What is Wu long Tea?
The Wu long (also referred to as oolong) family of teas is characterized by a partial oxidation process that is controllable by varying degrees of heat. Wu long tea has the benefits and taste of both Green Tea and the fully oxidized Black Tea.
Although a number of countries now produce Wu long tea, China is the largest and best known producer.
Since one of the characteristics of Wu long tea is partial oxidation, Wu long teas offer a wide variety of flavors depending on the degree of oxidation. Oxidation is the key element in the definition of tea since all teas come from the Camellia Sinensis plant.
Wu Long Tea is a semi-oxidized tea, occupying the middle ground between Green and Black teas. Combining the best qualities of Green tea and Black tea, Wu Long Tea is not only as clear and fragrant as Green Tea, but also as fresh and strong as Black Tea. If you drink Wu Long Tea, the natural aroma may linger in your mouth and make your throat comfortable.
Wu Long Tea is helpful in anti aging, bringing high blood pressure down, improving the immune system, and controlling cholesterol. Wu Long Tea can help you digest food, refresh yourself and return to sobriety. It is also helpful in prolonging your lifespan.
Chinese Wu long Teas also differ somewhat from other teas as regards the Chinese manufacturing process. Whole leaf Wu longs are often partially manufactured in private homes before final finishing and blending in larger factories.
Although consolidation of the industry has resulted in concentration of the business in larger firms a cottage industry still exists in the Chinese production of Wu long Tea.
In China, high quality Wu long Tea came from three traditional tea producing areas: Northern Guangdong (The Phoenix line), Southern Fujian (the Teguanyian line) and Western Fujian (the Wuyi line). Taiwan and India are also producers of fine Wu long tea.
Fine Wu long teas are very popular with tea drinkers and connoisseurs all over the world for their broad spectrum of taste offerings and for their ease of infusion. In the tea producer areas of China and in Hong Kong and Taiwan (all places where tea drinkers take the tea ceremony seriously) Wu long sets the standard for a quality tea experience,
Benefits of Drinking Wu Long Tea