Oolong tea is made of leaves that have been partially oxidized. Its name means “black dragon,” for the dark, curled, twisted form the leaves take after drying. It aids in weight loss, promotes gut health, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
In terms of flavor profile, it’s somewhere in the middle of green tea and black tea. It has a complex taste, not mild, but not strong. A just-right balance in your cup, with a nice, sweet aftertaste.
In a tea infuser, whether in a kettle or a cup, take 1-2 teaspoons of Pyur PH Oolong tea. Let steep in hot water for 3-5 minutes. The longer the steeping time, the stronger the flavor.
This tea is also incredible as cold brew. Place your tea infuser with 2-3 teaspoons of Pyur PH Oolong tea (cold brew usually has more water, so more tea is needed) in a container of water, and place in the refrigerator for 6-12 hours. The longer the steeping time, the stronger the flavor.
Add honey or sweetener if you wish, for both hot and cold options. You can also make milk tea with this; simply add in your desired amount of milk into your cold brew.
Teabags are made of small pieces of tea, essentially tea leaves that have been broken down. This means that there is more opportunity for the essential oils that makes tea so flavorful and aromatic to evaporate. This will make the tea dull and stale. Teabags, especially those packed in paper boxes and paper wrapping, often have this problem in regards to freshness.
Loose-leaf tea, on the other hand, is not pre-bunched together in a bag. When steeping loose-leaf tea, there is more room for the leaves to absorb the hot water, and expand while they infuse. The water is then allowed to flow properly through the leaves, extracting all the flavor, aroma, vitamins, and minerals that the leaves have to offer.
Store your tea in odor-free, airtight containers. Keep them in a dry, dark place to avoid exposure to heat, excessive light, and humidity. Properly stored, teas will retain full potency and flavor for 18 to 24 months.