What Is Oolong Tea? Benefits, Flavor & Brewing Guide

Introduction: A Tea That Balances Opposites

Oolong tea sits beautifully between green and black tea, both in oxidation and character. With its partially oxidized leaves, it brings the freshness of green tea and the depth of black tea into one dynamic brew. Whether you prefer floral, toasty, fruity, or smoky notes, oolong offers an expansive flavor spectrum unlike any other.

But beyond taste, oolong tea also offers powerful wellness benefits, a deeply rooted tradition, and—thanks to Nepal’s high Himalayan slopes—some of the world’s most distinctive varieties.

What Is Oolong Tea?

Oolong tea is made from the Camellia sinensis plant, like all true teas. The key difference lies in oxidation—a process where enzymes in the tea leaves react with oxygen, changing their flavor, color, and aroma.

• Green tea: minimally oxidized (0–10%)

• Black tea: fully oxidized (85–100%)

• Oolong tea: partially oxidized (10–85%)

This wide oxidation range means oolong can be light and floral or rich and roasted, depending on how it's crafted.

Oolong Tea from Nepal: A Rising Star

Most oolong tea is associated with China or Taiwan—but Nepal’s Ilam region is emerging as one of the most exciting places for artisanal oolong.

Why Nepalese oolong stands out:

• Grown at high elevations (6,000+ ft)

• Hand-plucked and hand-rolled

• Naturally oxidized in cool Himalayan air

• Crafted by small farmers using slow, traditional techniques

Nepalese oolongs offer a cleaner, brighter flavor than many mass-market teas. They’re also single-origin, organic, and small-batch, making them a rare and meaningful experience in every cup.

Health Benefits of Oolong Tea

Beyond its flavor, oolong tea is a wellness powerhouse. Here are the top health benefits, supported by research:

🌿 1. Rich in Antioxidants

Oolong contains theaflavins, catechins, and thearubigins, compounds that help fight free radicals and protect your cells from oxidative stress.

These antioxidants have been linked to improved skin health, reduced inflammation, and slower aging.

❤️ 2. Supports Heart Health

Studies suggest that oolong tea may help:

• Lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol

• Improve blood pressure

• Reduce risk of heart disease

One study found that those who drank oolong daily had a 61% lower risk of heart disease compared to non-tea drinkers.

🔥 3. Boosts Metabolism and Fat Burning

Oolong tea naturally increases energy expenditure and fat oxidation. A 2021 clinical trial showed participants who drank oolong tea burned 3% more calories per day—even at rest.

🫖 Try Ruby Organic Oolong before a workout to ignite your metabolism.

🧠 4. Enhances Focus and Mental Clarity

Thanks to its balanced caffeine + L-theanine combo, oolong provides calm, sustained energy and sharper mental focus—without the crash of coffee.

🫖 Need a productivity boost? Black Yeti Oolong supports deep focus and creative flow.

🤰 5. Aids Digestion and Gut Health

The mild astringency of oolong helps:

• Soothe the digestive tract

• Promote healthy gut flora

• Ease post-meal bloating

Flavor Profiles: The World Inside a Cup

No other tea offers such diversity in taste and aroma as oolong. Here’s what you can expect from our finest Nepalese oolongs:

Annapurna Amber Oolong

Flavor: Baked stone fruit, wild honey, roasted almond
Body: Smooth, full-bodied
Perfect for: Daily sipping, mindful mornings

🌄 Named after the majestic Annapurna range, this award-winning tea embodies harmony in every steep.

Ruby Organic Oolong

Flavor: Toasted pecan, brown sugar, nectarine, oak
Body: Deep red liquor, strong and warming
Perfect for: Energy, confidence, fire in your belly

🔥 Inspired by the element of fire, Ruby is bold and unforgettable. Hand-rolled and oxidized over 24 hours at 6,500 ft.

Tihar Smoked Oolong

Flavor: Smoked oak, dark caramel, burnt sugar
Body: Tawny and toasty
Perfect for: Savory pairings, cozy evenings

🍂 A rare oak-smoked tea harvested during Nepal’s autumn season—deeply aromatic and hauntingly bold.

Black Yeti Oolong

Flavor: Stewed apricot, barley, honey
Body: Amber liquor, mellow and comforting
Perfect for: Focus, grounding rituals

🧘♂️ A soft, resilient tea with layers that develop slowly—just like the mythical Yeti of the Himalayas.

Dragon Claw Oolong

Flavor: Candied hazelnuts, nutmeg, apricot jam
Body: Deep and golden
Perfect for: Celebration, indulgence, gifting

✨ Named after the tribal phrase “Mio Kulang” (“dragon claws”), this oolong is rich, refined, and unforgettable.

How to Brew Oolong Tea: Master Both Methods

🫖 Western Brewing (Quick & Easy)

• Water Temp: 185–205°F

• Amount: 1 tsp per 8 oz water

• Steep Time: 3–5 minutes

• Re-steep: 2–3 times

🍵 Try our 14 oz Glass Teapot with Built-In Infuser for effortless daily brewing.

Gong Fu Brewing (For Tea Enthusiasts)

• Use: Gaiwan or small clay pot

• Tea-to-water ratio: 5g per 100ml

• First Rinse: 5 seconds

• Steep Time: Start at 15 sec, increase gradually

• Infusions: 5–7+

🎯 For deep flavor exploration, Gong Fu reveals new notes with every pour.

Oolong Tea vs. Other Teas