Oolong Tea - Also known as semi-fermented teas, oolongs share the qualities of both black and green teas. At their best, oolongs are beautiful, full-bodied teas with a fragrant flavor and fruity, sweet aroma. The vast majority of oolongs come from China and Formosa (Taiwan), where the finest varieties are still handmade following the traditional manufacturing process.

Oolong Production Process - Almost exclusively produced in China and Formosa (Taiwan), oolong teas fall somewhere between unfermented green teas and fully fermented black teas. They are processed to be full-bodied teas and are therefore made from larger, more mature leaves.

Immediately upon plucking, the leaves are spread out in direct sunlight to wither. Withering reduces the moisture content and softens the leaves. The leaves are then put into bamboo baskets and shaken briskly to bruise the leaf edges. Next, the leaves are spread out in the shade to dry. The process of shaking and spreading of the leaves is repeated numerous times. The bruised leaf edges begin to turn red through the oxidation (fermentation) process while the center of the leaf remains green.

The amount of fermentation depends on the type of oolong and can vary from approximately 20% for a "green" oolong, to 60 % for a classic Formosa oolong. Once the desired level of fermentation is reached, the process must be stopped immediately. This is done by pan-firing the leaves at high temperatures, resulting in a lower moisture content than that of green tea, and ensuring a longer shelf life for oolongs.

Health Benefits of Oolong Teas - Traditionally enjoyed with meals, oolong assists digestion by neutralizing excess acidity and preventing fermentation in the stomach. It also breaks down fat molecules into smaller particles, making them much easier to digest. Drinking oolong tea during or after a high-cholesterol meal has been shown to lower the intake of fat content in the blood. Its ability to increase metabolism as well as burn fat explains oolong teas wide appeal as a weight loss aid.

Oolong contains significant amounts of vitamins A, C, and E, as well as essential minerals and trace elements. Because it is rich in antioxidants, oolong tea promotes healthy teeth, skin and bones and can help to lower cholesterol and protect against heart disease. Studies have shown that oolong removes cholesterol deposits and other sticky plaque from the walls of the blood vessels, thereby playing a role in preventing arteriosclerosis, heart disease, and strokes.

Oolong tea contains a significant quantity of polyphenol, commonly known as tannin, which scientists believe may account for the lower risk of cancer in tea drinkers because of its ability to help DNA cells to accurately reproduce. Since the polyphenols and other antioxidants contained in oolong help to suppress tumor formation, drinking this tea daily provides strong protection against the development of all types of cancer.

Relatively low in caffeine, oolong has mild stimulating effects on the central nervous system, enhancing alertness, improving cerebral functions, and relieving mental fatigue. In addition, the tea's mild diuretic properties promote swift elimination of the toxins and acid wastes flushed from the blood and tissues by the antioxidant and alkaline elements in the tea.