Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese beverage that is made by partially fermenting the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. This type of tea has been enjoyed for centuries and is today gaining in popularity due to a variety of health benefits that it can provide. In this post, we will discuss the production process of oolong tea and the types of benefits that it can give drinkers.

To begin with, oolong tea production generally begins with plucking and wilting the tea leaves. Plucking generally consists of picking two leaves and a bud from the Camellia sinensis plant. This process is usually done every five to ten days, depending on the weather conditions and the season. Once the leaves are plucked, they are then wilted. This involves laying the leaves on large bamboo or straw trays or hanging them on lines and exposing them to sunlight and wind. This process helps to soften the leaves and reduce any bitter taste.

Next, the leaves undergo oxidation. During this step, the leaves are spread out and left to lie in the sun. At times, the leaves are shaken in bamboo baskets to accelerate the oxidation process. Oxidation helps to give oolong tea its unique flavor and color.

Once oxidation is complete, the leaves are ready to be dried. This is done by stretching the wet leaves into thin threads and then baking them. The baking process helps to deepen the color and add to the flavor of the oolong tea.

Then the oolong tea leaves are ready to be packaged and purchased by consumers. Oolong tea is generally available in both loose and bagged forms. Loose tea is best used in gaiwan, Japanese teapot, or a French press. Bagged tea is best used in other forms of teaware, such as a teacup or teapot.

There are many benefits of drinking oolong tea. Oolong tea is known to boost metabolism and can aid in weight loss due to its low calorie content. Additionally, it can help prevent the formation of dental plaque and reduce the risk of certain diseases, such as cancer. Oolong tea can also promote relaxation, improve mood and mental alertness, and nourish the skin.

Overall, oolong tea is a beloved beverage in many parts of the world. The production process of oolong tea involves plucking, wilting, oxidation, and drying the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Additionally, oolong tea can have a variety of health benefits, such as improved metabolism, dental plaque prevention, and disease prevention.

Sources:

OolongTea, Tea Research Center. (2020). Oolong Tea. Retrieved from https://oolongtea.org/

Newby, P. (2013). The Health Benefits of Oolong Tea. Retrieved from https://www.tea-and-coffee.com/article/1479/The_Health_Benefits_of_Oolong_Tea/