Tea is, after water, the most consumed drink in the world. It is estimated that about three million cups of this drink are drunk every day around the world.

but there is many different types of tea (up to 20,000 different varieties) and we often refer to them by color: green tea, white tea, black tea, red tea… and also blue tea. Do you know him? We discover what blue tea is and what its benefits are.

What is blue tea?

All types of tea come from the same plant, Camellia sinensisthe difference between them is in the process to which the leaves are subjected to produce the tea.

Blue tea is Oolong tea (which, in China, its country of origin, is known as Wulong, black dragon), a type of traditional Chinese tea that is made with partially rusted leaves. The oxidation process consists of exposing, in a controlled manner, the tea leaves to the oxygen in the air so that a series of chemical reactions occur that modify their flavor, color or aroma.

To understand us, the Oolong tea oxidation degree It is partial and would be located between green tea (which has no, or minimal, oxidation) and black tea (highly oxidized), although there are many types and degrees of oxidation within blue tea itself (between 10% and 70% oxidation). The leaves of the less oxidized varieties have a bluish-green color, hence it is known as blue tea.

Although both the color of the drink (which will never be blue, but yellow or amber) As its flavor can vary greatly depending on the degree of oxidation, it is usually considered a tea. fresh, fruity and at the same time robustsofter and sweeter than black tea. The less oxidized, the more floral and soft its flavor will be and the more transparent its appearance.

properties and benefits of blue tea

Oolong tea has many healthy properties and is often said to combines the benefits of green tea and black tea in one drink.

• It is rich in antioxidants: contains antioxidant polyphenols that prevent cellular damage caused by free radicals and thus reduce the risk of suffering from various chronic diseases. They can also reduce the signs of premature aging.
• Anti-inflammatory effect: Some of the antioxidant compounds that are formed during the oxidation process have anti-inflammatory properties that mean that the consumption of Oolong tea has been associated with a reduction in chronic inflammation, responsible for various diseases.
• Blood sugar control: There is research that suggests that it can help reduce blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
• Helps control weight: contains caffeine and catechins which, according to some studies, stimulate metabolism and fat burning and make it a cuseful complement to diets to lose or control weight.
• Promotes heart health: Catechins and polyphenols help reduce both cholesterol and blood pressure levels, thereby promoting cardiovascular health.
• Strengthens bones and teeth: Its fluoride, magnesium and calcium content can help strengthen bones and teeth and prevent cavities.
• Improves concentration: Caffeine and L-theanine can improve attention, mood, fatigue, and memory.

How is blue tea or oolong tea prepared?

To prepare a cup of Oolong tea, the first thing is to choose the variety that you like the most. As we have seen, there are many different degrees of oxidation and depending on whether you like it more fruity or less, you should opt for one or the other. Once you have your tea leaves, all you have to do is:

• Separate some 3 grams of tea per cup (about 200 ml).
• Heat the water to about 85°C and pour it over the tea leaves.
• Leaves infuse between 1 and 5 minutes (depending on the intensity you want).
• Strain it to separate the leaves and enjoy your tea.