Osmanthus Oolong Tea – Taste and Its Health Benefits

We all know oolong as the semi-oxidized, lightly fermented tea. It sits somewhere between black tea and green tea. People love oolong for its smooth, refreshing taste. Then comes Osmanthus Oolong tea, a great variety with all the beautiful features of oolong, but become more special with the addition of osmanthus flower. The pleasant aroma of osmanthus blossom is the perfect addition to oolong tea.  

What is osmanthus oolong tea?

Osmanthus oolong tea is the combination of oolong tea with osmanthus flower. During the final stage of tea processing – the baking process, the tea slowly absorb fragrance from fresh osmanthus blossoms. This heat-infusing technique adds in a refined floral note to the tea. The process of making this tea can be different from maker to maker. But most of them use the traditional processing method without the use of any chemical. 

Oolong is not the only tea that can be infused with osmanthus flower. People have been using dried osmanthus flowers with black tea and green tea as well. However, the combination of oolong tea and osmanthus flower create a different, enjoyable tasting tea that is loved by many. 

Osmanthus is a small evergreen shrub that blooms in late summer or the beginning of autumn. The color of osmanthus flowers ranges from white, cream, yellow to orange-yellow. They are often found in Asia, famous for their flowers’ fragrance. Besides adding to tea, luxury brands use osmanthus blossoms in many of their perfumes. 

Tea drinkers love the smooth, light flavor and the wonderful aroma of osmanthus oolong tea. It is also the chosen tea for traditional weddings in countries like China and Taiwan. Symbolize love and romance with delightful taste; it is perfect for these momentous occasions. 

Health Benefits

Osmanthus oolong tea benefits range from boosting digestive health, heart health to reducing the risk of chronic diseases. The great health benefits of oolong tea are now combined with that of osmanthus flower for double the effect. 

In traditional Chinese medicine, osmanthus is renowned as a wonderful herb with amazing benefits. It promotes lung health and detoxifies our body. Regular consumption of osmanthus tea can reduce the level of harmful toxin in the liver and kidney. Osmanthus tea is also suitable for moisturizing skin and improves overall skin complexion. 

According to a study published in the Scientific Reports journal, osmanthus tea can suppress appetite. Osmanthus fragrance decreases appetite-stimulating brain chemicals activity. At the same time, the activity of appetite-suppressing brain chemicals increases. People who consume osmanthus tea can better restrain binge eating or use it for their healthy weight loss plan.

Osmanthus oolong tea is high in antioxidants, notably polyphenols compounds. Polyphenols play an essential role in reducing the risk of coronary artery disease. It also promotes heart health and decreases cardiovascular-related problems. 

What does osmanthus tea taste like?

Osmanthus oolong tea has a smooth, mellow taste of fresh oolong tea and flowery notes. The tea is pleasant on your palate with a heavenly aroma. Some varieties of osmanthus oolong tea also have underlying fruity flavors and pleasant aftertaste. High-quality osmanthus tea will have a more defined flowery fragrance compared with lower grade ones. 

The floral note in osmanthus oolong tea is noticeable without being overwhelmed. It creates a perfect balance with the flavor of oolong. The tea has a medium-bodied flavor and many layers to discover, both in term and aroma and taste. You can experience these layers through different steeping times. Each infusion can enhance the taste as the tea leaves wake up more and more. 

Caffeine content

Osmanthus is considered herbal tea with no caffeine. Once put in hot water, the dried flowers will open up and release its aroma. So you can estimate the amount of caffeine of osmanthus oolong tea, just like your regular cup of oolong tea. 

One 8 fl. oz (236 ml) cup of oolong tea contains from 16.6 milligrams to 55.4 milligrams of caffeine. This level sits below black tea but is slightly higher than green tea caffeine content. The amount varies depending on factors like manufacturing process, different tea varieties, quantity, and brewing/steeping methods. 

How to brew osmanthus oolong tea?

You can easily buy Osmanthus Oolong tea at Japanese supermarket or on Amazon if you do not want to make a trip to a store. Amazon has a huge selection from different brands for you to choose from. Please make sure to check out the buyers’ review before buying.

For the brewing guide, you can steep osmanthus oolong tea like the way you steep your regular oolong tea. These steps below can act as a guideline only, as you can experiment your way around each time. That can help you to discover the different characteristics of this tea. 

Here are steps that you should follow to brew this tea: 

• Prepare a kettle of water, bring to a boil
• Pour the boiling water into a teapot, and then empty the water out
• Place 1 teaspoon of tea into the teapot
• Pour boiling water onto the tea until the teapot is half full
• Then pour out the water, keeping the tea in the pot
• Pour 8 fl. oz of hot water (210 Degrees Fahrenheit ~ 98 Degrees Celsius) into the teapot, cover with a lid
• Steep the tea for about 2 minutes 
• Pour to your tea cup and enjoy

Osmanthus oolong tea can be steeped several times to reveal more of its flavor and fragrance. You can use the same water temperature but add in 20 to 30 seconds for each additional infusion.