The Benefits of Oolong Tea

Oolong tea, like many other ayurvedic teas, can provide a plethora of benefits for the body and mind when consumed on a daily basis. Originating from the same shrub as black teas and green teas – the Camellia Sinensis shrub – oolong tea falls into its own unique category of tea with the way its leaves are carefully cultivated, oxidized, and processed. Here at Art of Tea, our tea masters want all of you oolong lovers out there to understand how this wonderful cup of tea is created, and the benefits it can have on your overall well-being in the long-term.

What Is Oolong Tea?

As mentioned before, oolong tea leaves come from the Camellia Sinensis plant, a species of evergreen shrub that contributes to the creation of many different teas. Oolong tea goes through a unique semi-oxidation process that ranges from 1% – 99%, differing from the stark oxidation process of green tea or black tea. Shortly after picking, oolong leaves are withered and semi-oxidized in the sun and then shade dried. Afterward, they are basket-tossed to break down the cells on the surface of the leaves and then wok fired, halting the oxidation process.

Oolong teas are often processed over charcoal or wood, giving them a unique flavor with various finishing styles. Finally, the oolong leaves are curled or rolled into crispy shapes that resemble tiny black dragons (Oolong (Wu-lung) tea originates from China and is actually transliterated from two words meaning “black” and “dragon” in English). Because oolong tea leaves are more mature, they are harvested later in the spring than green or white teas – usually from late April to early May.

Oolong Tea Side Effects & Benefits

Over time, drinking oolong tea can have mild benefits and positive side effects on your body. While we don’t promise any of the below we thought we would list out bits of information that studies have shown:

  • Provides Antioxidant Properties – The polyphenol properties of oolong tea are also known to remove free radicals, making it a great antioxidant. Studies have shown that a daily dose of oolong can remove free radicals and slightly decrease the chances of contracting diseases such as cancer, stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, and diabetes.
  • Promotes Healthy Teeth and Bones – The antioxidant properties of oolong have been shown to help to protect against tooth decay, prevent osteoporosis and strengthen the bones in the body. Studies have shown that people how regularly drink oolong or black tea have been shown to lose bone mineral density (BMD) at a slower rate than non-tea drinkers.
  • Promotes Healthy Skin – The antioxidant properties of oolong tea have been shown to combat outbreaks of eczema.
  • Improves Mental Clarity – Oolong tea contains caffeine, which is well known to give a temporary boost of alertness.
  • Aids With Digestion – Oolong tea has been shown to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, making it highly beneficial to anyone with acid reflux or ulcer issues. Additionally, this tea has been known to combat some of the bad bacteria in the stomach.

Try Our Unique Take On Oolong Tea Today!

Consumed on a daily basis, oolong tea from Art of Tea can have a wide array of health benefits. To experience what our unique take on oolong tea can do for your body and mind, stop by our tea shop and browse through our award-winning oolong teas. For all of your teapot and teacup needs for your daily oolong ritual, check out our teaware collection today!

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Sheng Pu-erh Vs. Shou Pu-erh

Have you always wondered what the key differences are between Sheng Pu-erh and Shou Pu-erh? Here at Art of Tea, our tea masters have created this guide to highlight the differences between these two types of Chinese fermented teas; giving you the knowledge and wisdom you need to enjoy them both to the fullest. To begin, it’s best to start with a brief description of what pu-erh teas actually are and where they came from:

What Are Pu-erh Teas & Where Did They Come From?

Pu-erh teas were originally cultivated in the province of Yunnan in southern China. Yunnan has been home to wild tea trees for hundreds of years and pressed tea cakes were exported from Yunnan to Tibet as early as the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Pu-erh tea is a post-fermented tea, which means that the tea leaves go through a microbial fermentation process after they have been dried and rolled, causing the leaves to darken and change in flavor. This process allows the teas to not only improve with age like wine or cheese, but many pu-erhs are able to retain their freshness for up to five decades. Pu-erh teas can be found in compressed brick form or in loose leaf form and can be made from both green and black tea leaves.

Pu-erh tea is made from a larger leaf strain of Camellia Sinensis called Dayeh, which are ancient trees with mature leaves that are said to be between 500 and 1000 years old. These trees are usually grown in temperate regions and although they can be harvested year-round, the best time to harvest is in mid-spring. Various conditions and environmental factors can impact the flavor profile of pu-erh, resulting in a rich experience for the tea drinker’s palate. Pu-erh can be smooth, fruity, peaty, grassy, musky, herbal and earthy.

Sheng Pu-erh Tea

Sheng pu-erhs – or raw pu-erhs – are pu-erhs that are naturally fermented over a long aging period. Sheng pu-erhs are typically pressed into discs and are aged for at least 10 years before they are considered “drinkable” by tea masters. Well-aged sheng pu-erhs are generally favored by tea connoisseurs for their complex and subtle flavors, but the time required for proper ripening means they are the most expensive type of pu-erh teas. Ripened sheng pu-erhs as we know them today – pu-erhs aged and brewed without additives – were popularized in Hong Kong by immigrant populations after the Chinese civil war.

Shou Pu-erh Teas

During the 1970s, when the demand for pu-erh teas began to skyrocket and outpace the supply of aged sheng pu-erh available, tea makers were forced to come up with a solution. Master tea makers developed a technique to accelerate the fermentation process and imitate the unique flavor of sheng pu-erhs – this technique came to be known as shou pu-erh, or “cooked” pu-erh. To make shou pu-erh, the green maocha (tea that has undergone processing but not ready for retail sale yet) is heaped into a large pile. Tea makers often mix in a small amount of a previous batch of fermented tea to introduce desirable microbes, and then the leaves are left to ferment. This process works similarly to composting, with the dense tea leaf pile producing heat that encourages accelerated fermentation. The leaves are then turned regularly until they are fully fermented, at which point they may be pressed into cakes and are ready to drink.

Pu-erh Tea Benefits, Side Effects, and Caffeine Content

In China, pu-erh tea has long been consumed to achieve a wide variety of health benefits, such as improvements in heart health and reductions in cholesterol levels. It’s also said that pu-erh tea can help promote weight loss, enhance eyesight, stimulate circulation and soothe hangovers. Pu-erh tea may also fight oxidative stress, regulate blood sugar levels (a key factor in diabetes control), protect against obesity and possess anti-cancer activity. Pu-erh tea is said to contain lower levels of caffeine than other types of tea.

Explore The World Of Pu-erh Teas With Art of Tea Today!

If you’re captivated by the unique cultivation process of pu-erh teas but you find yourself wanting to know more, feel free to explore our Tea 101 page dedicated to the history and preparation of both sheng pu-erh and shou pu-erh. If you’re ready to dive right into the world of ancient fermented teas, stop by our tea shop today to discover our wide selection of deliciously crafted pu-erh teas.

 

How To Make Your Own Chai Latte

Do you love the delicious taste of chai lattes from your local coffee shop? Wondering how to achieve the same frothy goodness in the comfort of your own home? At Art of Tea, our tea experts are here to teach you how to make the best tasting chai latte recipe with our unique blends of chai; informing you a little bit about the origins of Masala Chai along the way. Ready to take a deep dive into the world of chai? Keep on reading to find out more!

What Is Masala Chai?

Masala Chai is a unique blend of black tea with a mixture of aromatic spices, such as organic cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and various other herbs. Originating in the Indian subcontinent, chai has gained worldwide popularity with the addition of frothed milk, becoming colloquially known as a ‘chai tea latte.’ The word “chai” ultimately originated from the Mandarin Chinese word for tea – 茶 chá. So, if you happen to say, “Chai tea latte,” you’re actually saying, “Tea tea latte.”

How Can I Make Chai Latte At Home?

The first step to making tasty chai lattes at home is to pick up some chai from Art of Tea. From the original taste of Tali’s Masala Chai or our caffeine-free Rooibos Chai to the seasonal flavors of our Pumpkin Spice Chai or White Winter Chai, you can choose whichever one of our teas suits your taste buds to perfection.

Here are all of the ingredients you’ll need for a chai latte at home:

  • Art of Tea Eco Pyramid chai tea bags or Art of Tea loose-leaf chai
  • 1 cup of whole milk
  • ¼ cup of packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons of refrigerated French vanilla non-dairy creamer
  • Whipped topping
  • Ground nutmeg

Step 1: Brew Your Chai

Whether you’ve opted for Art of Tea chai tea bags or our loose-leaf chai, the first step is to brew your tea. Make sure to leave at least ¼ of your teacup or mug empty, as you will need to add the ‘latte’ mixture later on.

Step 2: Prepare Your Chai ‘Latte’ Mixture

While your tea is steeping, grab a small saucepan and place it on your stove top. Combine the milk, brown sugar and creamer in the pan, and cook over medium heat until all of the ingredients are warm and the brown sugar is dissolved.

Step 3: Combine Tea & Milk Mixture

Pour your hot latte mixture into your tea mug or cup. Dollop with whipped topping and sprinkle with ground nutmeg if desired!

Grab Some Chai From Art of Tea Today For Your At-Home Chai Lattes!

Ready to make your own frothy chai lattes at home? By following this simple guide, you’ll be creating delicious chai lattes in no time at all. In addition to our delicious line of organic teas and tisanes, make sure to check out our teapots and teaware that will elevate your tea drinking experience day in and day out. For all of your tea-related questions or concerns, feel free to get in touch with one of our tea experts today.

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