The bitterness yet sweet aftertaste Oolong Tea

A Chinese classical pharmaceutical book called the "本草綱目(The Compendium of Materia Medica)" mentions clearly about the benefits of tea, Drinking tea for a long time soothes the mind, uplifts the spirit, and prevents obesity and aging. There are also statements to the effect that tea serves as an elixir and contributes to prolonging life in numerous other books. This indicates how people have appreciated the benefits of tea.

Of all the many different kind of tea, my favorite would be Oolong Tea.



Oolong is a traditional Chinese tea (Camellia sinensis) somewhere between green and black in oxidation. It ranges from 10% to 70% oxidation.

In Chinese tea culture, semi-oxidized Oolong teas are collectively grouped as blue-green tea (青茶). Oolong has a taste more akin to green tea than to black tea. It lacks the rosy, sweet aroma of black tea but it likewise does not have the stridently grassy vegetal notes that typify green tea. It is commonly brewed to be strong, with the bitterness leaving a sweet aftertaste. Several subvarieties of Oolong, including those produced in the Wuyi Mountains of northern Fujian and in the central mountains of Taiwan, are among the most famous Chinese teas.

Teas contain a number of ingredients that have an influence on the human body. The quantities and percentages of these ingredients differ widely depending on the extent of fermentation. Green tea contains a wealth of one ingredient called catechin while black tea contains a lot of theaflavin. Oolong tea contains a large quantity of polyphenol. According to research, it has become clear that polyphenol is the ingredient that generates the delicious flavor unique to Oolong tea and also promotes beauty and health.

In order to enjoy the flavor and rich aroma unique to Oolong tea, an art of drinking it delicately was developed. This involves drinking Oolong tea by using a tiny teapot and a tiny teacup. Chineses have adopted this style for generations right up to the present day.