The history of Oolong tea goes back at least 500 years, originating in the Chinese market. It was first called wulong, meaning “Black Dragon tea” because it was dark, long, and curly.

Oolong tea is made from wilting and semi-oxidizing the leaves of a Camillia sinensis plant. After the partial oxidation, it is curled and twisted to break down the plant walls and easily release enzymes.

Check out our Colors of Tea blog post to know what’s the difference between green tea, black tea, white tea, and oolong tea. Hint: it has something to do with how it’s processed!

Yes, oolong tea contains caffeine but only in small amounts. One cup of oolong tea has an average of 30-40mg of caffeine compared to 100-180mg of caffeine found in coffee. If you’re looking for a solid perk up, you won’t find it by drinking tea. Instead, you get to treat yourself to a soothing brew that’s just enough to keep you alert and rejuvenated for the day.

My favorite Oolong Tea is Prince of Peace’s well-packaged and fine-tasting 100% organic Oolong Tea. If you’re wondering what does oolong tea tastes like, it has a full-bodied flavor that’s complemented by a woody aroma. It’s closer to black tea in taste but has similar health benefits as green tea. The flavor is subtle and not overpowering.

Prince of Peace is a reputable brand known for their totally organic products, harvested by hand, and aged according to traditional wisdom of herbalists. They also have a wide range of Chinese teas, including black tea, white tea, green tea, Jasmine tea and more, all of which are made from carefully sourced tea leaves from Wuyi District of Fujian, China.

This tea has a long shelf life, so it can be stored and retain its freshness for a long time.

Oolong tea has oo-long list of health benefits (See what we did there?). It is known to help with the following:

Aids in weight loss: The fat burning effects of tea are caused by the plant compounds in tea, not just the caffeine. Polyphenol antioxidants are what is in oolong tea for weight. It boosts one's metabolism by activating enzymes that help store fat as energy. It is worth noting that drinking tea is just one of many factors that help in weight loss. Remember to exercise regularly and have a balanced diet for a healthier and stronger you.

Helps prevent diabetes: A few studies suggest that the polyphenol antioxidants found in oolong tea can reduce blood sugar and maintain insulin levels. With this, regular consumption of tea can reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes, although there is much research to be done to prove this.

Improves brain function: If coffee is a strong contributor to what keeps us awake and alert, tea has the same effect. Research has shown that the release of dopamine from drinking tea can have a positive impact on your mood and attention. Plus, amino acids may also relieve your anxiety, boost your attention, and eventually improve your productivity–perfect for long hours at work and school!

What's inside the box?

Reduces risk of common cancer: Polyphenol antioxidants found black, green, and oolong teas have been found to slow the rate of cancer cell division. While research is still ongoing, there’s nothing to lose when enjoying a cup.

Improves heart health: Regular tea drinkers have been found to have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels versus non-tea drinkers, therefore reducing the risk for heart diseases and stroke. Much research needs to be done to support this but one cannot deny how relaxing it is to drink tea.

1. Hot Oolong Tea: Place one tea bag in a 6-8 fl. oz. cup, add hot water and let it steep for 3-5 minutes before drinking. Sweeten to taste.

2. Iced Oolong Tea: Pour 2 cups of hot water over 6 bags in a quart container. Let it steep for 10 minutes. Remove tea bags. Add 2 cups of cold water. Pour over ice and add lemon slices for fruity tang.

3. Oolong Chai Tea Latte: Got spices to cinnamon and nutmeg to spare? Make this refreshing beverage from Edible Sarasota by steeping 2 tea bags for 2-12 hours in the refrigerator. Stir in milk, honey, and nutmeg to taste. When serving, pour in ice and add a cinnamon stick for swirling.

4. Oolong Milk Tea: If you’re a fan of Oolong milk tea from Gong Cha, why not try your hand at making it at home! Inspired by this recipe from Honest Food Talks, brew 1 cup of oolong tea according to the package instructions. While your tea steeps, heat ⅓ cups of your preferred dairy or plant-based milk and add sweeteners like Honey Crystals or coconut sugar. Combine your brewed oolong tea with your sweetened milk and voila, you’ve got yout Oolong Milk Tea-slash-latte.

For a complete boba experience, prepare Wufuyuan Black Sugar Tapioca Pearls in just 5 minutes and add it as sinkers. Don’t forget your boba straw when serving!

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