Meaning of oolong tea is black dragon tea in Chinese. Sometimes it is also known as brown tea or Wu Long. Oolong tea was first produced four hundred years ago in the 16th century towards the end of Ming dynasty. This tea is cultivated from the plant known as Camellia sinuses. Oolong tea is neither black tea nor a green tea. The process of making Oolong tea is different from green tea, though its taste somewhat similar that of green tea. It was first cultivated in the Fujian province. It was introduced to western world in 19th century.

There are many legends behind the complex processing technique of Oolong tea. It is quite unique as black tea is totally oxidized and green tea is least oxidized, Oolong tea is semi-oxidized. First the leaves are plucked and left for few days to dry than they are shaken in the basket. This starts the withering process. Shaking the leaves in basket bruises the leaf which starts its reaction with oxygen thus initiating the process of oxidation. Main art of making Oolong tea is how to controll oxidation. Firing and the roasting of leaves stops oxidations. They are fired few more times and cooled deciding the level of oxidation, which decide the property and taste of Oolong tea. Oolong which is oxidized more is known as dark oolongs, while green oolong is less oxidized.

Two main countries which manufacture oolong tea are Taiwan and china. Though oolong tea only represents 2% of the total teas consumed in the world, it is gaining popularity due to its immense health benefits. it is believed to help in losing weight. Caffeine in the oolong tea activates the process called thermo genesis. This process uses fat as a fuel there by increases the metabolism which result in loss weight. It also helps to improve our immune system. Oolong tea also helps in fighting cancer by destroying free radicals. Polyphenols in oolong tea prevents tooth decay.