Oolong tea can be considered as a functional food, thanks to its antioxidant, anti-obesity and hypocholesterolemic properties. It is obtained, just like all the other teas, from the infusion of the leaves of Camellia Sinensys, however the leaves are prepared in a slightly different way.
Oolong Tea Production
Leaves destined to the production of oolong tea are dried in the sun and then ground; compared to black tea, the time of exposure to heat is shorter and just enough to oxidize the leaf margins. After having been slightly dried, the leaves are subjected to rotating movements in order to allow the release of cellular juices; this is the beginning of the fermentative processes which proceed little by little from the leaf margins towards the inside.
At the end of this phase, the leaves take on a mosaic aspect, for the presence of fermented regions of reddish color and other more greenish ones; the enzymatic activity and the fermentative processes are immediately stopped by subjecting the leaves to jets of very hot air; subsequently they are subjected to a modest rotating pressure (as if they were crushed by a rolling pin) for 2-3 times, then they are dried again. At the end of the production process, it is obtained a semi-fermented tea with intermediate characteristics between green (prepared with fresh leaves) and black (dried and left to ferment for a longer time).
It is not surprising, therefore, that oolong tea takes advantage of the health properties of both beverages, mainly antioxidant for green tea and stimulating for black tea.
Consumption of oolong tea is mainly alimentary, even though many believe it can exert therapeutic or more generally healthy effects.
Oolong tea is recommended for:
- Combat free radicals, decreasing cellular aging
- Acquire tone, vigor and psycho-physical energy
- Complement slimming diets
- Supplement dietary therapies to treat fat and sugar dysmetabolisms and hypertension (cardiovascular risk reduction)
- Prevent tooth and bone degradation (osteoporosis)
- Hinder skin eczema
- Strengthening the immune system.
Discover all the benefits of Oolong tea.
