Benefits of Drinking Organic Oolong Tea
Learn all about how drinking our organic oolong tea with full-spectrum CBD extracts can enhance your well-being.
What is Oolong Tea?
Oolong is a traditional Chinese tea dating back to the Ming dynasty in 1400 AD, whose name directly translates to “black dragon” or “black snake.” Crafted from the buds and branches of the Camellia sinensis plant, oolong tea is full-bodied with a distinct flavor derived from its production. Though Camellia sinensis plants are also used to create green and black teas, oolong’s flavor profile is situated somewhere between the two based on its length of oxidation. Green tea’s fresh taste is the result of light oxidation, while black tea is fully oxidized for a bolder effect. But oolong tea, which is produced through partial oxidation, is imbued with both nuanced flavor and notable freshness.
Depending on specifics of its preparation—and its range of oxidation—oolong tea can vary from sweet to savory. But in any iteration, its ample caffeination and robust flavor make this tea truly timeless.
How is Oolong Tea Produced?
Many teas are made from the same plants, but a variety of factors inform the finished product, including the climate and geography where they’re grown and the way the leaves are processed after picking. Oolong tea, which is harvested in the spring, is produced through a multi-step process which includes withering, cooling, rolling, oxidizing, roasting, drying, and sorting.
After the leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant are picked, they’re lightly shaken (typically in baskets) to kickstart the oxidation process that yields oolong tea’s unique flavor. The leaves are then placed in the sun for a few hours, which makes them wither as their moisture evaporates. This process draws out a fragrant floral scent and gives the leaves a durable flexibility, preparing them for the rolling to come. But before that step takes place, they’re cooled for a while in the shade.
This period of rest concludes once the leaves start to look wilted or have visibly changed shape. Afterward, the leaves are gently rolled, which bruises them further and breaks down their cell walls, releasing flavor and exposing them to oxygen, continuing their oxidation.
The length of oxidation is essential to the production of tea and is ultimately what sets each tea type apart. Oolong teas range widely in their oxidation (from 8% to 80%), and can vary in color, appearance, and flavor based on the producer’s preferences. After the ideal oxidation is reached, the leaves are hand-roasted over charcoal or wood, which not only ends oxidation, but also finishes the leaves with a distinct flavor.
The last step in oolong production is rolling and curling these roasted leaves. This phase gives oolong leaves their unmistakable shape and is essential to the finished appearance and taste of the tea. The final product can be found packaged as a loose leaf tea or even in sachets.
When searching for your next oolong, look for an organic and fair trade oolong tea to ensure that it was cultivated in ethical, environmental, and health-friendly ways.
What Are the Benefits of Oolong Tea?
Tea is known to offer medicinal and health-related benefits, and oolong tea is no exception. From protecting brain, bone, and dental health to improving sleep and fighting stress, oolong tea provides a range of benefits to support your well-being. With a significant concentration of catechins, antioxidants, and polyphenols, oolong tea scores high on the spectrum of health-related benefits.
Relieving Stress, Improving Your Sleep & Boosting Your Mood
When we think of ways to improve our overall well-being, reducing stress remains at the top of most people’s lists. But it can feel increasingly difficult, particularly in today’s always-on world, to find easy ways to do so that won’t disrupt your routine (or your workload). Here’s where oolong tea comes in.
Oolong tea features l-theanine, an amino acid known to stimulate alpha brain waves and support a relaxed, clear mind. In stressful situations, l-theanine also works to decrease anxiety and high-blood pressure so you can remain at ease.
Have a busy work week coming up? Try reaching for oolong tea as an alternative to your morning coffee. With ample caffeination and stress-relieving properties, you’ll be adequately equipped to take on the day. Plus, its combination of caffeination and l-theanine will work together to improve your alertness and boost your mood without the jitters or caffeine crash often associated with coffee.
And once you’re ready to turn in at night, the oolong tea you enjoyed earlier in the day will not only promote longer sleep but mitigate sleep latency, too. That’s because oolong tea’s pairing of l-theanine and gamma-Aminobutyric acid(GABA) team up to keep your mind and body relaxed.
If you’re in search of a tea for stress relief, improved sleep, or even a mood-boost, oolong tea is the perfect choice for a smoother day and a better night’s rest.
Protecting Your Health & Preventing Future Ailments
The health benefits of oolong tea don’t end with everyday well-being—oolong tea can also protect vital parts of your body and prevent further ailments, too.
Not only is oolong tea known to enhance gastrointestinal health, reduce cholesterol, and safeguard brain, bone, and dental health, but it can also help you fight off various illnesses, too. That’s because it contains a high quantity of polyphenols, which shield the body from free radicals and decrease inflammation. As a result, oolong tea can aid in mitigating vascular inflammation, preventing cancer, and reducing the risk of a stroke. And when enjoyed regularly, oolong tea can even boost your immune system and help deter your next cold.
When & How to Enjoy Oolong Tea
To reap the full benefits—and flavor—of oolong tea, it’s important to brew it correctly and consume it at the right time of day. Brewing your oolong tea begins with boiling water to 90°C (194°F). Whether you’re using loose leaf tea or tea in a sachet, be sure to let it steep for about four minutes.
With substantial caffeination and a savory flavor, oolong tea is an ideal morning beverage and the perfect pick-me-up after lunch. And with all of its calming effects, it also makes a great companion for a day of travel.
Our No 2˚ Blend CBD-Infused Organic Oolong Tea
Our No 2˚ Blend CBD-Infused Organic Oolong Tea starts with organic oolong tea cultivated in the Wuyi Mountains in the northern Fujian province of China—the premier site of oolong production. Combined with the finest full-spectrum CBD extracts through our proprietary infusion process, our No 2˚ Blend will enliven your day and amplify your well-being.
Unlike other hemp teas, our organic teas feature only premium hemp-derived CBD extracts and carefully selected ingredients—like organic calendula petals, a classic medicinal herb—to enhance every sip and keep you feeling good.
Elevate every day
With flavors ranging from light and herbal to complex and savory, our carefully crafted CBD tea blends were made for your enjoyment.
Try our No 1˚ Blend Organic Japanese Sencha Green Tea and our No 2˚ Blend Organic Oolong Tea for two timeless blends with immune-boosting antioxidants and mood-enhancing CBD extracts—plus enough caffeine to keep your spirits up.
Want to brighten someone else’s day? A tea gift set is a can’t-miss gift year-round, and our Essential Collection features four of our classic blends in one convenient collection. Plus, it’s now customizable.
Explore our full cbd tea collection.
FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA) DISCLOSURE
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.