Asia is the birthplace of the tea ceremony, where tea is approached with all seriousness and mystery. For this, only the best varieties of the drink are selected. The process of making tea and the selection of related tools is also very important. Green tea "Milk Oolong" is very popular both in Europe and in Russia. Its unique tastes have given rise to many stories about its origin. Particular attention should be paid to the beneficial properties of this drink.
Legends of Origin
There are many stories about the origin of this tea. One of the beautiful legends has it that an amazing drink was the result of the unrequited love of the heavenly comet and the moon. The comet preferred the Sun and flew away, and the Moon indulged in sadness. At this moment, the Earth abruptly became colder, a strong wind rose. After that, an amazing crop of delicious and unusual tea was harvested.
According to another version, more modern, growing plants are watered with milk, and the roots are covered with husk of rice. From this tea acquires unusual caramel flavor. Whatever the story of the origin of the drink, its aroma and taste remain unique and loved throughout the world. Translated from Chinese, the name of the drink sounds like a "Golden Flower", and in Europe it is called "oolong" or "oolong."
Where does the milk taste come from?
In fact, milk tea "Milk Oolong" gets its taste in the process of growing and production. This is a time-consuming and costly method of pollinating a bush with a solution prepared from sugar cane. The roots of the plant are poured with milk, which dissolves well. After that, they are covered with husked rice grains. Another method of tea production involves processing the collected raw materials with a special solution of whey. The combination of oolong and extract gives these unusual flavor notes.
Beneficial features
“Milk Oolong” is appreciated not only for its pleasant taste and aroma. It is also a very healthy drink. Many people know about its properties, therefore they enjoy drinking green tea (Oolong) to satisfy body and soul. Firstly, it is a relaxing drink that allows you to get rid of earthly thoughts and enjoy the peace. The tea ceremony should take place in a calm and peaceful atmosphere.
Green tea "Milk Oolong", the useful properties of which are very important, contains twice as many antioxidants than its counterpart - black tea. Its use increases efficiency, the general tone of the body, warms and tones. After eating fatty foods, it is advisable to drink a cup of green (milk) tea to relieve heaviness in the stomach. The drink perfectly freshens breath, rejuvenates the skin and improves complexion.
“Milk Oolong” replaces ice cream and some sweets, which means that its use is good for the figure. After drinking this drink, you can get rid of headaches, improve the functioning of the circulatory system and strengthen the walls of blood vessels. Despite the fact that tea increases appetite, its use contributes to weight loss. This healing drink contains about 400 beneficial elements.
Contraindications
Despite the usefulness of this product, there are some minor contraindications. Caution should be taken to drink the people suffering from gastritis, peptic ulcer and other gastric disorders. You should not drink tea before bedtime, as it has an exciting effect. Hypertensive patients should also limit oolung intake (no more than 1-2 cups per day). Also, excessive consumption of this drink is not recommended for people with kidney disease. Pregnant and lactating women should abstain and not drink tea in this crucial period. Tea "Milk Oolong" (green), whose properties are described in the article, has no more contraindications.
The choice
How to choose quality Oolong green tea? Useful properties and contraindications, which, by the way, are very few, must be known. But the most important thing is to buy a real product. It's no secret that there are a lot of fake tea on the shelves, which unscrupulous sellers give out as original. First, we study the packaging. The composition of tea will tell a lot. It should not have any additives. Small debris should not be visible under the packaging. This indicates a poor-quality product in which tea dust is present.
A further determination of authenticity can be carried out only at home, tasting the drink. In order not to make a mistake with the purchase, you need to purchase the product only in specialized stores. And remember: high-quality “Oolong Milk” green tea cannot be cheap.
Production
The collection of raw materials is carried out in the autumn or spring. The collected leaves are processed, but the fermentation is not completed. Only the edges of the sheet and part of the surface are exposed to it. Thus, most of the plant retains its natural structure. Over the entire production period, Milk Oolong green tea acquires its unique properties. The brewed drink has a delicate light lemon tint. Its taste becomes sweetish, with a milky touch. A very important role in the uniqueness of tea is played by production technology and place of growth.
Anti-aging effect
One of the beneficial properties of tea, which women greatly appreciate, is its anti-aging effect. That is why the use of this drink has a beneficial effect on the skin condition. Tea prevents aging and promotes enhanced collagen production. In addition to ingestion, it is recommended to use ice cubes made from tea. By rubbing their face skin, you can smooth out small wrinkles and open the pores. In this case, the effect of rejuvenation affects the whole body. A large number of useful elements improve metabolic processes in cells. Reception of tea promotes quick recovery after an illness and improves vitality. That's why it is recommended for older people. This improves brain activity and memory. There is a general rejuvenation of the body and skin. Tea is especially useful for those who are engaged in mental work and whose work requires an increased concentration of attention.
Water selection
Having examined all the properties of tea and its origin, you should study the order of its use. In order to fully enjoy the taste of the drink and its aroma, you must properly brew it. The main role here is given to water. This is the basis of the whole process. It is immediately worth noting that plain water from the water supply system is not suitable. It is tough and has a certain aftertaste. To fully feel the taste of green tea, it is better to use water from a clean source or buy bottled in a store. By the "behavior" of the brewed drink, you can immediately determine the quality of the water. If a film appeared on top, then the tea was not prepared correctly. This is a raid of essential oils and vitamins that come into contact with bad water and do not dissolve.
Cooking Basics and Cookware Selection
Chinese green tea - Royal Ginseng Oolong or any other - is brewed depending on the degree of fermentation. For less fermented varieties, not too hot water is suitable , no more than 80 degrees. Insist such a drink should be within 3 minutes. For more fermented species, the water temperature can reach 90 degrees. The brewing time is long. For cooking, take a small kettle, preferably from Yixing clay, with thick walls. Such ware ideally keeps temperature and allows tea to reveal all its properties. A third of the kettle will be tea leaves, and the rest will be water. Green milk tea can be brewed several times, depending on the variety. This is an average of 10 times, but some species use twice as much.
Gongfu cha
This is a special method of brewing, which is considered the highest skill of serving tea. First, the selected kettle should be rinsed with boiling water. Then tea is poured into it (this is about a third of the dishes). After that, hot water is poured into the container (at least 90 degrees) and immediately drained. This liquid is not used for drinking. Then again pour hot water and keep it in the kettle for about a minute. Then the liquid is drained and served it to the table. It is this drink that is considered the best. The brewing procedure can be repeated several times. Each next drink will have its own unique taste. Only after a few brews can you fully reveal the beauty and originality of this product. Each time he will delight in new shades.
How to drink tea
To feel the full taste of green milk tea, you must follow certain rules for drinking it. You can not exactly repeat the entire Chinese ceremony. It is important to choose the right dishes. It should not be metal. Water quality and brewing technology also play an important role. Drinking green milk tea is better after eating. It promotes digestion and overall tone. The tradition of drinking tea with milk, honey, jam or sweets here is not entirely appropriate. These products will prevent you from feeling the unique taste that Oolong green tea (Vietnam) has. The properties of the drink are such that it is better to use it without interrupting the taste of other ingredients. The main thing is that tea is real. The original product is not cheap, but if you manage to buy it, you will get a chance to enjoy its unique aroma and milky, slightly sweet taste.