Oolong tea, also known as Wu Long tea, has been widely touted as a weight-loss tea. This could be due to the result of caffeine on the nervous system and the increase of metabolism from the polyphenols. You could probably say this about all teas, that combined with proper diet and exercise, they aid in weight loss. Tea also has lots of antioxidants, which help fight cancer. All the more reason to enjoy a nice cup of tea.

Oolong is a semi-oxidized tea that can be almost green to nearly black. The greenish black leaves can be infused more than once, making it economical even for the better grades of tea. I like to refrigerate leftover tea to have on hand for iced tea. Most oolong tea has a delicate fruity flavor and is enjoyable hot or cold. This makes it quite surprising to me that oolong consumption is very low compared to other teas.

This type of tea originated in the Fukien province of China and is mostly produced in China and Taiwan. There are many varieties, but some consider Formosa Oolong to be the best of them.

You may have already tried oolong tea in your favorite Chinese restaurant. Jasmine, green and oolong are the teas served most often. Many Chinese restaurants include complimentary tea with your meal. The first time I remember drinking oolong was at P.F. Chang’s restaurant. They served the tea in a little black tetsubin pot. It was so delicious, I asked my server what brand of tea they used. It turned out to be Revolution Tea called Dragon Eye Oolong. It is delicious and I’ve been enjoying this tea ever since. It comes boxed with 16 premium full- leaf infuser bags.

But what about the dragon? Oolong means black dragon and was named this because of the long twisted black leaves.

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