If you love Oolong loose leaf teas, this article will shed some additional insight as to what makes this tea leaf so special. As you may already know, oolong is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, the same plant used to make white, green and black teas. The primary difference is in how each tea is processed.

All tea leaves contain certain enzymes, which produce a chemical reaction called oxidation. Oxidation is what turns for instance, the green tea leaves into a deep rich color.

Green tea is not allowed to oxidize as much, but black tea is allowed to oxidize until it turns black. Oolong tea is somewhere in between the two, so it is a partially oxidized tea.

This partial oxidation is responsible for oolong's tea color and the characteristics found in the tasting notes of oolongs. 

However, the color of the leaves can vary between different brands, ranging from green to dark brown. 

Some of the main antioxidants found in oolong teas are polyphenols, theaflavins, thearubigins and EGCG. These are responsible for many of its health benefits. 

Additionally, Oolong teas also contains theanine, an amino acid responsible for the tea’s relaxing effect.

The long and short is, In addition to caffeine, oolong teas contain vitamins, minerals, amino acids and beneficial tea polyphenol antioxidants to help boost your immune system. And, while we cannot make any health claims, do your body a favor and begin your loose leaf tea journey and experience the many benefits of brewing and consuming loose leaf teas. Visit YoTeas Today