Oolong tea (also koop oolong thee  wulong in Chinese) is a semi-fermented tea between green and black. Its appearance can vary from green to brown depending on the amount of oxidation.

After the leaves are picked they are intentionally bruised to initiate oxidation. Leaves are spread out to “wither” which helps to reduce their moisture content and soften them up for the next steps in tea processing. Tea masters can stop this oxidation process at different stages and this is what creates the diverse flavors of oolong tea.

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The resulting tea can range from light to full bodied and can have flavor profiles that range from floral, to grassy, to sweet to toasty. Most high quality oolong teas are designed to be steeped multiple times, with each infusion unfurling the rolled or twisted leaves a little bit more and revealing another layer of the tea master’s intended flavor profile.

Oolongs are also known for their health properties and many believe that it can help with weight loss, skin care, and even fighting the common cold. Oolong is full of antioxidants which have been shown to aid in the prevention of heart disease, lower cholesterol levels, promote weight loss, and protect against certain types of cancer.

When choosing a buy oolong tea, it’s important to look for a reputable vendor that can provide information on how the tea was grown, harvested, and processed as well as storage tips to ensure your tea stays fresh. If stored properly, oolong tea can last up to two years without going bad.