Whether you’re a die-hard tea enthusiast or just looking for a tasty alternative to traditional coffee drinks, oolong milk tea offers a delicious and refreshing option that’s sure to satisfy. In this blog, we’ll explore the history and origins of oolong milk tea, its potential health benefits, and some tips for making the perfect cup at home. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of oolong milk tea!
Finding out the ingredients
What is oolong tea?
Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese variety that thrives in Taiwan and is now produced quite successfully in Vietnam. It is made from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant, the same plant used to make green and black tea. The difference is in the way the tea is prepared.
Oolong leaves are semi-oxidized. This means that oxidation is initiated, controlled, and stopped at some point before the leaves are considered fully oxidized during production. This is the reason you will often hear Oolong described as being in between green and black tea. However, as with many things in the tea world, it is more complicated than that.
The distinct step in oolong tea processing is the bruising step. Leaves are shaken, rolled slightly, or flattened until the edges are bruised. This bruise damages the cell layer and initiates the oxidation process. The process happens over and over until they reach the desired oxidation state. The tea leaves are then dried to kill yeast to prevent oxidation. Then shaped, and finally dried.
Benefits of Oolong Tea
Oolong tea is rich in flavor and widely used in communication and enjoyment. Oolong tea is appreciated for its ability to help the body limit fat absorption. Thus, it effectively aids in weight loss.
In addition to being used as a popular beverage, Oolong tea also brings many unexpected health benefits from special medicinal substances in tea buds:
- Theanine and aromatic compounds: Theanine is the amino acid responsible for giving the tea its umami or “taste”. Has an appetite-stimulating effect, helping to enhance appetite. The aromatic substances in the tea help to refresh the mind and reduce stress.
- Caffeine in tea is in the form of a combination of Tanat and caffeine dissolved in hot water to create aroma and reduce bitterness. Caffeine in tea has pharmacological effects to help wake up, increase heart activity, and prevent blood clotting and diuretic. Unlike coffee’s free caffeine, tea’s caffeine tanat does not interfere with calcium absorption into the body.
- Tannin, which accounts for 26-28% of oolong tea leaves, is a strong antiseptic. The most powerful of which is EpiGalloCatechin Gallate (EGCG) which is 100 times more powerful antioxidant than vitamin C and 25 times more powerful than vitamin E to help “clean up” free radicals that are responsible for damage to DNA structure, damage cell damage leads to cancer. Therefore, EGCG helps to support the treatment of breast, bladder, lung, liver, esophageal, pancreatic, and stomach cancers.
- Vitamin C (found in green tea and oolong) helps strengthen resistance and prevent colds and flu. Vitamin E slows down the aging process and improves the skin.
- Polysaccharides play an important role in reducing blood sugar and preventing type 2 diabetes
- Gama-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) helps to lower blood pressure
- Fluoride and catechins help prevent tooth decay, and bad breath, and protect oral health
The popularity of oolong milk tea in the industry
Oolong milk tea has gained popularity in recent years, particularly in countries with a strong tea-drinking culture such as Taiwan, China, and Japan. It has also gained a following in other parts of the world, such as the United States and Europe, where there has been an increase in demand for specialty tea beverages.
According to a report by Allied Market Research, the global bubble tea market, which includes oolong milk tea, is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2% from 2020 to 2027. The report cites factors such as rising consumer interest in unique and exotic flavors, increasing health awareness, and the growing popularity of social media as drivers of the market’s growth.
In addition, there has been an increase in the number of specialty tea shops and bubble tea cafes that offer oolong milk tea as part of their menu. Many of these shops offer a variety of customization options, such as adding different types of milk or sweeteners, to cater to individual tastes.
So, the market status of oolong milk tea appears to be positive, with increasing demand and growth potential in the coming years.
Why do many people like drinking oolong milk tea?
People enjoy this drink for several reasons, including its unique flavor profile and potential health benefits. Here are some reasons why this drink is a popular beverage:
- Smooth and Creamy Texture: The combination of oolong tea and milk creates a smooth and creamy texture that many people find satisfying and comforting.
- Unique Flavor: Oolong tea has a unique flavor profile that’s different from other types of tea. It’s often described as being somewhere between green tea and black tea, with a slightly nutty, floral, and earthy taste.
- Health Benefits: Oolong tea is believed to have various health benefits, such as boosting metabolism, improving digestion, reducing stress, and promoting heart health. Milk is also a good source of calcium and vitamin D, which are important for bone health.
- Versatility: Oolong milk tea can be enjoyed hot or cold and can be customized with different types of milk and sweeteners to suit individual tastes
How to make your own oolong milk tea
It is a popular beverage that combines oolong tea and milk. Here’s a simple recipe to make it at home:
Ingredients
- 1 cup of hot water
- 1 oolong tea bag or 1-2 teaspoons of loose-leaf oolong tea
- 1/2 cup of milk (you can use any type of milk you prefer)
- 1-2 teaspoons of sweetener (optional)
Instructions
- Steep the oolong tea in hot water for 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea.
- Remove the tea bag or strain the loose-leaf tea.
- In a separate saucepan, heat the milk on medium heat until it starts to steam.
- Combine the steeped tea and milk in a cup or mug.
- If desired, add sweetener to taste and stir well.
- Enjoy your delicious oolong milk tea!
Note: You can adjust the amount of tea, milk, and sweetener based on your personal preferences. You can also experiment with adding different flavors, such as vanilla or cinnamon, for a unique twist on the classic oolong milk tea recipe.
What if you absorb too much oolong milk tea?
Drinking too much can have some potential side effects due to its caffeine and sugar content. Here are some things to keep in mind if you are consuming large amounts of oolong milk tea:
- Caffeine: Oolong tea contains caffeine, which is a stimulant that can affect your nervous system. It also leads to symptoms such as increased heart rate, nervousness, anxiety, and insomnia. Drinking too much oolong milk tea can lead to excessive caffeine intake and exacerbate these symptoms.
- Sugar: Many oolong milk tea recipes contain added sugar or sweeteners, which can contribute to weight gain, tooth decay, and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes if consumed in excess.
- Dehydration: Drinking too much this milk tea can have a diuretic effect and lead to dehydration. Particularly if consumed in place of water or other hydrating beverages.
- Interference with nutrient absorption: Oolong tea contains tannins, which can bind to certain nutrients in food and interfere with their absorption by the body. Drinking too much oolong milk tea may therefore reduce your ability to absorb certain nutrients.
It’s best to consume this drink in moderation and be aware of the potential side effects associated with excessive consumption. If you are sensitive to caffeine, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider before adding oolong milk tea.
In conclusion, oolong milk tea is a delicious and versatile beverage that combines the unique flavor of oolong tea with the smooth and creamy texture of milk. It has gained popularity in recent years, particularly in countries with a strong tea-drinking culture. Also offers a variety of potential health benefits. With a variety of customization options and growing popularity around the world, it’s clear that oolong milk tea is here to stay as a beloved drink for tea lovers everywhere.
