Leaf Oolong
Leaf Oolong

Tea Is Just The Tonic

There is a well known saying ... 'not for all the tea in China.' Now the world's tea production is spread over some 30 countries, it is about time to modify that old cliche! Not for all the tea in Argentina; doesn't have quite the same ring to it. Argentina currently stands as the largest exporter of tea to the United States of America, and Kenya is the largest producer and supplier in Africa when it comes to worldwide distribution. We must not forget though, that this whole tea drinking business began in China, many moons before anywhere else.

The reason such a beautiful beverage is so popular, (and with the only drink consumed more being water, I assure you it is very popular) is because of a need to sterilise water. Around 10,000 years BC, it was discovered that whilst brewing up a pot of water for purification, the leaves from the Camellia sinensis was a welcome addition. The health giving properties of the plant soon became apparent with a Taoist philosopher stating that its consumption was vital as an elixir for longevity. In the present day it has been said that the antioxidant properties of the plant once brewed is beneficial in cholesterol stability, lowering of blood pressure and strengthens the immune system.

Containing over 700 chemicals, Camellia sinensis is beneficial for a healthy gut and it's fluorine content helps protect teeth. Catechin, a crystalline antioxidant, is also present in tea and is said to be ant carcinogenic, reduce the risk of diabetes, stroke and heart failure. So, a pretty healthy option all round. The quality of the leaves is important, and this health information only applies to drinks brewed from the Camellia sinensis plant commonly known as white, green, oolong and black teas. Herbal varieties do not come from this plant, and so will have other health benefits. Common herbals include redbush, also known as Roobois, Nettle, Dandelion and Mate, a brew which is actually more popular than coffee in South America due to a reputation as a slimming aide.

When it comes to a difference between true teas, the secret lies in way the leaves are processed. White varieties undergo barely any processing at all. The reason this particular variety is called white is because the leaves are picked, or plucked when they are still young and tender with downy white hairs. Black varieties undergo the longest process. The process is about oxidation and fermentation; after being plucked and withered, the leaves are then rolled. This releases enzymes which then break down, or ferment, the leaf. The longer this process is left to go on, the darker the resulting leaf, a bit like an apple being exposed to air and going brown. To stop the process the leaves are heated and dried.

The varieties of Camellia sinensis are graded in this order: White, Green, Oolong and Black. All however come in a huge variety of tastes and types from different parts of the world. White varieties, once plucked are left to dry in the sun for a while and then packed ready for consumption. The Green variety undergoes a bit more processing after plucking, being rolled then heated. Oolong is a semi fermented variety, and considered the best type according to connoisseurs. The longest processed, the black variety is left to ferment until the leaves have turned a dark brown and then the heating and drying takes place. There is also a variety that is post fermented, and is generally a green tea that has been allowed to compost and is a rather uncommon variety, but still as beneficial for the health as all its non composted cousins.

About the Author

Shaun Parker is a leading food and drink expert with many years of experience in the industry. Find out more about Tea at All About Tea

Which is the best oolong tea leave ?

Thr are several types of oolong Tea Leaves and i would like dat someone that knows about chinese teas can hlp me i would like to buy some oolong tea leaves but wow thrs different types lol..

To my believe the best of oolong is the "gunpowder" tea.
Try and see.

Types of Tea : About Green Tea Leaves

Wuyi Weight Loss Tea Wulong LOOSE LEAF Oolong 200 Cups
Wuyi Weight Loss Tea Wulong LOOSE LEAF Oolong 200 Cups
Paypal   US $12.99
WuYi Wulong Oolong Weight Loss LOOSE LEAF Diet Tea 8 oz
WuYi Wulong Oolong Weight Loss LOOSE LEAF Diet Tea 8 oz
Paypal   US $9.99
CHOCOLATE OOLONG TEA LOOSE LEAF 1/2 LB MAKES 48 CUPS
CHOCOLATE OOLONG TEA LOOSE LEAF 1/2 LB MAKES 48 CUPS
Paypal   US $11.99
Goddess of Mercy Oolong Loose Leaf Tea 2-4-8-16 oz
Goddess of Mercy Oolong Loose Leaf Tea 2-4-8-16 oz
Paypal   US $51.75
Wuyi Weight Loss Tea Wulong LOOSE LEAF Oolong 200 Cups
Wuyi Weight Loss Tea Wulong LOOSE LEAF Oolong 200 Cups
Paypal   US $14.99
WuYi Wulong Oolong Weight Loss LOOSE LEAF Diet Tea 8 oz
WuYi Wulong Oolong Weight Loss LOOSE LEAF Diet Tea 8 oz
Paypal   US $9.99
Teavalize Oolong Boost Wulong Wu Long Tea Leaves
Teavalize Oolong Boost Wulong Wu Long Tea Leaves
Paypal   US $.99
Teavalize Oolong Boost Wulong Wu Long Tea Leaves
Teavalize Oolong Boost Wulong Wu Long Tea Leaves
Paypal   US $.99
CHOCOLATE OOLONG TEA LOOSE LEAF 1/2 LB MAKES 48 CUPS
CHOCOLATE OOLONG TEA LOOSE LEAF 1/2 LB MAKES 48 CUPS
Paypal   US $11.99
WuYi Wulong Oolong Weight Loss LOOSE LEAF Diet Tea 8 oz
WuYi Wulong Oolong Weight Loss LOOSE LEAF Diet Tea 8 oz
Paypal   US $9.99
CHOCOLATE OOLONG TEA LOOSE LEAF 1/2 LB MAKES 48 CUPS
CHOCOLATE OOLONG TEA LOOSE LEAF 1/2 LB MAKES 48 CUPS
Paypal   US $11.99
Wuyi Weight Loss Tea Wulong LOOSE LEAF Oolong 200 Cups
Wuyi Weight Loss Tea Wulong LOOSE LEAF Oolong 200 Cups
Paypal   US $14.99
Oolong Tea Formosa Loose Leaf 16 oz One Pound
Oolong Tea Formosa Loose Leaf 16 oz One Pound
Paypal   US $13.99
Teavalize Oolong Boost Wu Long Tea Leaves 10 Servings
Teavalize Oolong Boost Wu Long Tea Leaves 10 Servings
Paypal   US $1.19
Handmade Wild Loose Leaf Oolong Teas Big Red Robe 100g
Handmade Wild Loose Leaf Oolong Teas Big Red Robe 100g
Paypal   US $12.00
Bai Ye King * Top Grade White Leaf Dancong Oolong 100g
Bai Ye King * Top Grade White Leaf Dancong Oolong 100g
Paypal   US $25.99
WuYi Wulong Oolong Weight Loss LOOSE LEAF Diet Tea 2 lb
WuYi Wulong Oolong Weight Loss LOOSE LEAF Diet Tea 2 lb
Paypal   US $29.70
Oolong Tea Formosa Loose Leaf 4 oz Quarter Pound
Oolong Tea Formosa Loose Leaf 4 oz Quarter Pound
Paypal   US $6.99
Premium Phoenix Oolong Wulong Loose Leaf Tea 1/4 LB
Premium Phoenix Oolong Wulong Loose Leaf Tea 1/4 LB
Paypal   US $3.99
Teavalize Oolong Boost Wulong Wu Long Tea Leaves
Teavalize Oolong Boost Wulong Wu Long Tea Leaves
Paypal   US $.99
Fine Organic Oolong Tea Chinese Qilan Loose Leaf 2 Lbs.
Fine Organic Oolong Tea Chinese Qilan Loose Leaf 2 Lbs.
Paypal   US $53.91
CHOCOLATE OOLONG TEA LOOSE LEAF 1/2 LB MAKES 48 CUPS
CHOCOLATE OOLONG TEA LOOSE LEAF 1/2 LB MAKES 48 CUPS
Paypal   US $11.99
LOOSE LEAF MILK OOLONG TEA DIRECTLY FROM TAIWAN 150g
LOOSE LEAF MILK OOLONG TEA DIRECTLY FROM TAIWAN 150g
Paypal   US $12.99
Peach Oolong - Premium Loose Leaf Tea - Sample
Peach Oolong - Premium Loose Leaf Tea - Sample
Paypal   US $2.00
500g Tie Guan Yin Oolong Tea Slimming Loose Leaf
500g Tie Guan Yin Oolong Tea Slimming Loose Leaf
Paypal   US $26.00
Anxi Golden Oolong Wulong Slimming Loose Leaf Tea Wuyi
Anxi Golden Oolong Wulong Slimming Loose Leaf Tea Wuyi
Paypal   US $8.99
Oolong Slim Tea with Tochu Leaf 240g -Direct from Japan
Oolong Slim Tea with Tochu Leaf 240g -Direct from Japan
Paypal   US $15.99
Vanilla Oolong - Premium Loose Leaf Tea 1/4 Lb
Vanilla Oolong - Premium Loose Leaf Tea 1/4 Lb
Paypal   US $8.50
Wulong/Oolong Slimming Leaf Tea 5oz Pkg. Free Shipping
Wulong/Oolong Slimming Leaf Tea 5oz Pkg. Free Shipping
Paypal   US $8.99
Oolong Symphony No. 8 - Premium Loose Leaf Tea - Sample
Oolong Symphony No. 8 - Premium Loose Leaf Tea - Sample
Paypal   US $2.00
Jasmine No. 5 Oolong - Premium Loose Leaf Tea - Sample
Jasmine No. 5 Oolong - Premium Loose Leaf Tea - Sample
Paypal   US $2.00
Orange Blossom Oolong Loose Leaf Tea (1  lb)
Orange Blossom Oolong Loose Leaf Tea (1 lb)
Paypal   US $19.95
Phoenix #1 Iron Goddess Oolong Loose Leaf Tea - 1/4 lb
Phoenix #1 Iron Goddess Oolong Loose Leaf Tea - 1/4 lb
Paypal   US $19.99
Ti Kuan Yin Iron Goddess Oolong Loose Leaf Tea -1/4 lb
Ti Kuan Yin Iron Goddess Oolong Loose Leaf Tea -1/4 lb
Paypal   US $6.99
Orange Blossom Oolong Loose Leaf Tea - 1/4 lb
Orange Blossom Oolong Loose Leaf Tea - 1/4 lb
Paypal   US $6.99
Formosa Oolong Loose Leaf Tea - 1/4 lb
Formosa Oolong Loose Leaf Tea - 1/4 lb
Paypal   US $8.49
Se Chung Oolong Loose Leaf Tea - 1/4 lb
Se Chung Oolong Loose Leaf Tea - 1/4 lb
Paypal   US $6.99
Ti Kuan Yin Iron Goddess Oolong Loose Leaf Tea - 1/2 lb
Ti Kuan Yin Iron Goddess Oolong Loose Leaf Tea - 1/2 lb
Paypal   US $12.99
Orange Blossom Oolong Loose Leaf Tea - 1/2 lb
Orange Blossom Oolong Loose Leaf Tea - 1/2 lb
Paypal   US $11.99
Formosa Oolong Loose Leaf Tea - 1/2 lb
Formosa Oolong Loose Leaf Tea - 1/2 lb
Paypal   US $15.79
Powered by phpBay Pro

Finum num Tea Filter, Large, Brown


Finum num Tea Filter, Large, Brown


$3.30


"Make your own tea bags ". They make using your favorite loose tea a breeze! These natural filters are unbleached and do not effect the taste of the tea. Easy to fill and disposable and biogradable when finished. Keep them both for yourself or share with a friend....

Teas Etc 12-Ounce Glass Brew Mug with Glass Brew Basket and Lid


Teas Etc 12-Ounce Glass Brew Mug with Glass Brew Basket and Lid


$14.95


Experience the visual beauty of "the agony of the leaf" while you enjoy the taste purity of brewing in glass without the influences of metal or plastic. The ease of brewing in the perfectly sized 1 1/2 cup (12 ounces) mug makes this a no brainer. Place 1 1/2 teaspoons of tea leaves in the infuser basket - pour in hot water - brew - remove the glass brew basket and enjoy. The large brew basket de...

**NEW Design** Glass and Stainless Steel Tea Brewing Tumbler - Large 16 Oz


**NEW Design** Glass and Stainless Steel Tea Brewing Tumbler - Large 16 Oz


$24.99


New design of an old favorite! Join the Tea Movement! Lets you brew your favorite loose leaf tea for on the go. All stainless steel lid and filter with double wall borosilicate (pyrex) glass keeps the tea HOT and your hands COOL. Enjoy multiple infusions from the same tea leaves - just keep adding water....

Antioxidant Mangosteen Wulong Weight Slimming Tea 1 Lb. Loose Leaf


Antioxidant Mangosteen Wulong Weight Slimming Tea 1 Lb. Loose Leaf


$24.95


A delicious blend of Mangosteen (Xango) Juice and Wulong (Oolong) tea. Loaded with Xanthones , Antioxidants and anti-aging properties. Prevents many diseases and is very relaxing. Burn fat and lower cholesterol. Burns 2.5 Times MORE Calories Than Authentic Green Tea: In a new study published in the Journal of Medical Investigation, scientists from Japan's University of Tokushima School of Medicine...

The Tea Spot - Vintage Oolong Tea, 3.25 oz loose leaf tea


The Tea Spot - Vintage Oolong Tea, 3.25 oz loose leaf tea


$10.99


Our Vintage Oolong is a pure Taiwanese, singleestate, mediumbodied oolong. With a sweet, nutty flavor, this tea captures the subtlety of what amazing, fullleaf tea should taste like. Hints of ripe apricots and lilacs combine to produce a tender, timeless green oolong; hence the name! This tea yields a bright, amber liquor and should be resteeped multiple times. Each successive steeping will unveil...

All Natural Wuyi Oolong (Wu Long, Wulong) Loose Leaf Tea - Shui Hsien Narcissus Oolong Tea - 5.3 Oz Tin


All Natural Wuyi Oolong (Wu Long, Wulong) Loose Leaf Tea - Shui Hsien Narcissus Oolong Tea - 5.3 Oz Tin


$10.99


Shui Hsien (Shui Xian) oolong, Also called Wuyi Narcissus Oolong, is a very popular oolong from Wuyi mountain. It has a honey fragrance. The brew is dark red, with a very smooth and sweet taste. It is very popular served in fine Chinese restaurant....

China Tea Loose Leaf Sampler Gift Pack - 6 Tins (Random Selection from: Pu Erh (Yunnan Tea), Oolong, Jasmine, Black Tea, DragonWell Green Tea & More!)


China Tea Loose Leaf Sampler Gift Pack - 6 Tins (Random Selection from: Pu Erh (Yunnan Tea), Oolong, Jasmine, Black Tea, DragonWell Green Tea & More!)


$8.99


Total 6x1.0 Oz. Random Selection of wonderful Chinese Teas. Fresh arrival!
Selected from following :

China Black Tea,

Tiekuanyin (iron Goddess of Mercy),

Oolong,

Lung Ching DragonWell Green Tea,

Yunnan Pu Erh,

Jasmine Tea,

White Tea,

PuErh Tea with Chrysanthmum,

Lychee Black Tea,

Rose Black Tea,

Rose Green Tea

Osthsmum Green Tea.

Product of China...


Ito En Golden Oolong Tea Unsweetened, 16.9 Ounce Bottles (Pack of 12)


Ito En Golden Oolong Tea Unsweetened, 16.9 Ounce Bottles (Pack of 12)


$9.95


Pure, authentically brewed teas featuring the integrity and essence of the whole leaf, it's health promoting constituents and it's authentic tastes delivered from the tea leaf- not a lab...

Coffee Bean Direct Sechung Oolong Loose Leaf Tea, 2 Pound Bag


Coffee Bean Direct Sechung Oolong Loose Leaf Tea, 2 Pound Bag


$16.28


This semi-fermented tea has large curled leaves that are greenish-black in color. Grown in the Southern Mountains of China’s Fujian Province, it produces a lively infusion with a very pleasing taste....

Tea Tips and Advice


Tea Tips and Advice


$4.88


Tea is an ancient beverage that moderns enjoy. Topics include a brief history of tea, tea from around the world, tea and cancer, tea and heart disease, loose leaf tea and tea bags. Learn how to store and brew tea. Learn about teaware, tea tins and tea chests. Many kinds of tea are discussed such as yerba mate, green tea, black tea, white tea, flavored tea, herbal tea, oolong tea, rooibos tea, ...