Wulong Tea History, Culture and Health Benefits

Wulong tea, also commonly referred to as Oolong tea, has been sipped from cups for centuries. Originating in China, it can now be found worldwide. While black tea is arguably the most brewed tea for most Western nations, Wulong is very popular in China, Taiwan and amongst Chinese communities worldwide. It is also rapidly growing in popularity around the world.

Not only is it the tea, which stands on its own as far as being a very superior beverage, but the fascinating history and culture that surrounds it that has caught the imagination of people worldwide. Not only are there many varieties of wulong tea, ranging from the ridiculously expensive teas that never actually reach the market, to the humble oolong teabags that grace supermarket shelves. Within each tea-growing region there are various grades of tea including organic teas, premium teas and regular teas. Once you are used to the taste of wulong you will be able to notice a difference, just you can tell the difference between wines.

Tea drinking is a deep-seated tradition amongst the Chinese. A Chinese tea drinking ceremony perhaps lacks the precision and intricacies that a Japanese tea ceremony has, but the whole ceremony is meant to enhance the flavor and enjoyment of fine quality teas. Typically, when entering a Chinese home, you are offered tea. You are also offered tea when you sit down to talk business or when you entertain at a restaurant.

There are many different versions of the origins of wulong tea. That alone must give credence to the fact that perhaps no one really knows exactly how or when tea was first tasted and decided upon as being a delectable beverage, worthy of the Masters. 

Some credit its discovery to ancient Chinese Cloudwalkers who lived in the high mountains in China.  They decided that tea would enhance their understanding, thus “Cha Dao” or loosely translated “the way of tea” became their path to enlightenment. It was used to enhance meditative states and to clear the mind before instruction from the Master teacher.
Another account attributes the discovery of tea to Shen Nung, a legendary founder of Chinese medicine who, so it is told, poisoned himself 72 times in the process of trying  every plant on Earth! One of the plants recommended by him was the tea plant.

Actual tea cultivation began around two thousand years ago during the Han Dynasty, although it was not prepared in the way we now prepare it until during the Tang Dynasty (618-906) During the Sung Dynasty tea was steamed and pressed into cakes.  Finally, during the Ming Dynasty oxidized teas were prepared and whole leaves infused. It was during the famous Ming Dynasty that the first Chinese teapots, as we know them now, were also produced.  It was also during the Ming Dynasty that the art of tea brewing, and the culture surrounding the tea ceremony began.

What, you may ask, is tea culture? Well, tea culture is defined loosely as including things such as the way tea is made and served, how people interact with tea and with each other while drinking tea, and the overall aesthetics that surround the tea drinking ceremony. Having said that, it really is ‘the way of tea’ or something that cannot necessarily be explained but that has to be experienced to appreciate the fullness of it.

There is a right way to brew and serve teas. While tea masters adhere to this exact method, the average person may not to the same degree. However, there are certain ways of brewing and pouring tea that have become part of the tea culture.

Then you have the way people drink their tea; the smelling and savoring, and the tasting. Of course there are also the connections between those drinking tea together, the cultural aspect of it and often the business side too.

Finally, tea culture is closely interlinked with the arts, and with music. Many famous artists and sculptures make teapots or tea sets, which are then oftentimes sold as collector’s pieces for thousands of dollars. Calligraphic artwork is commonly featured on the walls of tea houses and soft Chinese music is usually played in the background.

Much has been researched and written about the health benefits of wulong tea. It contains many antioxidants, which help prevent disease and slow down the aging process. It also increases the metabolic rate, something that has made it a helpful addition when dieting. It is also relatively low in caffeine, thus it can be served any time of the day or night, unless you are very sensitive to the tiniest traces of caffeine.

As there are already so many sites devoted to explaining, in great detail, studies made on tea and the health properties it contains I will not delve into the topic any further here, aside to say that it is a very healthful drink and it will help slow down the effects of aging and disease, as well as aid you to lose weight.

Of course, it is not a miracle cure and anyone who claims that it is, is misleading you. It is, however, a very powerful supplemental beverage that can help you to feel better and live a more healthful and disease free life, providing you are already taking care of your health and your body.