Ginseng Oolong Tea
Ginseng oolong (or wulong) is a high quality beauty tea from China. Though many think this tea is a product of modern times, the winning combination of using tea and ginseng was already mentioned in 《本草拾遗》 中记, a historical Chinese text dated from 741 BC. It wasn't until around 500 years ago, when Ginseng oolong became a royal drink, served as atribute tea to the emporer. That's why this tea is also called the 'King's tea' or 'Orchid Beauty' (Lan Gui Ren) referring to an emperor's concubine in the Tang Dynasty.
See how tea ceremony expert Louise demonstrates how to steep a fine cup of ginseng oolong tea using a teapot.
Health benefits
High-end spa's in China love to serve this winning combination, as it has many benefits to the health. Ginseng oolong is often seen as the number one beauty tea as the rich antioxidant content prevents against heart diseases, detoxifies the body, and improves skin.
Weight loss
This oolong tea is also often used for weight loss purposes. Regularly consumption, helps decreasing the absorption of fats and carbohydrates in the body; aids in digestion and helps in warming the stomach. At the same time, the nourishing Ginseng extract stimulates the body and restores the energy level and boost the immune system.
Ginseng Oolong brewing
The appearance of Ginseng oolong (or 'Wulong') looks more compressed compared other teas in this category, such as the Tieguanyin or Dahongpao. Because of this, you need some 'Kungfu' to steep this tea. Don't worry though, it's not like you should have attended some martial arts. Simply follow the guidance below.
Before you can start brewing, you need to make sure you have water ready at boiling point. Don't let it cool down too much, or the pellets will not fully unfold when you steep it. Preferably use a teapot or tea mug that has a lid, as you will be better able to isolate the heat after pouring hot water.
Steep 3 gram of ginseng oolong leaves with 500ml hot water at 100ºC. The tea is ready when the leaves have unfurled. Afterwards, pour a cup and enjoy the rejuvenating ginseng aroma before savoring the delicious cup, combining the rich flavor of Oolong with the sweet aftertaste of ginseng.
After the first steep, the second steep can be a bit shorter as the leaves have already opened up.
Ginseng Oolong origin
The Ginseng Vitality Oolong is native to Taiwan, also called 'Formosa' (beautiful island) by the Dutch traders, who first started trading this tea internationally.
Tea Province | Taiwan |
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Tea Region | Alishan (2216m) |
Harvest Year | 2023 |
Tea Season | Autumn |
Steeping temperature | 100 °C - 212 °F |
Amount / 500ml (17oz) | 3 gram |
Steeping time | 1.5 min |
Amount (traditional) / 100ml (3.4oz) | 5 gram |
Steeping Time (traditional) | 30 sec |
Tea Cultivar/Varietal | Da Ye Zhong |
Tea in Chinese | 人参乌龙 |
Gluten-free | yes |
Tea Caffeine Content | medium |