Woolong Tea - a Unique and Fascinating History

Tea is the 2nd most widely consumed drink in the world (coming in second to water, of course!) and is enjoyed the world over as a pleasant and satisfying beverage. Although a common household staple, tea has a fascinating history.

Many of us have heard the tale of tea's discovery. The story is told of Chinese Emperor Shen Nung (Shen Nong) in 2737 BCE. The Emperor was taking his ease under a tree. As his servant prepared boiling water for the Emperor, some leaves blew and floated into the water, and thus a tasty new beverage was discovered, which spread through China, and then the world as a hugely popluar beverage.

Indeed, tea is a fundamental aspect of Chinese culture and daily life. With many rituals and various 'tea ceremonies' performed daily in Asian households, tea is not just a drink to many, but rather a cultural process to be observed and respected.

So where does Woolong (Wulong, Oolong) tea come into this story? The legends and theories vary almost as much as the varieties of Woolong tea itself. One of such tales tells of a man named WuLiang (later WuLong) who discovered the tea, picked it, but then forgot about the leaves for several days. By the time he remembered, the leaves had already started to ferment. Although WuLiang feared the leaves may be spoiled, he didn't want to waste his precious collection, so he went ahead and finished the process. Thus a unique and tasty tea was discovered! Hence, today the unique flavour of Woolong tea comes from its semi-fermented leaves.

There are different categories or classifications of tea, such as white, yellow, red (Chinese 'Hong Cha', referred to as 'black' tea in most countries outside of China), green, blue and black. Woolong tea falls into the 'blue' category, between green and black tea. Woolong tea is a 'blue' tea (Chinese: Qing Cha) as it is between green and black tea in oxidation.

Woolong tea is especially enjoyed by many due to its pleasant taste, and sweet aftertaste sensation in the mouth and on the tongue.

Woolong tea comes from several different areas of China, the most popular being the Wuyi mountains of Fujian Province, Guangdong Province, and Taiwan.

Tea comes from the Camellia Sinensis plant and can be enjoyed daily as a refreshing and healthier alternative drink to coffee and soda.

Woolong tea is best enjoyed if brewed in a clay teapot or cup. First, pour hot water over the clay pot or cup. Then add your tea leaves, followed by hot water. Drain the water out, and pour hot water onto the leaves a second time. Cover with a lid, allow to steep, and enjoy! Note: Woolong tea is best enjoyed with water around 87 C, but never boiling water.

Tea, in Chinese culture, was long used as more of a medicine, rather than a beverage. Tea has long been used by the Chinese for its valuable medicinal properties and contribution to a healthier body and improved general well-being. Woolong tea especially is gaining popularity as an aid to weight loss and digestion, an anti-ageing drink, a general contributor to immune system improvement, an aid to fighting certain cancers and diseases, and much more!

So why not treat yourself to a delicious cup of Woolong tea, and enjoy the beverage that's been tantalizing taste buds for centuries!