Oolong tea falls somewhere in between Black & Green tea and is often described as a partially oxidized tea. Here are some of the best Oolong teas and its interesting health benefits by Radhika Batra, founder, Radhikas Tea and Whatnots.

By now you must be well versed in the types of tea and this week Radhika speaks about Oolong Teas.

Known as the champagne of teas, Oolong a mighty one indeed. It takes in the best of green and black tea during processing, thus giving the most distinct characteristics to it.  Its origin is Formasa oolong from Taiwan with variations in its type basis where it comes from. So, India has the profound Darjeeling Oolong while China has the aromatic Tieguanyin. Below are some of our bestsellers from around the world.

Darjeeling Oolong Leaf ENERGY Tea

Oolong is known as the champagne of teas in China as it is processed such that the finish gives the best of both green and black leaf.

Harvested in the Biodynamic estate of Sivitar, Darjeeling-only the choicest of tea leaves and buds are handpicked and processed to just about the right measure to give you the perfect taste of original Oolong.

Known as semi fermented tea, this liquor is as smooth, woody and has a robust aftertaste. It is popular amongst men due to its familiar undertones like that of Scotch. The Darjeeling Oolong leaf ENERGY tea is a perfect boost especially when you are looking for a refreshing jolt out of the drowsiness of a mid-afternoon.

Radhika’s Tea Tips

1. Vanitea Tip: Use the oolong leaf rolled into a muslin cloth freeze and dab onto fatigued eyes.
2. Culinary Tip: Use the infusion of oolong into curries, cottage cheese and meats to give it that Smokey-roasty flavour.
3. Healthy Tip: Wean off smoking by taking shots of Oolong through the day.

Oolong Shanghai Style ENERGY Tea

Sourced straight from our tea partners in Qingdao, China-Oolong Shanghai Style ENERGY Tea is best known as Formosa wu-long, the champagne of all China teas. The reason this connoisseur tea enjoys such a royal status is for its ability to take in the characteristics of both black and green teas during processing. Plucked and oxidised in small lots, each leaf goes through an elaborate oxidation before it makes it to our cuppa.

Earthy with a tinge of mountain air in every sip, this premium brew is just about perfect is every possible way.

Radhika’s Tea Tips:

1. Drinks:  Add this infusion to your cocktails/mocktails or simply blend it with flavoured syrups.
2. Food: After steeping for multiple times, you can reuse the steeped leaves in salads or use the infusion in Asian curries with cottage cheese, chicken, and prawn to give them an earthy flavour.

Gingseng Oolong Leaf ENERGY Tea

Best known as the Emperor’s Tea, Ginseng Oolong is an authentic royal tea from China. Sourced directly from the best tea estates of China, this tea is a classic blend of Ginseng, an important component of Chinese traditional medicine and Formosa Oolong scented with Osmanthus flower.

Sweet, aromatic with a strong lingering taste, Radhikas Fine Teas Gingseng Oolong Leaf ENERGY Tea is a semi-fermented, energising tea that offers the best of green and black tea. Sip it for Ginseng’s age-old healing properties or for its aftertaste, this unique brew is bound to captivate your taste buds in no time.

Radhika’s Tea Tip:

1. Food: After steeping for multiple times, you can reuse the steeped leaves in salads or garnish your veggies with the same. You can use the infusion in curries for a smokey flavour.
2. VaniTea Tip: Drink this antioxidant-rich infusion regularly for a glowing you inside out.

Milk Oolong Leaf REJUVENATING Tea

Handpicked from Fujian province of China. This famous oolong has a butter-rich softness comparabel to caramel. With clean, sweet, creamy, earthy and herbaceous notes this distinctive taste of Milk Oolong Leaf REJUVENATING Tea is created through a process of partial oxidation, giving us an infusion, which has slightly more body than a green leaf though significantly lighter than a black tea. Our Milk Oolong is floral without being florid, with a great balance of sweetness and a thick creamy body.  We would suggest brewing it lightly to enjoy the flavours that flourish in various layers.

Radhika’s Tea Tips:

1. Food: After steeping for multiple times, you can reuse the steeped leaves in salads or garnish your veggies with the same.
2. VaniTea Tip:  This tea is high in antioxidants and works wonders for your skin. Dabbing ice cubes of its infusion help in clearing blemishes. Turn the wet tea leaves into tiny tea bags and use them to cool and dab away a bad tan.

Peppermint Oolong Leaf DIGESTIVE Tea

Sourced straight from our tea partners in Qingdao, China -Peppermint Oolong Tea is best known as Formosa wu-long, the champagne of all China teas. The reason this connoisseur tea enjoys such a royal status is for its ability to take in the characteristics of both black and green teas during processing. Plucked and oxidised in small lots, each leaf goes through an elaborate oxidation before it makes it to our cuppa. This delightful oolong is blended with peppermint bring joy to all! Warm up with this caffeinated blend in the morning, or steep as the perfect afternoon pick-me-up. Lightly minty and smooth. Burn your calories with the champagne of tea and peppermint.

Earthy with a tinge of mountain air in every sip, this premium brew is just about perfect is every possible way.

Radhika’s Tea Tips:

1. Drinks: Add this infusion to your cocktails/mocktails or simply blend it with flavoured syrups.
2. Food: After steeping for multiple times, you can reuse the steeped leaves in salads or use the infusion in Asian curries with cottage cheese, chicken, and prawn to give them an earthy flavour.