The Camellias – A Cup of Variety (Part 2)

Camellia sinensis is an amazing plant with so many benefits and varieties, depending on how it is picked and processed. In our previous post we explored the general health benefits of C. sinensis and two of the forms available: white and green teas. This week we are diving right in to examine the other two: black and oolong teas.

Oolong Tea

Oolong tea is often considered a hybrid process. While green tea is unoxidized and black tea is fully-oxidized, oolong falls somewhere in the middle. This is what is meant when oolong is advertised as semi-fermented. Different temperatures and cooking times allow Tea Masters to create unique flavors. Some oolongs are closer to the light grassy flavors of green tea, while others lean towards a sweeter deep black tea, while others fall squarely in the middle. It allows for a lot of variety and experimentation.

Oolong shares many of the health benefits of the other preparations of Camellia, but with more variance. Smile staff members adore Raspberry Rose Oolong. The fragrance is gorgeous and the delicate rose flavor works well with the wine-like flavor of the oolong. Additionally, the dried raspberries add a pleasurable brightness.

Black Tea

Black tea is the most processed of the Camellias. It goes through 5 steps – withering, heating, rolling, oxidization, and drying – before finishing with its dark and full-bodied flavor profile. The processing of black tea makes it the highest in caffeine. The tea maintains other nutritive qualities, but at somewhat lower amounts.

Black tea is described as having a malty, smokey, or even wine-like taste. The deep flavor allows it to be paired with even more aromatic herbs that would overpower other Camellia preparations. Black tea is the basis of traditional chais, which may feature cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, fennel black pepper. Chai is traditionally drunk after meals to promote healthy digestion. This makes sense as the caffeine content and carminative herbs would be excellent at speeding the metabolism and reducing the build up of gas.

Turmeric Chai is a popular black tea choice available at Smile. The tea features generous quantities of Turmeric, traditional chai spices, and chili peppers. This will allow the drinker to enjoy the many benefits of spice and an exciting flavor profile. The tea can be enjoyed with coconut creamer and a smidgen of honey. Because the flavor is so bold, the boiled water does not need to cool.

Camellia sinensis is a beautiful and versatile plant. It reminds us that a healthy life is an enjoyable one full of variety. I hope that you allow yourself to experiment as you embark your health journey, and never settle for bland.

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For More Information:

Smile Herb Blogs: Tea

A Comprehensive Insight on the Health Benefits and Phytoconstituents of Camellia sinensis and Recent Approaches for Its Quality Control

Tea 102: Tea Processing

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