Although oolong and black tea belong to the six major categories of Chinese tea, they show completely different features in terms of fermentation degree, production technology, taste, aroma, and efficacy. This article will provide an in-depth analysis of the differences between oolong and black tea from multiple dimensions and help you appreciate the unique charm of these two teas.
1. Degree of fermentation
The significant difference in the degree of fermentation between oolong tea and black tea is one of the most intuitive differences between the two teas.
Black tea, as a representative of fully fermented tea, during the production process of black tea, the tea polyphenols in the tea leaves undergo a full oxidation reaction and are converted into new components such as theaflavins and thearubigins, which give black tea its unique color and aroma. The dry leaves of black tea are dark in color, the tea soup is bright red, the aroma is long lasting and sweet, and the taste is mellow and slightly sweet after taste.
In contrast, oolong tea is a semi-fermented tea, and its degree of fermentation is between that of green tea and black tea. The production process of oolong tea is complex and delicate. Through processes such as shaking green, the tea leaves are partially oxidized under hot and humid conditions, thus forming a unique aroma and taste. Oolong tea not only retains the fresh aroma of green tea, but also combines the mellow taste of black tea, forming a unique floral and fruity aroma. The color of the tea soup is bright orange, clear and translucent, and the taste is fresh and sweet, which is endless aftertaste.
Tie Guan Yin Wulong Cha Oolong
2. Production process
The black tea production process mainly includes four steps: withering, rolling, fermentation and drying. Among them, fermentation is the core process in making black tea. By controlling conditions such as temperature, humidity, and time, the tea polyphenols in the tea leaves are fully oxidized to form the unique flavor characteristics of black tea. The production process of black tea is relatively simple and straightforward, but each step requires careful operation to ensure stable and excellent tea quality.
The production process of oolong tea is more complex and delicate. The production process of oolong tea includes withering, shaking green, frying green, rolling and drying. Among them, shaking green is a unique process step of oolong tea. The unique aroma of oolong can be released and transformed by shaking the tea leaves. The production process of oolong tea requires extremely high skills, which requires tea farmers to complete with rich experience and superb skills. Every piece of tea carries the hard sweat and wisdom of tea farmers, making oolong tea a treasure in tea culture.
3. Taste and aroma:
The difference between oolong tea and black tea in taste and aroma is also a reflection of their respective charms. Black tea has a mellow taste with a slightly sweet aftertaste, a long lasting aroma and a floral aroma. The tea soup of black tea is bright red, fresh and sweet, giving people a warm and comfortable feeling. The aroma and taste of black tea make it the first choice for many people to warm up and drive away the cold in winter.
The taste of oolong tea is more refreshing and sweet, and the aroma is fresh and elegant. The tea soup of oolong tea is bright orange-yellow, clear and transparent, and the taste is mellow, freshness, elegant. The floral and fruity aromas of oolong tea are intertwined to form a unique charm and charm. When drinking oolong tea, it seems that you can feel a fresh breath from nature, which is refreshing. The aroma and taste of oolong tea also make it a good product for many people to cool off and quench their thirst in summer.
4. Efficacy and health
Oolong tea and black tea also have different performances in efficacy and health. Oolong tea is rich in tea polyphenols, caffeine and other substances. The tea polyphenols in oolong tea have a strong antioxidant effect and can remove free radicals in the body; caffeine can stimulate the central nervous system and improve the body attention. In addition, oolong tea helps maintain oral and intestinal health.
Black tea is rich in nutrients such as vitamins, caffeine, amino acids and minerals, and has multiple effects such as clearing away heat and relieving symptoms, and diuresis and detoxification.
The caffeine in black tea can stimulate gastric juice secretion and help digestion; at the same time, black tea also has a certain diuretic effect, which helps to excrete toxins and waste from the body. In addition, tea polyphenols and catechins in black tea also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.