What is the difference between Green tea vs. Oolong tea?
Both green tea and oolong tea are different from black tea in terms of being less oxidized as compared to it. And it is for this reason both of them have a host of health benefits that they are known for. But still, there is a lot of difference between green tea and oolong tea. So, let’s explore them in detail through this article.
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The difference in the method of production of green tea and oolong tea
Oolong is withered and oxidised, by keeping it under the strong rays of the sun, after which the leaves are twisted and rolled. The degree of oxidation in oolong tea leaves usually ranges between 8–8.5%. After oxidation, the tea is twisted into long, curly leaves or small beads with a tail.
Green tea leaves are steamed and then dried. They are not oxidized much, in order to preserve the fresh flavour of the tea. For the oxidation process, the process of pan-firing or steaming tea leaves is done as it quickens the healing process. Then, the tea leaves are dried which prevents the leaves from oxidizing too much and preserves the fresh flavour of the tea for a long time.
The difference in the flavours of green tea and oolong tea
The other difference between oolong tea and green tea is that they both have a very different taste.
Oolong has the most diverse flavours range. There are varieties that range from sweet and floral to dark, rich and smoky. Some flavours even have base notes of honey and wood. Unlike green tea, it doesn't have an astringency taste and is more sublime and intense.
Green tea has a more grassy flavour and is slightly bitter vegetal taste. Though the final tasting notes vary based on the location where the tea came from, it's packaging and its brewing.
Overall, oolong tea tastes much better. However, some people tend to prefer green tea as they feel it’s better for weight loss. But is it?
Is green tea healthier than Oolong tea?
Green tea is known for its antioxidant properties that help reduce risks of cancer and other diseases. Catechins and polyphenols are a type of anti-oxidants. Oolong tea has lower levels of these catechins and polyphenols than green tea.
These antioxidants are molecules that travel through the body and prevent the oxidation process.
Oxidation is caused by free radicals in the body which is basically an unstable molecule that steals electrons from other healthy cells in your body. When healthy cells are stripped of these electrons then they become unstable.
When these free radicals run rampant in the body, it creates the perfect breeding ground for diseases such as cancer. That’s why antioxidants are important to safeguard your body’s ability to perform its daily functions to keep you running at the most optimum level.
Green tea has more of these anti-oxidants as compared to oolong tea hence it’s known for its health benefits.
However, this does not mean that oolong tea isn’t healthy. Oolong tea has its own unique properties that make it a great health drink.
For instance, oolong tea contains an amino acid called L-Theanine which is helpful in producing more serotonin. Serotonin is a naturally produced neurotransmitter that regulates your mood throughout the day. It is helpful in fighting serotonin deficiency that often leads to depression.
Oolong tea also has a good quantity of antioxidants, though lesser as compared to green tea. The combination of L-Theanine and antioxidants help to protect the tea plants from diseases and cellular damage. Drinking oolong tea delivers these antioxidants and amino acids directly into your cells so they can fight free radicals and prevent cellular damage.
The difference in caffeine content in green tea and oolong tea
Though both green and oolong tea contain a similar amount of caffeine at around 25mg per cup for green tea, and about 37mg for oolong, the overall caffeine content of these teas is still significantly less than coffee, which ranges from 95–200mg per cup.
Is Green tea more beneficial for weight loss than oolong tea for losing weight?
Whether green tea or oolong tea is better for weight loss is still debatable. Some studies reveal that oolong tea is very effective in promoting weight loss. Antioxidants in oolong tea raise your metabolic rate and speed up fat oxidation, while busily destroying free radicals.
Oolong tea is also known to have a significant amount of caffeine (though lower than black tea) that works effectively with the EGCGs to help in burning of overall fat.
Green tea also promotes weight loss as it is a good source of nutrients and antioxidants that promote weight loss. These bioactive substances make green tea special. The most important category of antioxidants present in green tea is catechins. EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate) is the compound that helps in speeding the metabolism rate and burning of fat.
They prevent the accumulation of fat and also increase the temperature of the body to help in the fat-burning process.
Where can I buy Green Tea?
teakruthi has two Green teas available to choose from- Green Valley (Green tea) and Mythical Green (Green tea).
Mythical Green tea comes from Sri Lanka’s famous Nanu Oya region. History of the region dates back to the time of the popular Indian epic Ramayana. As the legend goes the Sri Lankan king, Ravana, kidnapped the princess, Sita, and hid her in caves in the surrounding area. Later, in 1896, the first tea seeds were planted in the Nanu Oya District. Since then, the superiority of teas grown on this single estate has set them far above the rest.
Green Valley blend is handpicked with care from the Nuwara Eliya Belt in the Pundalu Oya Valley, where high mountain winds produce high-quality Dimbulla Tea. Dimbulla Tea is famous for its superior quality and is frequently sought after by tea enthusiasts from around the world.
Where can I buy Oolong Tea?
Ceylon Oolong, a pure Ceylon Oolong tea is available at teakruthi.
It is a low grown blend that offers a fragrant, gentle experience and is harvested from a single estate in the Galle District in Sri Lanka, our green Oolong tea is certified ‘ozone-friendly’. Like all of our favourite teas, our Ceylon Oolong blend is packed with antioxidants, making it good for both the environment and you.
The manufacturing process of this tea demands precision and care in every step, as it is semi-fermented. It is fresh and mild in flavour and orange in appearance. It is distinctive for its aroma, leaf, and liquor.
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