Green Tea, Oolong (Camellia sinensis) – Dried Herb, Organic

Oolong, also called Wūlóng, meaning “black dragon”, is a traditional semi-oxidized Chinese tea produced through a process that includes withering the plant under strong sun and oxidation before curling, twisting, shaping and firing. The manufacture of Oolong Tea involves repeating stages very similar to the Black Tea but much more attention to timing and temperature is necessary.

Tieguanyin, translated as “Iron Goddess of Mercy” is a variety of Chinese oolong tea that originated in the 19th century in Anxi in Fujian province. Nowadays, it is also grown in Taiwan. This tea is named after Chinese Goddess of Mercy Guanyin. It is an embodiment of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. Other spellings and names are Ti Kuan Yin, Tit Kwun Yum, Ti Kwan Yin, Iron Buddha, Iron Goddess Oolong, Thea of the Iron Bodhisattva and Tie Guan Yin or just as abbreviation TGY.

Oolong is picked from a tea plant (Camellia/Thea sinensis). It is a flowering evergreen shrub  usually trimmed below 6 feet when cultivated for its leaves. The flowers are yellow-white with 7-8 petals. It belongs to the Theaceae family and leaves or leaf buds are used to produce tea. The tea plants are native to East Asia, the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia but today it is cultivated across the world in tropical and subtropical regions.

In ancient China and Japan, Green Tea was consumed for daily maintenance, prevention and for a weakened constitution. It has been also used for improving performance (mental and physical), losing weight, fighting tooth decay, strengthening the immune system, improving blood flow and for lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Properties:

The taste is light, with a pronounced floral profile and refreshing flavours of fresh green vegetables with a buttery note and a little sweetness reminiscent of red peppers. When brewed the colour is yellow-gold. The first steep is known for its aroma, subsequent steeps are known for their flavour. Oolong as any other Green Tea has affinity towards metabolism, weight loss, blood, veins, arteries, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, immune system, temperature regulation and stomach.

How to use:

1-3 teaspoons of Oolong Tea to one cup of water. Use boiling water and rinse the leaves briefly and pour the water off – this will “awaken” the leaves. Then re-infuse at 90-95°C and steep in a teapot for 2-3 minutes. Taste and steep longer if a stronger flavour is desired. You can repeat up to 5-6 steeps!

Cautions & contraindications:

Those with caffeine sensitivity as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women should practice caution. In large quantities Green Tea might interfere with iron absorption.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or illness. Please consult your health care provider prior to the use of this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications or have a medical condition. Individual results may vary.