Oolong Tea for Health and Wellness

From time immemorial, the health benefits of tea have been acclaimed across countries. Most is the tea types fall under the category of Camellia Sinensis plant and has its own unique features and properties. Some of the most popular ones include Green tea, Black tea, Oolong tea, and more.

Oolong tea happens to be an interesting tea variety that exhibits traits of both Green tea and Black tea. The leaves are large in appearance and its sweet aroma makes a delicious connoisseur when brewed with proper ingredients. Oolong comes in all varieties including White Tip Oolong tea to Formosa Oolong variety with amber streaks. Oolong tea goes though a shorter oxidation process unlike its counterparts and thus is capable of retaining most health properties.

The tea is recognized as a beneficial health drink and acts as an anti-obesity agent. During the process of oxidation, the level of Catechins is reduced. During the fermentation process, the level of Polyphenols and Flavanoids are increased. Polyphenol augments the process of fat-metabolism in human bodies. Foods rich in carbohydrate when consumed synthesize together to form Triglyceride, which flows through blood veins and capillaries of human bodies and release energies for sustaining life. However, excess deposition of Triglyceride is counterproductive to human health and form fat tissues. Polyphenol reacts directly with Triglycerides and dissolves them smoothly and thus helps in encountering obesity to a large extent.

Apart from its function as a cure to obesity, strong antibacterial and antiviral properties develops a strong immune system in the body which is capable of encountering harmful diseases. The antioxidant properties of Polyphenol coupled with Epigallo Catechin Gallate (EGCC), a substance contained in Oolong tea can prevent unwanted DNA mutation from cells. While buying Oolong tea, it is recommended to go for the organic variety available in loose tea bags. The variety is cultivated without using pesticides and the intermingling of chemicals is far less.

The health benefits of Oolong tea have made it one of the most popular connoisseurs cross the globe. Few centuries back, some religious groups in China believed that Oolong tea carries with itself some potions of immorality. It goes without saying that this belief was inculcated mainly due to its one of kind contribution in the area of health and medication. Till today, Oolong tea is regarded as one of the most accredited health drink that runs parallel with conventional science and its significance remains intact in the annals of medicine.

Spectacular Afternoon Tea

Afternoon Tea is a real tradition and not only in Great Britain but in many places around the globe. In fact it is available at most five star hotels all over the world.

Originally afternoon tea came into being in the mid nineteenth century when dinner was served between 8.30pm onwards (even later in the summer months). Afternoon tea nicely filled the gap between lunch and dinner - people got hungry around 4 or 5pm but didn't want a lot of food as that would spoil their dinner later.

Today it's even a great treat when kids come home from school between 3 and 4pm. At least in Britain, it's common for them to have a cup of tea and a small sandwich or treat to go with the tea. Not only is this something they can look forward to when arriving home, but it again 'nicely fills the gap' until supper.

Afternoon tea is really easy to prepare. First of all tea is the main centerpiece so make sure it is hot and looking good in a teapot. Black tea is usually served with milk. You can make afternoon tea as easy or complicated as you like. In fact a visit to your local supermarket can get you more than you need. Tea with biscuits is simple to do. Buy an assortment of good biscuits and arrange them nicely on a plate and you're all set to go. You can also buy a cake at the supermarket (even a bakery would have great cakes and pastries you can use). Pound cake, Victoria sandwich, tea breads like raisin bread (which would be great toasted with jam and butter), Swiss roll, shortbread are all great accompaniments to a pot of tea.

If you want to make cakes, biscuits or scones yourself, then I would suggest you save some each time and put them in the freezer.

For example, if you make a pound cake, cut off a few slices and put in the freezer. If you do that each time you bake, in no time you will have quite an assortment of homemade goodies you can offer your guests. This way you can make afternoon tea with no extra effort as everything is already sitting in your freezer!

Tea and sandwiches also go hand in hand. Here the golden rule is less is more.

Afternoon tea is really just an in between snack so only serve a small variety of sandwiches and cut them in quarters. You can also cut the crusts off if you want to. Sandwich fillings can be many and varied - egg salad; cucumber with dill mayonnaise, cream cheese and radish or cream cheese and smoked salmon to name but a few. It's easy to get creative.

I thought I'd include a scone recipe as these are just so delicious with a pot of tea - anytime really but they are mostly served in the afternoon.

Basic Scone Recipe:

• 1 cup self raising flour
• a pinch of salt
• 1-2 tablespoons of sugar to taste (shouldn't be very sweet)
• 2 oz butter (traditionally salted butter is used)
• 3/4 cup cold milk

Heat oven to 425F

• Combine dry ingredients. Mix in butter. If it's very cold you can grate it into the flour mix for fast results.
• Rub butter into the flour mixture with your fingertips until mixture resembles coarse meal. Don't over mix.
• Add enough milk to get soft dough.
• Turn onto a floured surface and knead gently (again do this quickly). Pat or use a rolling pin to form a round 3/4 inch thick.
• Use a cutter (or upside down glass) to cut out the scones - they can be big or small. 2 inch diameter is normal.
• Put the cutter or glass in flour before cutting.
• Knead the left over dough bits lightly to form a circle and cut out more scones.
• Put them on a lightly greased baking sheet.
• Brush tops with milk.

Bake for 12-15 minutes until done.
Cool and serve with a good quality jam and whipped cream or double cream. Personally I like sour cream the best - the consistency is perfect!

For a savory scone:
You could also use the above recipe, leave out the sugar and add a cup of grated cheddar cheese. Serve with butter. This is one of the many reasons you can make a spectacular afternoon tea with little effort!