Wu Long Tea Vs. Oolong Tea
They may be spelled differently, but wu long and oolong tea are one in the same. In the U.S., the tea is marketed under the name wu long, but in most other countries it is referred to as oolong. No matter how you spell or enunciate it, this Chinese-derived tea falls between the black and green variety. Because of its mixed persona, wu long/oolong tea tends to have a bitter taste initially, but leaves a sweet aftertaste on the drinker's pallet. Does this Spark an idea?
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What it Means
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When translated into English from Chinese, oolong means black dragon tea. According to several accounts, the tea derived from the Wuyi Mountain of China's Fujian province. Songs and poems from the Qing dynasty recount the tea's presence in the region.
How it is Processed
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Tea leaves are wilted to achieve the notable taste. The leaves are dried off either by the sun or air and are subsequently cooled. The leaves are then rolled into strands. The highest quality leaves have flavor preserved through such methods as stir frying.
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How it is Prepared
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Oolong tea leaves should be brewed in water ranging from 180 to 190 degrees Fahrenheit, or 82 to 87 degrees Celsius. The water should not be boiling. About 2.25 grams of tea should be used for every 170 grams of water. Depending upon the quality, leaves can be rebrewed three to five times.
Health Benefits
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Most varieties of tea have healthful benefits. Oolong tea, in particular, has a large amount of an ingredient known as polyphenol that marks the tea's signature flavor. Polyphenol has antioxidants that reduce the risk of cancer.
Different Types
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Although all oolong teas are bound by the bitter taste and sweet aftertaste, there are different varieties depending upon production cycles and types of leaves. Some of the most common varieties are the Tie Guan Yin and Shui Xian. Both are found in the Fujian province.
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