There is a record of tea being used as a beverage in China since 2,000 B.C.E. Besides water, it is consumed more than any other drink around the world. The four main types of tea are black, green, white, and oolong.

All four varieties come from the Camellia sinensis plant. Herbal teas are not considered true tea because they do not come from the Camellia sinensis plant.

Oolong tea accounts for only 2 percent of tea consumption around the world. Although less popular, oolong tea still has a variety of benefits. Read on to find out more information about oolong tea and its associated health benefits.

What is oolong tea?

Oolong tea is commonly consumed in China and Taiwan. In Asian countries, drinking tea is a large part of the culture and social gatherings. Friends and business associates often meet over tea.

Although all true tea comes from the same plant, the differences occur in the harvesting and processing. Oolong tea is partially fermented, while black tea is fully fermented.

Tea can also differ in amounts and types of antioxidants. Green tea is high in a class of antioxidants known as catechins. Antioxidants in black tea are theaflavins and thearubigins. Oolong tea falls in the middle, regarding the antioxidant amounts.

Oolong tea and green tea contain similar amounts of caffeine, approximately 10-60 (mg) per 8-ounce cup. For comparison, coffee contains approximately 70 to 130 mg of caffeine per 8-ounce cup.

Unsweetened brewed tea is considered a zero-calorie beverage. It contains no fat, carbs, or protein.

Health benefits

There are a number of health benefits that are thought to derive from drinking oolong tea, as with other types of tea.

Heart disease

Researchers in China studied the relationship between drinking oolong tea and cholestrol levels, as high cholesterol levels can be associated with an increased risk for heart diseases. 

They found that people who drank at least 10 ounces of oolong tea per week had lower risks of having high total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL or "bad" cholesterol levels. The same was also true of people who drank similar amounts of green and black teas.

People who had been consuming oolong tea for the longest time had lower total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL cholesterol levels.

In another study, Japanese men and women were studied for the impact of consuming coffee, green tea, black tea, and oolong tea on their risk of heart disease. Researchers found that men who drank 1 or more cups of oolong tea per day had a lower risk of heart disease.

Weight loss

A study in mice showed that the animals receiving oolong tea extract while being fed a high fat, high sugar diet, gained less abdominal fat than mice on the same diet that did not receive the tea extract.

Green tea and black tea extracts also resulted in less abdominal fat gain. The mice that received the green tea extract also consumed fewer calories.

Cancer

Researchers in Taiwan examined the association between drinking tea and the risk of head and neck or throat cancer.

Each cup of oolong tea consumed per day equated to a 4 percent lower risk, but the result was not significant. Each cup of green tea consumed per day equated to a 6 percent lower risk for head and neck cancer, which was more significant.

Another study in Chinese women found that drinking green, black, or oolong tea was linked to a decreased risk of ovarian cancer.

However, according to the National Cancer Institute, there is not currently enough research to say for certain that drinking tea decreases cancer risk.

Diabetes

Some studies have shown that drinking 3 or more cups of tea per day is associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.

However, studies specifically looking at oolong tea have had varied results.

In one study, healthy men drank almost 6 cups per day of oolong tea. At different times, they drank oolong tea that contained supplemental antioxidants, which were in the form of catechins or polyphenols. Each of the teas was consumed for 5 days. Researchers found that drinking oolong tea did not improve blood sugar or insulin levels.

Interestingly, one study found that working men who drank 2 or more cups of oolong tea per day had a higher risk of developing diabetes than men who consumed 1 cup of oolong tea per day or no oolong tea.

Dental health

Fluoride is an element that is often added to drinking water, toothpaste, and mouthwash to help prevent dental cavities.

Tea leaves naturally contain fluoride, so drinking oolong tea could help prevent cavities. Excess fluoride can be harmful, but drinking less than 1 liter of oolong tea per day is safe for most adults.

Other possible benefits:

While there is not enough current research to support the following benefits, drinking tea has also been associated with:

• healthier gut bacteria
• lower risk of Alzheimer's disease
• lower risk of Parkinson's disease
• natural defense from the sun's ultraviolet rays
• stronger bones

Studies that examined long-term consumption of oolong tea showed the greatest results. Although it is not a cure for any condition, drinking tea regularly appears to have numerous health benefits.

Risks and considerations

Although oolong tea contains less caffeine than coffee, people who are sensitive to caffeine should still limit their intake.

Tea can decrease the amount of iron absorbed from plant foods. Also, some researchers found that young children who drank tea were more likely to have lower iron levels.

It may, therefore, be better to drink tea outside of meals to limit its impact on iron absorption. When consumed together at meals, eating foods rich in vitamin C can increase the amount of iron absorbed from plant foods.

Takeaway

Tea is a healthy beverage that has been consumed by people around the world for centuries. Oolong tea is a lesser known variety that may also provide health benefits. However, from some of the research reviewed above, drinking green tea may offer the most health advantages.

Bottled tea contains smaller amounts of beneficial polyphenols and may have excessive amounts of added sugar. If buying bottled teas, it may be better to look for ones that are unsweetened or to brew tea at home and sweeten it with a small amount of honey.

Oolong tea should be steeped for as long as possible to increase flavonoids, and people can consume 2-3 cups per day.

Earl Grey tea is one of the most popular teas worldwide and like most teas it has a variety of benefits. Some of them include:

1. Good for Your Teeth

Tea contains very high levels of catechin, an antioxidant that fights oral infections. Fluoride is also a natural component of Earl Grey tea, and it’s also found in tap water. Fluoride is good for your teeth because it protects them from cavities, as well as fighting decay. So if you’re not a fan of city water, Earl Grey can be another natural way to get your daily dose of fluoride.

2. Digestion

Earl Grey tea has been known to improve digestion. It aids in the digestive process and helps relieve painful indigestion, colic and nausea. It is also used to treat intestinal problems such as worms. Because it helps the digestive process, it can also help to keep you regular.

3. Fights Anxiety and Depression

The bergamot in Earl Grey tea has been known to have a calming effect on people, as well as to boost a person’s mood. This is due to bergamot’s natural aromatherapy qualities. In this way Earl Grey is a good natural solution for people suffering from depression, stress and anxiety.

4. Energy

It may not have as much as a kick as coffee, but it does contain enough caffeine to give you a nice little afternoon boost without keeping you up all night.

5. Cancer Prevention

Earl Grey contains high quantities of antioxidannts (like most teas), which help human bodies to fight off free radicals that cause diseases such as cancer. Therefore, drinking the tasty beverage can give you a greater chance of not developing such diseases.

6. Weight Loss

Unsurprisingly, one of the most popular effects of Earl Grey tea is weight loss. This is primarily due to its citrus extract. It’s because of this that many people believe that citrus fruits in general can induce weight loss. It’s thought that calories are either broken down into food for your muscles or released through the natural metabolic process. So instead of cream or sugar, try putting lemon in your future cups of tea instead.

7. Prevention of Heart Disease

Good news everyone! Apparently, drinking three cups of Earl Grey tea daily may help lower your risk for heart disease. A study published in 2012 in Preventative Medicine found that people who drank three cups of black tea daily dramatically lowered their blood triglyceride levels and increased the ‘good cholesterol’ HDL after three months. The participants also had increased levels of antioxidants, which, as we now know, fight against free radicals that damage your cells.

8. Stress Relief

Unlike the effects of coffee, Earl Grey tea relaxes and soothes the body almost instantly. It also has a stress relief effect whilst simultaneously providing the same clarity and focus as coffee. This makes it the perfect alternative for those who don’t want to get overly wired from coffee.

9. Cold Relief

The bergamot found within Earl Grey is said to improve the immune system as well as cure fevers. As such, it’s considered to be a natural cold remedy.

10. It Keeps You Hydrated

And no, not just because you take it with water.

Unlike the dehydrating properties of coffee, tea helps you stay hydrated and maintains the body’s fluid balance because of its high potassium content.

What is Oolong Tea?

Oolong is neither a black tea nor a green tea; it falls into its own category of tea. Yet an oolong may end up with more black tea characteristics or more green tea characteristics depending on the direction the tea master takes in the processing of the tea.

Oxidation: Black tea is allowed to fully oxidize during processing, giving the tea leaves their dark color and rich malty aroma they’re known for. Green tea is barely oxidized at all, so the leaves keep some of their original green leaf color and fresh-picked flavor. Oolong tea falls somewhere in between and is often described as a partially oxidized tea. But oxidation levels in oolong can vary from 8% to 80% depending on the production style of the tea master. Which is why the flavor profile of some oolongs may lean more toward a fresh green tea (less oxidized) and others toward a malty black tea (more oxidized).The biggest difference between oolong tea and black or green teas? Oxidation and shape.

Shape: Oolong teas are traditionally rolled, twisted or curled into tight balls or thin strands. These artisanal shaping techniques depend on the traditions of the tea master making the tea. Rolling is an important aspect of oolong processing that alters the appearance, color and aroma of the final tea leaves. Depending on how and when the leaves are rolled during processing, the tea master can subtly alter the entire direction of the tea’s final flavor.

Oolong tea origins

Oolong represents a true artisan mastership of tea processing. The appearance, shape and flavor of an oolong tea can vary wildly depending on the region where it’s grown and how it’s processed. The origins of oolong are claimed in both China and Taiwan and the tea is still highly revered in both countries today.

One story claims that the Chinese bestowed the name “wulong” or “black dragon” upon the big dark tea leaves, which were heavily oxidized and twisted into shapes that happened to resemble the mystical Chinese dragon. Another story tells a tale of a tea farmer named Wu Liang (later shortened to Wulong) who discovered the oolong style of tea by accident. The farmer was distracted after a long day of tea picking and upon returning to his withering tea leaves he discovered they had already started to oxidize. No matter which story you believe, it is true that the most famous Chinese oolongs are grown in high mountainous regions over rocky terrain and in cool weather. It is the unique geography and harsh environment that gives these oolongs the rich flavor they are famous for.

Taiwan’s most famous oolongs are traditionally less oxidized (10% to 40%) and therefore tend to be greener in color and lighter in flavor than Chinese oolongs. The styles of oolong produced across the country vary just as much as the styles of wine that come out of France. Some oolongs are rolled into small tight balls, while others are twisted into long leafy strands. Some grow in remote mist-covered mountains, while others thrive in temperate bamboo-forested foothills. Some are plucked in spring for a flowery herbaceous flavor, while others are picked in winter and roasted for a hearty woodsy flavor.

While the most famous oolongs originated in China and Taiwan, different styles of oolong are being made in other parts of the world today. India, Sri Lanka, Japan, Thailand and New Zealand are just a few of the countries producing some of the world’s oolong teas.

How oolong tea is made

To understand oolong, you really need to understand tea processing. All tea—black, green and oolong—starts out from the same Camellia sinensis tea plant. The difference in what ends up in your teacup depends on many factors, including the variety or cultivar of the tea plant, the terroir of the plant (the characteristics of the geography, climate and culture), and how the tea leaves are processed after they are picked.

WITHERING:

Fragile just-picked tea leaves are first intentionally bruised by tossing or shaking them. This is an important step to help initiate the oxidation process that will give oolong tea leaves their ultimate flavor. The leaves are then laid out to dry in the sun for several hours so they “wither” and loose some of their moisture content. Withering softens the tea leaves, making them flexible and supple so they won’t break during the important step of rolling and shaping the oolong tea.

COOLING:

The tea leaves need time to rest and cool down from the heat of the sun withering before the rest of the processing takes place. As they cool, they begin to wilt and flatten. As they start to change shape, they are ready to be rolled.

LIGHT ROLLING:

It’s the rolling process that helps the tea leaves develop their unique appearance and flavor profile. As the wilted leaves are lightly rolled, they are further bruised. Bruising breaks the cell walls of the leaves, releasing the enzymes and essential oils that will alter the flavor of the leaves. Rolling further exposes the chemical components of the tea leaves to oxygen and spurs on the oxidation process. Rolling also helps define the shape the tea leaves will take.

 

OXIDIZING:

Oxidation is a chemical reaction that alters the flavor of the tea leaves and helps the processed tea develop its ultimate appearance and color. How long the tea leaves are allowed to oxidize, or be exposed to oxygen, will determine the type of tea the leaf will become. Oolong teas vary in levels of oxidation, anywhere from 8% to 80%, and therefore vary in color and flavor depending on the goals of the tea producer.

ROASTING:

Once the tea leaves are oxidized to the desired level, heat is applied to halt the oxidation process and to start drying out the leaves. Roasting applies heat and also lends important flavor characteristics to the final oolong tea.

FINAL ROLLING:

A key characteristic of any oolong is its shape. This final rolling of the roasted and partially dried tea leaves defines the final appearance and flavor of the tea.

DRYING:

The shaped oolong tea leaves are then left to dry. It is important to completely reduce the moisture content in the tea leaves so they can be stored without spoiling.

HAND SORTING:

Once the tea leaves have fully dried, they are visually sorted into various groups of similar size and color to create different lots of like teas. Each lot of tea receives a different industry grade that rates how the tea visually looks depending on how much whole leaf, broken leaf or unopened tea buds end up in the lot.

Tasting oolong tea

Because oolong tea is oxidized at varying levels depending on the processing technique of the tea master, its flavor can range from light to full bodied, floral to grassy, and sweet to toasty. The color of the leaves and the hue of the brewed tea can also vary from green to golden to brown.

The differences between the types and flavors of oolong teas are often compared to the differences between fine wines. While all wine comes from a grape, it is the combination of the variety of the grape, how and where the grape was grown and the artisanal style of the wine maker that ultimately determines how the wine will taste in your glass. Even within one country’s wine industry, different flavor profiles can be found in different types of wine.

Speaking of fine wine, a wine sommelier (a trained wine professional) tasted Teatulia’s oolong tea and provided this description of the flavor profile:

"There is a nose of fresh pie-crust, egg shell, lemon and sake in here. This is a stunning cup. If vintage Domaine Huet, a white wine from the Loire made from a crazy grape called chenin blanc, were a tea, it would be this. Fascinating. Stunning. Wow."

Sounds a lot like a wine review, doesn’t it?

Given its origins, oolong tea is hugely popular in Asia. In fact, just as there are wine competitions in California, Italy or France, there are oolong competitions across Asia to honor the artisanship of oolong tea producers. Teas may be judged on everything from the shape and appearance of the dry and wet leaves to the color, aroma and taste of the brewed tea. Competition winners may win a “world’s best” title, prize money or the chance for their artisan tea to be picked up by worldwide distributors. But for many oolong producers, competition is a way to demonstrate their honor and passion for the life they’ve dedicated to the art of oolong tea.

Caffeine content in oolong tea

There are many factors that can determine caffeine levels of any beverage brewed from a caffeinated plant, including the variety of the plant, how the plant was processed and how the beverage was brewed. The caffeine content in an oolong tea generally falls somewhere between a black tea and a green tea. A lightly oxidized oolong may have lower caffeine levels (similar to a green tea) and a highly oxidized oolong may have higher caffeine levels (similar to a black tea). But this can vary depending on how the tea plant was cultivated and how the oolong tea was processed. It’s always best to ask your tea vendor about caffeine levels specific to the tea you’re purchasing if you are concerned about caffeine intake.

Buying and storing oolong tea

Storing an oolong tea properly will ensure that your tea will remain fresh as long as possible. It’s always a good idea to buy tea from a reputable company that can tell you when and how the tea was processed and packaged as well as provide storage tips to help prolong the life of the tea.

It is important to ask the tea vendor about the oxidation levels of your oolong tea. A more oxidized oolong tea will more shelf stable than a less oxidized one. Your oolong tea won’t really go “bad”, but it can get stale if it sits around too long. If stored properly in a cool dark place, in an opaque airtight container, away from light and moisture, and far from pantry items like coffee and spices that can leach flavor into the tea leaves, oolong teas can last anywhere from six months to two years before they should be used or replaced.

Preparing oolong tea

Because oolong teas vary wildly in their oxidation levels and processing techniques, many oolongs will have different ideal brewing temperatures and steeping times. While it’s best to ask your tea vendor for brewing instructions specific to the tea you purchased, here are a few general oolong tea brewing tips:

• Use fresh, pure, cold filtered water. Spring water is best.
• Because styles of oolongs vary so much, steeping temperature and time can vary as well. Generally, oolongs are steeped anywhere between 180 and 200 degrees for 60 seconds to 3 minutes.
• If you don’t have an electric kettle with temperature control, just remember that at sea level water simmers at 190 degrees and boils at 212 degrees. The boiling temperature drops about a degree for every 100 feet in altitude increase.
• Most oolong teas are designed to steep multiple times. Each steeping unfurls the rolled or twisted leaves just a little more, revealing even more layers of the flavor profile intended by the tea master who created the tea. It is not uncommon to get 3 to 5 infusions out of a high-quality oolong.
• Avoid over steeping your oolong tea. Many oolongs are designed to taste best with multiple short infusions. Taste your tea after the recommended steeping time and then decide if you’d like it to steep a little longer.
• If your oolong tea came with specific recommendations for brewing, use those. But using about 2 grams of loose leaf tea per 8 oz. cup of water is a safe bet.
• Cover your oolong tea while it steeps to keep all the heat in the steeping vessel.
• Tea producers spend a lot of time mastering the art of oolong tea. To best appreciate the handcrafted flavors of an oolong tea, try sipping it plain with no additives like milk or sugar.

Named after former British Prime Minister Earl Charles Grey, who was in office in the 1830’s, Earl Grey Tea is a blend of various exquisite Chinese teas. However, what sets it apart is the additional citrus flavour. There are many stories that surround the origin of this blended flavoured tea. One of the most popular stories comes from the archives of the Grey Family itself. It is believed that the tea was specially blended by a Chinese mandarin for Lord Grey using a fragrant fruit called bergamot to counter-balance the dominance of lime in the local water. The concoction became so popular that he was asked if the tea could be sold in the market and that is probably how Earl Grey Tea came into being. The Earl Grey Tea leaves are derived from a plant called Camellia Sinensis and contain strong antioxidant properties which makes it a great health drink. Here are eight surprising health benefits of drinking early grey tea:

1. Energy booster

Love your daily dose of coffee? What if we told you that a cup of tea can also double up as an energy booster without any side effects? Earl grey tea contains caffeine in safe quantities that can perk you up and keep you active through the day. It also keeps you hydrated unlike coffee which has dehydrating properties that causes essential vitamins and water soluble minerals to get flushed out of the body.
2. Enhances digestion

Earl Grey Tea can also aid digestion and digestion related problems. It is known to relieve constipation, acid reflux and intestinal infections to a large extent.


3. Dental benefits

Rich in antioxidant called ‘catechin’, Earl Grey Tea can prove rather effective in fighting oral infections. Another natural component found in Earl Grey Tea is fluoride. Fluoride fights decay and also protects your teeth against the formation of cavities.



4. Boosts immunity

The bergamot oil present in the tea can prove to be an effective tool in improving the functions of the immune system. The antioxidants in bergamot destroy harmful free radicals. Free radicals are basically by-products of oxygen metabolism that are toxic in nature and can induce significant damage to our system by causing ‘oxidative stress’. The antioxidants present in the tea counter this stress. They also fight against infections, fever and other chronic ailments. 

5. Protects your heart from cholesterol

Another very significant benefit of bergamot is that it can bring down bad cholesterol levels. Regulated levels of cholesterol can further save your heart from plaque formation and blockages and at the same time improve blood flow. 

 
6. Weight loss

While there is no alternative to regular physical activity and a healthy diet to shed those extra pounds, earl grey tea improves your metabolism to aid quick weight loss. The citrus extract of the earl grey tea is said to increase the energy consumption and regulate your metabolic processes that contribute to weight loss. 


7. Fights cold

Tea has been used as a traditional medicine to ward off cold. The anti-viral compounds in earl grey tea makes you stronger from within. Bergamot’s immunity boosting qualities helps protecting our body from contracting viruses responsible for flu cold and other infections.

8. Eases stress

Exhausted after a long day of work?  Earl grey tea’s star component bergamot has natural aromatherapy qualities that not only has a calming effect but can also lift up your mood.

Ever thought a flavouring  can induce so many health benefits? Bergamot is truly the star in this exquisite blended tea. Don’t stop yourself from enjoying the dozen benefits of Earl grey tea either. Take a flavourful  sip of health and relax. 

Find the world's finest teas at www.countryhouse.in

Earl Grey tea is one of the most popular teas in the West. This black tea with hints of citrus is a perfect introduction to tea. It is great served hot or cold, and pairs well with food. That's why it is a favorite for afternoon tea and preferred by many tea drinkers throughout the world. Explore its history and the great variety of Earl Grey available.

Flavor of Earl Grey

Earl Grey is a black tea, so it usually has a bold flavor. Unlike orange pekoe (which is a tea grade named for the Dutch royal House of Orange-Nassau rather than the fruit or the color orange), Earl Grey has a citrusy flavor.

Earl Grey's citrusy taste is due to the addition of natural or synthetic bergamot oil. The bergamot orange is a type of aromatic citrus fruit that is usually grown in the Mediterranean. Bergamot oil is extracted from the skin of the bergamot fruit. Although Earl Grey varies from one producer to another, its taste is often described as bright, refreshing, and bold.

Earl Grey's History

Earl Grey is named after Earl Charles Grey of England who was Prime Minister from 1830 through 1834. Although he abolished slavery during his time in office, he is most remembered for his namesake tea.

The common story behind the naming of Earl Grey is that the recipe was a token of thanks to the politician. It is said that he saved the son of a Chinese tea blender from drowning. In his gratitude for this good deed, the blender passed on this special recipe for a black tea flavored with bergamot oil. In reality, it is highly unlikely that Earl Charles Grey ever visited China, much less saved a drowning boy there. No one really knows why Grey received this honor, though the tea was named around Charles Grey's time in office. It is entirely possible that the name could have simply been a nod to a powerful political leader.

More recently, Earl Grey tea has made a number of appearances in popular culture. It is a favorite of Captain Picard in "Star Trek: The Next Generation", as well as Sir Leigh Teabing of "The Davinci Code." In America, Earl Grey is sometimes spelled Earl Gray instead, though this is not a generally accepted spelling of the name.

Caffeine in Earl Grey

The caffeine content of Earl Grey varies from one type to another, but it is generally comparable to other black teas.

• Regular Earl Grey Tea: 55 to 90 milligrams of caffeine per cup (sometimes incorrectly called caffeinated Earl Grey)
• Decaf Earl Grey: 2 to 10 milligrams per cup

Types of Earl Grey Tea

Earl Grey is so popular that it has spawned a number of similar teas. One of the most popular of these is Lady Grey, which is usually a blend of Earl Grey and blue cornflower blossoms.

Other popular Earl Grey variations include:

• Russian Earl Grey: Earl Grey with pieces of citrus peel mixed in.
• Decaf Earl Grey
• Earl Red / Red Earl Grey / Earl Rooibos: A bergamot-flavored rooibos.
• Earl Green: A bergamot-flavored green tea or, in some cases, a bergamot-flavored pouchong/baozhong.

Tea companies offer other stately names such as Mademoiselle Grey or Lord Grey. These are blended with spices, flowers (such as rose petals or lavender), or other ingredients.

You may see a drink called London fog at some coffee shops and tea shops. This is a tea latte made from Earl Grey, steamed milk, and vanilla syrup.

How to Make and Enjoy Earl Grey

Like many black teas, Earl Grey is fairly easy to prepare. To brew Earl Grey tea, you'll need a teapot, some Earl Grey tea leaves, and quality water that is nearly boiling or at the boiling point. Some people prefer to pre-warm their teapot with hot water, which helps maintain the steeping temperature. To do this, simply pour boiling water into the teapot, wait a minute, and then discard the water.

To Make Earl Grey:

1. Use about one teaspoon of tea leaves (or one regular-sized teabag) per cup of hot water.
2. Steep in boiling or near boiling water for four to five minutes, depending on the tea and your flavor preferences.
3. Then, remove the tea leaves (or tea bag).

Some people enjoy sugar and/or lemon in their Earl Grey. While it is not traditional to add milk to citrusy teas, some Americans also enjoy milk in their Earl Grey.

Earl Grey tea is one of the preferred teas for afternoon tea. It pairs very well with many sweets, such as scones and Madeleine cakes. Earl Grey is also a great tea for brunch pairings.

How to Buy Earl Grey Tea

Earl Grey is available in most Western grocery stores, tea shops, and gourmet foods stores, as well as on most online tea retail sites.

• Loose-leaf Earl Grey tea is recommended over Earl Grey teabags.
• If you prefer a strong black tea flavor, a base tea from Kenya, Ceylon, or Assam is usually a good choice.
• If you prefer a milder black tea flavor, a base tea from Nilgiri or Darjeeling will be better for you.
• If you like a smooth, rich black tea flavor, try Earl Grey with a Yunnan or a Keemun base.