What is Taiwan Oolong Tea and What are the Health Benefits?

1. What is Taiwan Oolong tea?

Taiwan oolong tea has been recognized as a world-class variety of tea for many years, with both its high quality and unique characteristics making it highly sought after by discerning people from all corners of the globe. In Taiwan, where most of the world's top oolongs are produced, the harvesting and processing techniques for different types of oolongs vary from one another depending on factors such as weather conditions and geographical location. As a result, each type of oolong developed during this process carries its own defining traits that make it different from other types of tea.

Taiwan oolong tea refers to the category of oolongs for which the harvesting and processing are done in Taiwan, producing teas characterized by their fresh, flowery aroma and mellow taste. Because they were among the first varieties of Taiwanese tea to be produced, Taiwan oolongs have long been highly valued for their good quality and fine flavor.

Taiwan oolong tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, the same species used to produce black, green, and white teas. What distinguishes oolongs from these other types of tea is the way they are processed: Oolongs are partially oxidized, which gives them their unique flavor and aroma.

2. The history of Taiwan Oolong tea

Taiwan oolong tea has a long and rich history, with the tea-processing techniques used in Taiwan dating back to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). At that time, oolongs were produced mainly in the central and southern parts of Taiwan, with the most prized teas coming from the regions around Taitung and Nantou.

In recent years, however, the production of Taiwan oolong tea has spread to many other parts of the country, with different regions now producing their own distinctive varieties of oolong. Due to its high quality and unique flavor, Taiwan oolong tea is one of the world's most popular varieties.

3. What are the health benefits of Taiwan Oolong tea?

Some of the potential health benefits of consuming Taiwan Oolong tea include improved cardiovascular health, a stronger immune system, better oral health, and reduced inflammation. Additionally, Taiwan Oolong tea is known to help with weight loss and has anti-aging properties.

Taiwan Oolong tea contains antioxidants such as polyphenols, which contain powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. These antioxidant compounds found in Taiwan Oolong tea can help slow the aging process and repair cells damaged by free radicals.

In addition to the benefits mentioned above, the Taiwanese population has one of the highest life expectancies in the world with an average age of 82 years for women and 77 years for men (according to data from 2012). This suggests that some key components in the daily diet play a significant role in health promotion and prevention of chronic diseases. Drinking high-quality Taiwan Oolong tea could significantly improve people's health conditions.

4. How to brew Taiwanese oolong tea 

Brewing the perfect pot of Taiwan oolong tea is easy if you follow these simple steps:

Step 1. Rinse the teapot and cups with hot water.

Step 2. Weigh out the desired amount of tea leaves – about 2 grams per 150 ml cup.

Step 3. Fill the pot with fresh, boiling water and steep for 1-2 minutes for the first infusion.

Step 4. Pour into cups and enjoy! For subsequent infusions, increase steeping time by 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Brewing Tips:

Water Temperature: 195-205 degrees Fahrenheit

Leaves: 2 grams per 150 ml cup

Brewing Time: 1-2 minutes for the first infusion, 30 seconds to 1 minute for subsequent infusions.

5. What does Taiwan Oolong tea taste like?

Taiwan Oolong tea is one of the most highly regarded oolong teas. It has a flowery and fragrant aroma and a fresh, fruity taste with a hint of dryness in the finish. It has notes of grapes, apples, and honey. Taiwan Oolong tea leaves are dark green in color, which is a result of the high-mountain environment where plants absorb more minerals from the soil.

6. What is the best way to store Taiwan Oolong tea?

Tea can be stored in an airtight container away from direct sunlight and moisture at room temperature for up to two years. Avoid refrigerating or freezing tea leaves as it will negatively affect flavor and quality.

If you plan to use tea leaves stored for a while, it is important that you check if the tea leaves are still fresh and moist before brewing. Discard any dry or yellowed leaves as they will not produce a good cup of tea.

7. How much caffeine is in an 8 oz cup of Taiwanese Oolong Tea?

There is approximately 35 mg of caffeine in an 8 oz cup of Taiwanese Oolong Tea. This is about half the amount of caffeine as in an 8 oz cup of coffee. Caffeine is a stimulant that can improve alertness and energy levels. However, it is also possible to overdo it on caffeine, which can lead to unpleasant side effects such as nervousness and irritability.

8. Can Oolong Tea help with weight loss?

Taiwan Oolong tea can be a great choice for weight loss because it has powerful antioxidants and compounds that speed up the metabolism and burn fat and calories more effectively than basic foods. This is especially effective following a meal, as it prevents conversion of undigested carbohydrates into fat and also reduces the chance that these calories will be stored as fat.