"Oolong" roughly translates to "black dragon."
Wu yi or wu long tea are other names for oolong tea. This type of tea is made from the Camellia sinesis, the same plant from which green, white and black tea is made, but it is processed differently and rolled to resemble oriental dragon whiskers.
History
According to "The Story of Tea," wu yi tea most likely began during China's Ming Dynasty from 1368 to 1644. The best kind is said to be grown in China's Fujian provinces.
Preparation
Place loose leaves in the drinking cup and add boiling water. Wait a minute or two before drinking--keep the leaves in the cup. Loose leaves can often be re-steeped with hot water numerous times, according to "Tea Bliss."
Misconception
The Mayo Clinic rejects the notion that oolong tea is a weight-loss drink. There have not been any clinical studies done on oolong tea, although there have been some on green tea extract, with mixed results.
Cost
Wu yi tea often costs more than green tea or black tea because there are less tea bushes and tea makers that produce it.
Fun Fact
"Monkey picked oolong" is touted as being picked by trained monkeys. However, "The Story of Tea" claims that this was a fable told by the Chinese to impress Western tea buyers.
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