Blue oolong tea is an exotic tea that comes in different flavors and has health benefits as well. It is semi-oxidized in nature, and this allows it to have a soft spot between green and black teas which is very appealing to tea lovers. Be it as it may, if you are looking to enhance your metabolism or digestion or simply looking for a tasty brew, that smells so nice and looks so good, then blue oolong tea fits the bill.
One of the achievements of blue oolong tea over other types of tea is its soothing characteristics together with the fact that it boasts of floral and fruity flavors. Morning or after a meal while sipping this drink, each time will be full of contentment and pleasure with each sip taken.
What is Oolong Blue Tea?
Blue oolong tea, known also as oolong blue tea, is a classic type of tea obtained from the Taiwanese tea plant, which is less oxidized than black tea but more than green tea. The shoulder beckons about the souchong tea, but the meaning is drawn on the souchong oolong tea design follows from its manufacture, taste, and even color. Oolong teas such as blue oolong are semi-fermented, meaning neither the lightness of green teas nor the richness of black teas are preferred.
Why is it Called Blue Oolong Tea?
The word “blue” present in blue oolong tea is not to be taken literally. The tea leaves, after being processed, often achieve a striking deep blue-green color that is unique among tea classes. The color comes from the oxidation process of green leaves but the brewed tea is usually in amber or golden colors, thus blue points out its different standing in the oolong family.
How to Make Blue Oolong Tea?
Making blue oolong tea is an easy task, however, to achieve the best flavor possible, there are a few important steps that you need to take recently:
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Heat the Water: The use of boiling water should be circumscribed since it can burn the tea leaves. In its place, it is recommended to heat water to about 180°F-200°F (80°C-90°C) to allow the delicate flavors from the tea to come out without making it bitter.
- Measure the Tea: For every 8 oz (240 ml) of water, use approximately 1 teaspoon of blue oolong tea leaves.
- Rinse the Leaves: Add some hot boiling water to the tea leaves, spin them around, and throw this water out. This enables the tea leaves to get disturbed.
- Steep: Add the boiling water to the leaves and let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes. Oolong teas can be steeped several times and with every infusion, a different flavor is revealed. With every step, the time should be increased by 30 seconds.
- Enjoy: Once prepared pour its steaming hot contents into a cup and savor the dialects of blue oolong tea.
Blue Oolong Tea Health Benefits
Similar to other types of tea, blue oolong tea is also beneficial for health in many ways. This is because it is particularly loaded with antioxidants, polyphenols, and various other nutrients that have a positive effect on the body.
1. Boosts Metabolism and Aids in Weight Loss
Oolong tea has been popular for its benefits towards fat burning which in turn helps to speed up one’s metabolic rate. Research has suggested that oolong tea may facilitate the loss of body fat by increasing the level of energy expenditure in the consumer.
2. Supports Heart Health
Blue oolong tea is rich in antioxidants which help counteract bad cholesterol or LDL. Continued intake may decrease the chances of heart-related ailments as it enhances the functioning and circulation of the heart.
3. Enhances Mental Alertness
Due to its moderate levels of caffeine, blue oolong tea is good for improving one’s mental sharpness and concentration. It gives a more relaxed kind of energy boost as compared to coffee without the jittery feeling, making it ideal for trying to remain attentive the entire day.
4. Aids in Digestion
Post-meal consumption of blue oolong tea is known to provide relief to the digestive tract. The digestive system discomforts such as turbid abdomen and imparted digestion are relieved which is why this tea is widely consumed after meals in many places.
5. Skin Health
Thanks to the antioxidants present in blue oolong tea, free radicals present in the body can also be counteracted, which means healthier and glossier skin. A few studies propose that regular intake may be beneficial in enhancing skin elasticity and reducing age-related changes.
Why is it Called Blue Tea?
The phrase “blue tea” comes from the coloring of the leaves in question which have not been completely oxidized. Oolong tea leaves are usually more green than black but still undergo a certain level of oxidation. Due to this, the leaves may appear to have a bluish-green color (thus the name blue oolong tea). In most cases, however, the imbibed liquid will be yellowish or reddish amber in hue. In the same light, “blue” refers to its position as an intermediate between green teas and black teas.
Can We Drink Blue Oolong Tea During Periods?
Sure, one can consume blue oolong tea while on her period. It may even assist. The bioactives such as the antioxidants and polyphenols found in oolong tea have anti-inflammatory properties that can subdue the pain and discomfort associated with menstruation. Furthermore, the moderate amount of caffeine contained in the beverage can be stimulating without resulting in the jitters, making it a healthy coffee substitute during this period.
On a different note, it is always advisable to pay attention to one’s body and any changes it may undergo in the course of the menstrual cycle. If one does not tolerate caffeine well, or if one feels increased discomfort after consuming the caffeinated drinks, it would be wise to restrict her consumption.
Can We Drink Blue Oolong Tea on an Empty Stomach?
Although consuming blue oolong tea on an empty stomach is often considered safe, certain individuals may experience tummy troubles. This is because tea may stimulate the production of stomach acid. If you suffer from a delicate stomach or are prone to acid influx, you should consider drinking oolong tea during or after meals. Nevertheless, for the vast majority of people, it is a knit and warm cup with soothing subtle flavors of Oolong tea that they have in the office after starting work, which enhances the metabolism and increases focus levels.
Flavor Profile of Blue Oolong Tea
- Blue oolong tea has a distinct taste that is influenced by the oxidation process and preparation method. In most cases, blue oolong teas have a rich flavor that is soft and leaves room for different undertones.
- Floral notes: Aromatic floral notes of jasmine or orchids are often found in many blue oolongs.
- Fruity undertones: Certain kinds of blue oolong have a bright, refreshing taste with notes of peach, apricot, or even some citrus.
- Creamy texture: The tea often possesses a heavy and almost creamy or buttery body, which it complements well with its lighter notes.
- Roasted notes: Certain blue oolong teas are prepared with a toasty and nutty nuance that varies with the degree of oxidation.
Blue Oolong Tea vs. Other Oolong Teas
Blue oolong tea has many of the characteristics found in various types of tea, but the processing method and the taste of the tea are two factors that distinguish it. The common processing method with blue oolong tea involves medium levels of oxidation and thus the tea reasons between the tastes of green and black teas. The flavor is usually much more aromatic and fruity as opposed to the darker, more oxidized oolongs that have a roasted or smoky flavor profile.
How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Blue Oolong Tea
- To truly relish the blue oolong tea in its best essence, wading is a prerequisite. Below is a procedure that will ensure you utilize your leaves to the maximum:
- Water Temperature: Maintain the temperature of the water in the range of 180°F-200°F. Applying excessively hot water can spoil the subtle hints of flavor.
- Tea Quantity: Take roughly 1 teaspoon of tea leaves for every cup (approximately 8 oz). Oolong leaves tend to increase in size considerably hence, don’t worry if they seem small in size at first.
- Multiple Steeps: : Oolong tea is not a one-time steep tea and can be steeped several times. Different flavors will come out within each infusion. Most of the drinkers, though, get pleasure from 4 to 7 steepings from the same leaves.