Oolong Tea: Break it down

Supposedly, Oolong teas are supposed to be one of the best teas to aid in weight loss and boost the metabolism. Many people include oolong teas into their everyday diet. At tea stores, you might come across the label “Monkey-Picked Oolong”-the ‘Monkey-Picked’ simply signifies that it is the highest grade of oolong. These will probably be most expensive (two ounces of Teavana‘s Monkey-Picked Oolong runs at $25.00, but is said to be well worth the price as it can be re-steeped.)

There are two major types of oolong tea: Fermosa and Chinese. Oolong tea (caffeine-wise) is in between black and green teas. Fermosa oolong teas are produced in Taiwan, and are fermented for about four hours longer than Chinese oolongs, making the caffeine content higher, but not as high as black teas. Chinese oolongs are  produced in China, and are more similar to green teas in caffeine content.

Oolong tea is often served at chinese restaurants (making you feel SEMI-healthy, after downing a plate of fried rice…).

Tea shops tend to carry many varieties of oolongs, from straight to flavored with chunks of fruit or flower bits or spices. My oolong is a Strawberry Oolong, sold by Teavana exclusively in their IntoTeas Gift Collections*. It is light, so I mix it with my Youthberry/Wild Orange Blossom blend (also from Teavana…that damn nifty little place) to create a fruity superblend of different teas.

Welp, that’s that. Try out those super awesome oolongs and tell me how it goes.

 

*This is a highly recommended set, and as part of their Heavenly Sale the price has been cut 50%, from $89.99 to only $44.99; included are four teas (Golden Needle Black Tea, Strawberry Oolong, Rasberry Mint Herbal Tea, and Samurai Chai Mate) and they are all lovely and for different parts of the day. Also included are two super-awesome insulated travel mugs (my tea has been hot since noon…and it’s five in the evening) and cute, colorful tins for the teas, all packed in an impressive box. Seriously, Teavana has done a great job at this one.