Have you heard of oolong tea? This drink is between green tea and black tea. Like the majority of tea types, the oolong shares several characteristics with other teas. Find out what is important to know about this tea and why you should try it!

1. OOLONG IS THE ONLY TEA THAT GOES THROUGH A LONG FERMENTATION PROCESS

When tea leaves are picked from the tea tree (also called Camellia Sinensis), they do not have a category yet. Tea is not yet white, green or black. It is their process that will determine the kind of tea they will become. For oolong, it is made the same as black tea with one exception. Its fermentation process varies between 10% and 70%.

If we define fermentation in the tea making process, it would seem that this stage determines the kind of tea.

• White and green teas fall into the category of non-fermented to slightly fermented;

• Oolong teas are in the semi-fermented category at three levels (light (10% -20%), medium (20% to 50%) and strong (50% to 80%);

• Black teas, are completely fermented.

2. IT CAN REDUCE BAD CHOLESTEROL

As you probably know, there is good and bad cholesterol. The polyphenols in tea reduce and contain the amount of bad cholesterol in the blood. Thanks to the semi-fermentation of the oolong, the polyphenol molecule produced is the perfect size to activate the enzyme to take action.

Cases of very high cholesterol seem to be much more frequent with our modern, fast paced life. One to two cups of tea a day should help balance things out a little bit.

3. IT STIMULATES THE BODY AND MIND

On average, oolong contains 36mg of theine depending on the origin of the tea. If you thought there was caffeine in this drink, you were not wrong. However, we do not give this molecule the same name when referring to tea.

To get back to the body and mind, oolong is a tea that releases a lot of theine, which offers a stimulating effect over a large period of time. This helps to activate the metabolism to burn more fat and does not have the same overstimulating effect that you get with coffee.

4. IT HELPS PREVENT CANCER

Although this claim is still under a microscope by the scientific community, strong polyphenol teas can help the body fight against some carcinogenic cells.

5. OOLONG HELPS FIGHT TYPE II DIABETES

Again, there is not an all-in-one remedy to fight against this disease. However, oolong tea would be ideal for preventing this disease and slowing its development.

6. IT HAS TWO NAMES: OOLONG OR WU LONG

Oolong is often called brown tea or rock tea. However, in some parts of the world, this tea is called: wu long. The romanization of Mandarin is done in two ways. The oolong comes from the Wade Giles system and the Wu long comes from the Pinyin system. In any case, we are talking about the same tea.

7. OOLONG ORIGINATES MOSTLY FROM TWO PLACES

Taiwan and China are the two largest exporters of oolong tea on the planet. Tea from China offers a more woody aroma and a darker color. Tea from Taiwan is lighter, clearer and has more floral notes.

8. IT STRENGTHENS AND KEEPS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM ACTIVE

The chemical compounds contained in oolong tea, like in the majority of other teas, allow the immune system to better cleanse the body. To learn more about the antioxidants that protect our body, you can read our article about it.

9. OOLONG TEA ENHANCES ORAL HEALTH

The combination of some antioxidants and polyphenols effectively combat the elements harmful to your oral health. So, by drinking oolong tea, you will prevent microorganisms from developing and forming ulcers, cavities or even tartar.

10. IT REPRESENTS ONLY 2% IN THE WORLD OF TEA

Despite the rising popularity of oolong tea, it still accounts for the smallest share. Indeed, it is the green and black teas that dominate, followed by white teas and other varieties. In China and India, green tea is predominant and this is what causes this imbalance between the different kinds of teas.

Finally, although it is similar to other types of tea, oolong has specific characteristics such as its process, its theine level and its share in the world of teas. So it's definitely a drink to add to your tea collection.