Wu Yi Tea

What is Wu Yi tea?

 Wu yi is a Chinese pinyin term for Oolong tea that comes from Camellia sinensis cultivars that grow exclusively in highlands Wu Yi region in the Fujian Province of China.

 It is a variety of tea that is processed differently to set it apart from black tea, green and white teas. Wu Yi is also known as rock tea and cliff tea because of the region were it grows. Among oolong teas, Wu Yi variety is the most famous and expensive.
 Oolong teas are characterized by partial oxidation that is shorter than black tea.

 How Wu Yi Tea is made?
 Oolong Wu Yi teas are made from plucked young shoots or leaves (flushes) of the tea plant. Weather conditions in mountains are great in making high-quality teas, because it slows growth of tea plants that allows greater concentration of flavors.
 After gathering and withering flushes, it is bruised by being tossed in baskets to release enzymes necessary for oxidation. Then, it is oxidized. The time of oxidation depends on the tea masters preference, but generally its shorter compared to black tea. Oxidation is stopped by baking the leaves in an oven or heating them in a pan. Then, the resulting product is rolled into larger pieces and dried. Then it undergoes direct heating process before it is packaged for sale and export.

 Benefits of Wu Yi Tea
 Oolong teas like Wu Yi are recognized for their medicinal properties. Since ancient times, Wu Yi Oolong teas are valued for their rarity and therapeutic value.
 Like all teas, Wu Yi teas contain the stimulant caffeine and Theophylline. Caffeine is helpful in maintaining mental sharpness and memory, and it decreases fatigue. Regular intake of caffeinated beverages such as Wu Yi tea can help reduce risk of cancer, Parkinsons disease and diabetes.
 Oolong teas like Wu Yi can raise metabolic rate in the body, which makes it useful for weight loss. It also enables faster movement of blood, which lowers risk of having cardiovascular diseases.
 Teas such as Wu Yi contain a lot of flavonoids and phenolic compounds. One of the most potent is the epigallocatechine gallate (EGCG). These compounds help delay cellular aging by lowering oxidative stress and prevent development of cancer.
 People with high blood sugar and cholesterol levels are recommended to drink Wu Yi teas because it helps improve insulin sensitivity and improve cholesterol profiles.
 L-theanine and Theophylline also induce alertness, but calm and focused. This makes tea an ideal beverage for people who want to increase productivity.

 Brewing a perfect cup of Wu Yi tea
 Wu Yi tea is a high quality tea that requires more amount of tea per cup.To brew a perfect cup, two teaspoons of tea are needed. The water must be filtered, but not distilled, and must be heated to 80 to 85 C. Preheat the cup as well to prevent drastic cooling of the tea.
 Steeping times for Wu Yi tea is only 2-3 minutes, and can be repeatedly infused up to 6 times.