Chinese Oolong tea is made using a special technology, which makes it a cross between green and red teas. It is created from leaves of a special variety that grow only at high humidity and low temperature high in the mountains. The most valuable tea is harvested in the fall, as the leaves reach their maximum size at this time.
Manufacturing process
Leaf collection is done manually so as not to damage them. Harvest is sorted and only the largest leaves are used for production. They are dried, constantly shaking, in special bamboo sieves. In this case, the sheets are damaged, essential oils are released from them, which flavor the tea, and under the influence of the sun there is a fermentation process, the course of which is very carefully controlled. It should only affect the tips of the leaves, which will turn brown, and the middle should remain green. Then the fermentation process is stopped by heating. In the case of steaming, the tea leaf will be a delicate greenish color, and frying in the pan will be brownish-golden. The taste of tea in the second method of heating will be more spicy. Then there is a twisting or folding of leaflets.
Types of tea
Chinese Oolong tea can be weakly fermented (light-colored leaves, when brewed, have a fresh floral aroma), highly fermented (dark brown with a honey aroma), aromatized (with the addition of ginseng, jasmine or rose flowers). Flavored tea can be made by natural and artificial flavoring. In the first case, it costs much more. Therefore, the second method is more often used. In addition, artificial flavors help hide the taste defects of tea of low quality.
Brewing process
Chinese oolong tea has all the beneficial properties of green and red teas. Brew it up to 25 times. Pour the tea leaves with hot water, not boiling water. Color can be different: light green, olive, honey or brown. In taste, it may vary depending on where the leaves are grown.
Varieties
There are many varieties of this tea. One of the most famous is considered "Tie Guan Yin." Grown for over 15 centuries, has a rich and dense taste, strong aroma, has a beneficial effect on human health. It is one of the most useful, used to prevent cancer and rejuvenation of the body.
Another quality variety of this tea is Jiang Gui. Grow it from the 19th century. Over time, it loses its taste and begins to be bitter, so it is better to drink it fresh.
"Nai Xian Jin Xuan" - Oolong milk tea, which has its own manufacturing technology. It grows on the island of Taiwan in the mountainous regions at an altitude of about 1700 meters. Tea bushes are specially processed. Their roots are poured with milk and rice husk. The bush is pollinated with cane sugar solution. The rest of the manufacturing process is the same as for other varieties of Chinese oolong tea. Thanks to the special preparation technology, Chinese milk Oolong tea has an unusually aromatic creamy taste and preserves nutrients. It increases appetite, promotes digestion, freshens breath.
About the benefits of tea
Chinese oolong tea contains tannin, caffeine, minerals, vitamins, essential oils and antioxidants. It improves the functioning of the heart, relieves headache, fatigue, tones the body, strengthens the immune system, makes the skin more elastic and maintains it in good condition, has a rejuvenating effect on it, and gives the walls of blood vessels elasticity. With regular use it promotes weight loss.