Before, did you know that tea can contain varying levels of caffeine depending on how it is brewed? Oolong tea finds itself squarely in the center when it comes to other teas, neither being too strong nor mild. In this piece, let’s try to dive deeper into the wonders of oolong, starting with its proportions of caffeine content.
What is Oolong Tea?
Oolong tea is prevalent in China and Taiwan and recently in Nepal. Oolong differs from other teas due to its cultivation and processing. White tea is minimal processed while Black tea is fully processed. Oolong tea, on the other hand, is semi-processed.
The flavors of Oolong tea depend on the extent of the processing. For example, some Oolongs are very light and have a flowery taste while others can be rich and have a toasty flavor. This same diversity in taste is the reason many tea lovers chose to delve into Oolong tea.
Understanding Caffeine in Tea
Caffeine is a substance known to increase alertness. Tea is known to have caffeine as a protective mechanism.
Many factors influence how much caffeine the tea contains.
- The specifics are In the tea plant
- The specifics on which leaves are picked (younger leaves have a higher caffeine content)
- The location and manner In which the tea Is grown
- The manner in which the tea is processed
- Your brewing process
Caffeine Content in Oolong Tea
Generally, an 8-ounces cup of oolong tea has an estimated caffeine content of 50 to 75mg. In comparison:
- Higher than green tea (35-45 mg)
- Lower than black tea (60-90 mg)
- Much lower than coffee (about 91 mg)
The moderate caffeine concentration in oolong makes it ideal for people seeking more energy than normal without having the anxious effects.
What Affects Caffeine in Your Oolong Tea
There are many reasons that explain why particular oolong tea containing moderate caffeine would suit your taste.
Tea from younger leaves and buds normally possesses more caffeine than tea made from older leaves. Hotter water increases the amount of caffeine that is pulled from the leaves. So does steeping the tea longer.
You can actually take the same oolong tea leaves and use them multiple times. Each time they are brewed, the flavor can still be enjoyed but with less amount of caffeine.
Health Effects of Caffeine in Oolong Tea
The caffeine present in oolong is moderate, enabling mental alertness without straining the body. Some research indicates that oolong’s caffeine content may also aid in increasing the metabolism.
Keep in mind, if you are sensitive to caffeine, oolong tea must be consumed with caution since too much caffeine can lead to problems with sleep, heightened heart rate, and anxiousness.
Tips for Managing Caffeine in Oolong Tea
To help limit the intake of caffeine when drinking oolong tea:
- Steep the tea in water just below boiling point (180-190F)
- Reduce steeping time of the tea
- Try using darker oolong types which some times have lower caffeine content.
- Use the tea leaves for two or three subsequent cups where the tea has lower caffeine.
Finding Your Perfect Cup
Oolong tea is a jack of all trades as it combines moderate caffeine with complex flavors and health benefits. In particular, the way you brew it determines the taste while the energy levels provides the perfect balance.
If you are in the process of reducing coffee intake or you are looking for a new type of tea to try, then oolong is one worth looking into. It's best to try experimenting different types of oolong teas and varying brewing methods.
Check this high altitude grown Oolong Tea
Written by:
Bhaskar Dahal
