Insight

I tried this refreshing tea in Formosa for the first time. Oolong Tea, also known as Wu Long Tea, is available in every corner of the colorful Taiwanese streets, so I enjoyed its bitter taste every day. 

Oolong Tea is believed to be produced about 400 years ago. According to historical records, Fujian province of China is the origin location of Oolong Tea.

In the family tree of Chinese teas, Oolong Tea, which is semi-fermented, lies between unfermented green tea and fermented black tea. 

This traditional Chinese tea undergoes a unique process, including withering under the strong sun and oxidation before curling and twisting. The flawor of Oolongs is equally diverse: they can be smoky, sweet and fruity, woody and thick, or green and fresh.

According to the growing and processing region, there are four major categories of Oolong Tea:

1. Northern Fujian Province: Wu Yi Tea (also called Cliff Tea or Rock Tea)
2. Southern Fujian Province: Tie Guan Yin (also called Chinese Oolong, Iron Buddha, Buddha of Mercy, Gun Yam)
3. Guangdong Province: Phoenix Oolong (also colled Dan Chong Tea)
4. Taiwan: Tung Ting, High Mountain, Alishan Baojung

The benefits of Oolong Tea:

• Can improve the performance of enzymes that break down fat
• Polyphenols prevent tooth decay
• High source of Vitamin C
• Can reduce skin irritations
• Can increase fat metabolism
• Can lower cholesterol
• Can regulate body temperature