of dark circles. To do this, cotton pads are moistened in a warm tea infusion, wrung out and applied to the eyes for 10-15 minutes.
- A noble Chinese drink will help in the fight against dandruff, strengthen hair roots, make them smooth and shiny. You only need to rinse your hair with tea infusion after washing your hair, 2-3 times a week.
- Also, milk oolong can easily replace a face tonic, get rid of acne and acne. To do this, cotton pads are moistened in tea infusion and in a circular motion wipe previously cleansed face skin. Another method perfectly moisturizes the skin and helps in the fight against wrinkles.
Contraindications
First of all, it should be remembered that real milk oolong is most often produced in China or Taiwan. But this is not a guarantee that on the shelves of stores under the mark Made in China will hide exactly that high-quality and genuine green tea.
It is worth paying attention to the choice of this drink and remember that more often than not, real milk oolong without chemical impurities and additives is expensive. It is best to buy it at trusted stores or from friends of private sellers by weight. Otherwise, the "Fire Flower" will not bring benefits, but harm, it can also cause an allergic reaction or even poisoning the body.
It is important when using milk oolong to adhere to the following rules:
- "Fire flower" has a strong diuretic effect, which is why people suffering from kidney stones or kidney disease should refrain from drinking this tea.
- Also, due to the high content of caffeine, milk oolong should be taken in the morning, and people suffering from insomnia, it is recommended to abandon it altogether.
- Tea is contraindicated in people during an exacerbation of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Milk oolong accelerates the work of the cardiovascular system and increases blood pressure, so you should use no more than 5 cups of green drink per day.
- "Fire flower" is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation, as well as children under the age of three years.
The main rules for brewing
Like any Chinese green tea, milk oolong has the right technique for making it. It is needed in order to fully reveal the taste of the drink, get a divine aroma and preserve all the beneficial properties. It is also very important to strictly follow the entire brewing sequence of milk oolong and not to skip points.
One of the main rules in this process is to use only porcelain or gypsum kettle in cooking. In no case can you use metal utensils - it gives a specific aftertaste to the drink, which will spoil its aroma. Glass is also not recommended, because it does not hold heat.
Phased brewing of the "Fire Flower"
In no case should you dilute milk oolong with water. Add sugar to green tea is also not recommended, as it will spoil the taste of the drink. It is worth noting that for the tea ceremony, you should choose the smallest cups or bowls.
- Before use, the kettle is thoroughly rinsed with boiling water, wiped dry and 4 coffee spoons of milk oolong are poured into it.
- Next, you need to heat 170 ml of water to 80-90 degrees. It is impossible to use boiling water when brewing milk oolong, since the subtle notes of aroma in tea will be wasted in vain.
- Heated water is poured into the kettle, close it with a lid. Then you should easily mix the liquid and drain it through the spout. This is the first stage of brewing milk oolong, it is called "dust washing".
- After draining the liquid, you must open the lid and feel the aroma of tea, thereby determining the quality of the product. A good milk oolong in the bouquet has floral-fruity notes.
- Then you need to refill the tea leaves with water, the temperature of which is 90 degrees, by one third of the teapot.
- After a minute, the "Fiery Flower" is completely drained from the dishes into a porcelain or glass milk jug. This is necessary in order not to overexpose the tea and maintain the balance of the infusion.
Milk oolong is kept in the milkman for about ten minutes and only then it is poured into porcelain or clay cups. Before use, you should withstand the "Fire Flower" to a temperature of 40-45 degrees.
Finally
Milk Oolong Tea is a green tea that contains many useful substances, trace elements and vitamins. They produce it on the mountain slopes in China and Taiwan, which is already a guarantee of its quality. At home, milk oolong is called "Nyan Xiang Xuan", or "Fire Flower".
This green tea has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system and the gastrointestinal tract. Also, because of its properties, milk oolong promotes the normalization of the psycho-emotional background, helps in the fight against stress and depression. "Fiery flower" is a magnificent and divine drink that has a multifaceted taste and amazing aroma of cream, fruits and flowers.
Like any other drink, this tea has its own benefits and harms. It is important to consider the contraindications to drinking the drink, choose only high-quality products, follow the instructions for brewing, and then from the "Fire Flower" there will be only one virtues, great taste and enchanting aroma.