Looking for a different tea with a unique flavor profile? Have you considered iced oolong tea?
It features a wide range of flavors, from floral and fruity to creamy and toasty. Oolong’s complexity and depth of flavor are a result of its oxidation process, which makes it distinct from both green tea (unoxidized) and black tea (fully oxidized).
The flavor profile of oolong tea varies depending on its oxidation level and processing methods, making for a refreshing, versatile brew.
The bottom line? You can find the perfect flavor for your unique tastes and preferences.
But what exactly is oolong tea? Let’s explore its origins, history, health benefits, and more to help you brew up the perfect glass of iced oolong tea.
What is Oolong Tea?
Oolong tea stands out for its unique balance of flavors, rich history, and impressive health benefits. Whether enjoyed hot or iced — although over ice is our favorite way to drink it on a hot summer day — this versatile tea provides a satisfying experience that caters to a wide range of tastes.
As you explore and sip on the world of oolong tea, you’ll discover its many delightful varieties, each offering its unique charm and a refreshing way to savor the moment.
History and Origin
Oolong tea is a traditional type of Chinese tea that’s partially oxidized, which makes for a unique flavor profile. The level of oxidation can range from 10% to 70%.
It falls between an unoxidized green tea and a black tea, which is fully oxidized. The result is a combination that includes green tea’s freshness and black tea’s richness.
Oolong tea has a profound history dating back to the Tang Dynasty in China. Many believe it originated in the Fujian province, specifically in the Wuyi Mountains, known for its tea production.
The name “oolong” translates to “black dragon” in Chinese, referring to the tea leaves’ dark, twisted appearance.
Flavor Profile
Here are some common flavors of oolong tea:
- Floral: Many oolong teas have a floral aroma and taste similar to that of orchids or gardenias. This is true for lightly oxidized oolongs.
- Fruity: Some oolong teas have fruity notes, such as peach, apricot, or citrus.
- Creamy: Certain oolong teas, like milk oolong, have a creamy texture and buttery flavor for a smooth and rich mouthfeel.
- Toasty: More heavily oxidized oolong teas can have toasty, caramelized, or nutty flavors. This makes for a warm, robust taste.
- Mineral: Some oolongs, especially those from the Wuyi Mountains, have a distinctive mineral or rocky taste.
For example, this enchanting Magic Hour blend of rare Dragon Oolong from Taiwan’s renowned Winter harvest is expertly combined with dragon pearls and Japanese yuzu. 
The harmonious fusion of jasmine and yuzu citrus offers a delightful surprise to your palate that will uplift and delight your senses.
Health Benefits of Oolong Tea
Not only is oolong tea delicious, but it also has some health benefits. So, don’t skip that delicious iced tea with your lunch. Here are the main health benefits of enjoying a glass of oolong tea.
Reduce Inflammation
Oolong tea leaves are rich in antioxidants. One study in China found that in some cases, the tea had a higher antioxidant count than other teas, including green tea.
Antioxidants help fight inflammation, which could mean strong protection against inflammatory diseases like cancer, autoimmune disorders, arthritis, and cardiovascular diseases.
Prevent Diabetes
Oolong tea may also provide some protection against diabetes. Research found that it can improve blood sugar management and ease insulin resistance.
Improve Heart Health
Several studies have shown that oolong tea may improve heart health, too. Some tea drinkers saw lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Promote Weight Loss
Tea has several properties that may help promote weight loss. It contains antioxidants, caffeine, and appetite-inhibiting qualities that researchers have linked to weight loss.
Enhance Tooth and Bone Strength
The antioxidants in oolong tea are known for keeping your teeth and bones strong. According to one study, oolong tea drinkers saw a 2% higher overall bone mineral density.
Consuming tea is also linked to better dental health. This includes less plaque and fewer incidences of gingivitis.
Oolong Tea Varieties
It can be hard to choose the perfect oolong for making iced tea because of the variety of flavors it offers. However, the majority of oolong teas taste best when consumed chilled, so start experimenting.
Even though black tea is typically preferred, oolong tea might be a better choice than black tea for chilled tea. This is especially true if you’re looking for a healthy alternative to sweet teas.
We highly recommend two types of oolong teas: Oriental Beauty and Wen Shan Bao Zhong.
Oriental Beauty
Oriental Beauty, also known as Bai Hao Oolong, originates in Taiwan. Producers use tender tea leaves, initiating oxidation as soon as they pick them and it is incredibly oxidized (typically around 70%).
The flavor of Oriental Beauty tea is complex, featuring a natural sweetness with notes of honey, fruit, and a hint of spiciness. Its leaves are typically dark with a mix of white tips, giving it a visually appealing appearance.
Oriental Beauty is often considered one of Taiwan’s finest teas and is highly prized by tea connoisseurs.
Wen Shan Bao Zhong
Wen Shan Bao Zhong, also known as Wen Shan Pouchong, is a lightly oxidized oolong tea that originates from the Wen Shan District in northern Taiwan.
This tea is known for its delicate, floral aroma, often with notes of gardenia or orchid, and a light, refreshing taste — perfect for quenching thirst.
The oxidation level of Wen Shan Bao Zhong is relatively low, typically between 8% and 18%, which places it closer to green tea in terms of flavor and appearance.
The leaves are long, twisted, and dark green, providing a smooth and subtly sweet brew. Some drinkers even describe it as creamy.
How to Prepare Oolong Iced Tea
The chilled oolong tea preparation method is a rejuvenating, semi-sweet beverage that is extremely simple to make.
Follow the recipe below for a delectable, rejuvenating drink of iced oolong tea, perfect for morning or afternoon refreshments. Because the oolong used in this recipe is already naturally sweet, all you need to do to make the perfect sweet tea is add a little honey.
Ingredients for preparing a refreshing iced oolong tea include:
- 1 cup of water, heated to just below boiling
- 1 heaped teaspoon of oolong leaves
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of honey (to taste)
- 1 cup of ice
Key Steps and Tips to Remember for Preparation
- We recommend trying out high-quality oolong tea leaves for a smooth, refreshing, and relaxing experience from the best flavor selections.
- Heat water to 195 degrees Fahrenheit, close to boiling.
- Pour hot water onto tea leaves until they submerge.
- Soak leaves of oolong tea in hot water for four to six minutes before removing them. (You must steep oolong longer than black tea.)
- Your preference and quality of tea leaves will impact the brewing times; make any changes as you see fit.
- Place the strained tea leaves and oolong tea in a bowl and stir with honey.
- Serve the tea after pouring it over ice.
- Enjoy!
Our Favorite Oolong Teas to Sip on Ice
When the weather warms up, there’s nothing quite as refreshing as a glass of chilled tea. Here are some of our favorite oolong teas to sip over ice.
Pisces Blueberries & Cream Oolong
Delicate and graceful, this blend surprises the palate. It is as much a potion of aromatherapy as a revelry of intoxicating Magnolias and hand-rolled jasmine-scented Pearls.
Make a Pisces Dream Latté with Founder of Magic Hour, Zhena!
SIP PISCES
Sagittarius Pomegranate Vanilla Oolong
Pomegranate-ginger merges into a fruit-cake tea (the good kind!). This potion is then scented with sublime vanilla beans, caramel cream, sunny orange essential oil, sun-dried oranges, warming ginger, sexy cinnamon, and finally kissed by Rhodiola Rosea, nature’s pinnacle mood booster. Calming, Warming, Expansive, Fun--this tea is SO SAG!
SIP SAGITTARIUS
Peridot Mango Peach Oolong
This lush, deeply nourishing, clarifying blend teems with ripe peach, mango, and the floral notes of the world’s finest oolong. It helps our bodies hydrate and cleanse.
SIP PERIDOT
Aries Blackberry Rose Oolong
This blend promises youthful vivacity, an energizing bliss-inducing steep. I find myself craving its energy and perfumes when looking for respite and relief from the weight of the world.
SIP ARIES
Stay Hydrated With The Perfect Glass of Iced Oolong Tea
Oolong tea is a versatile and delicious option for those seeking a different drinking experience.
Each variety brings its distinct character to the glass, making it perfect for a wide range of taste buds.
So, the next time you’re on the lookout for a new tea to sip, consider brewing oolong tea for a satisfying and invigorating experience.
Don’t know where to look for a high-quality brew? Try an oolong tea from Magic Hour’s selection.
