South-East Asia Destination

By: David Carloni

Whether it is called oolong tea or wu long tea, it means the same type of tea.

The reason for the different spellings is due to the two common systems used to Romanize the Mandarin language, which consists of Chinese characters and not letters. One system is called Wades Giles, the other is called the Pinyin system.

When translating the first character in the Mandarin meaning for this tea type using the Wade Giles style, we get the pronunciation "Oo"...and when using the Pinyin system, we get the pronunciation "Wu". Put them together with the other characters, and you get either "oo-long-cha", or "wu-long-cha". (Oolong tea, or Wu long tea.)

This tea is also known as "brown tea", and in the past was also referred to as "rock tea".

Oolong tea is a beverage sort of in between green tea and black tea, although most varieties have more green tea characteristics. The leaves of this tea type are not fully oxidized as much as black tea, but are allowed to ferment longer than green tea leaves would. The result is a cup of tea that is quite unique.

Wu long tea can come in many varieties, and is mainly produced in China or Taiwan. However, it is noted that the best oolong tea

comes from Taiwan. Chinese oolongs brew a darker brownish liquor and produce a taste that is slightly "woody" with some mild sweet notes. The leaves are also broader than their Taiwan cousins, and are rolled length-wise instead of in to curly balls.

Taiwan varieties brew a cup that has a more golden color, and a brew that tastes more "flowery" compared to the Chinese oolongs. Some varieties come real close to resembling green tea, and even have a slight vegetal taste save the sweeter flavors that may be present as well. As mentioned above, the leaves are rolled in to curly balls which open up revealing leaves that are the largest of the four types of tea.

In Taiwan, many folks consume this tea and only a very small percentage is available for export. It is estimated that only around two percent is shipped out of the country.

Some noted health benefits of this tea type are similar to what green tea offers; in fact the tea has shown to increase thermogenesis in the body quicker compared to green tea, which is the act of the body "heating up" resulting in calories to burn quicker.

In a study done at Japan's University of Tokushima School of Medicine, which was published in the Journal of Medical Investigation, found that wu long tea has more than twice the calorie burning properties than Japanese green tea. People who consumed wu long over green tea daily experienced better fat oxidation; which equals weight loss. However, proper exercise and dieting is a must and is very important in accompanying these weight loss benefits.

Other studies show that wu long tea helps destroy free radicals in our bodies which could mean younger and healthier looking skin, as well as a decreased risk of certain tumor development.

Brewing oolong is very much the same as brewing black tea. For best results regarding flavor and obtaining maximum health benefits, use loose leaf tea and natural spring water or well-filtered water. Bring to a boil and let steep for around 4 to 5 minutes in a large infuser allowing the leaves room to open. Poor and enjoy with friends or family.

With so many varieties of this tea, years of enjoyment await along with the possibility of a healthier lifestyle!

Learn more facts and information about oolong tea

David Carloni is the creator and webmaster of The Color Of Tea.com

An online resource guide that offers information, tips, facts, varieties, and the introduction to the simple pleasures of brewing and enjoying loose leaf tea.