Are you trying to decide between oolong tea and barley tea? Let’s compare their differences.
Oolong tea and barley tea come from different plants. Oolong tea is a Chinese tea made from the camellia sinensis plant. The oxidation level falls between green and black tea, giving it a balance of floral and woody flavors. Barley tea is made by steeping roasted barley grains. It has a toasty, nutty flavor profile.
Yet, there’s much more to consider. Here’s a thorough comparison of oolong tea vs barley tea to help you understand the differences and benefits of each beverage. Let’s get started!
Oolong Tea
First, what’s oolong tea? It’s a type of traditional tea made from the leaves of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis). As with green and black tea, you steep the leaves or tea bags in hot water to make tea.
Traditional teas from the tea plant are categorized based on oxidation level. Oolong tea is exposed to oxygen for a longer period compared to green tea leaves, but not as long as black tea. This is why oolong has a more nuanced flavor profile.
Barley Tea
Barley tea doesn’t involve tea leaves. It’s made using roasted barley grains. You can drink it cold or hot and add other ingredients to alter the flavor to your liking.
Unlike oolong tea, barley tea is caffeine-free. It’s also got a distinct nutty, toasty flavor that sets it apart from traditional black teas, which is the closest comparison.
Oolong Tea vs. Barley Tea
Want to know more about the differences between oolong and barley teas? We’ve got you covered. Here’s a closer look.
Origin and Cultivation
Where does oolong tea come from? It’s harvested from the leaves of the tea plant, the same as green and black tea. Yet, it’s only partially fermented to help bring out the fullness of flavors and aromas.
The practice of partially fermenting tea leaves started in China during the Ming dynasty. Oolong tea was originally produced for the Emperor
and the royal court.
Today, several countries produce oolong teas. However, it’s mostly cultivated in China and Taiwan. Camellia sinensis (the tea plant) grows in different regions, resulting in different flavors and other characteristics. During harvesting, the leaves of the plant are collected and allowed to wither.
The leaves are also exposed to air, which results in oxidation. When the leaves are about 20% to 60% oxidized, manufacturers apply heat to halt the oxidation process. This locks in the oxidation level and is the main factor that differentiates oolong tea from lighter or darker varieties.
Oolong tea leaves are also gently twisted, which is a cool touch and enhances the flavors and aromas. A final drying process helps reduce moisture before the tea is prepared for shipment.
The history of barley tea is older. It originated during Japan’s Heian period, which was about 794 to 1185 CE. Japanese barley tea is also called mugicha.
Barley tea also has a different cultivation process. It comes from barley, which is a type of grain. The grain is harvested from the barley plant using a process called threshing.
The grains are separated from the plant and cleaned to remove any debris. As with tea leaves, the grains are roasted, giving them a toasty flavor. Dry roasting is the most common roasting method. The roasted grain is sold loose and in pre-packaged tea bags.
Taste and Aroma
Oolong tea and barley tea have a few similarities when it comes to flavors and aromas. Both beverages have a bit of a toasty flavor due to the roasting process.
However, the toasty undertones are typically a little subtler in oolong tea compared to barley tea. Oolong tea has a stronger floral flavor profile.
Fruity notes are also common. People often detect notes of citrus, apricot, or peach. It also has a natural sweetness to it. You may find that it tastes great as-is without any honey or sweetener.
As with the flavors, the aromas are largely floral and fruity. It has a sweet fragrance that mirrors the taste.
Keep in mind that not all oolongs taste the same. It’s a broad category of tea. Some blends are herbaceous or grassy, while others are toasty.
One of the defining features of oolong tea is its complexity. It has a great balance of flavors that often get lost when choosing a lighter or darker tea.
Barley tea also has a distinct flavor. Along with a toasty flavor, it’s also nutty. It has a warm, buttery texture and nutty flavor that many people find comforting. It’s also mildly sweet. As with oolong tea, I find that it doesn’t need added sugars.
Barley tea also has a refreshing flavor profile without any bitterness or astringency. It’s smooth and easy to drink.
The aroma of barley tea is rather mild. The smell isn’t overpowering. It’s subtle and complements the flavor with toasty and nutty notes.
Caffeine
Oolong tea has caffeine, and barley tea doesn’t. If you need a jolt of energy, barley tea may not help.
With oolong tea, you get 30mg to 50mg of caffeine per eight-ounce (one cup) serving, which is about half the caffeine content of the typical cup of coffee.
Of course, you may not always want caffeine, so barley tea is a great choice. It’s a caffeine-free beverage. You can drink it any time of the day, including the evenings, without worrying about it keeping you up at night.
Health Benefits
Oolong tea isn’t a miracle drink, but it offers several potential health benefits thanks to its abundance of polyphenols, antioxidants, and other compounds. Of course, the research on oolong tea isn’t entirely conclusive, but it supports the idea that it’s good for you.
Some of the potential health benefits include:
- Heart health
- Weight management
- Blood sugar regulation
- Mental alertness and focus
- Digestive health
- Bone health
- Skin health
- Dental health
Oolong tea may help lower cholesterol levels, which may improve heart health. It has theaflavins and catechins that may contribute to better cardiovascular function.
Studies suggest that oolong tea may also enhance your metabolism. Improving metabolic function can help with weight management. A stronger metabolism allows you to burn more calories, making it easier to lose weight and keep it off.
Oolong tea may also help with blood sugar levels. Some studies have found that drinking tea may improve insulin sensitivity, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and aiding blood sugar regulation.
Adding oolong tea to your diet may keep you alert and focused. It has caffeine and amino acids that give you a sustained energy boost.
Other health benefits include improved digestive health and greater health for your bones, skin, and teeth. The antioxidants in oolong tea can fight oxidative stress and protect cells against damage.
Barley tea offers several of the same health benefits. Drinking barley tea may aid digestion and supply your body with antioxidants. It may help with weight management and blood sugar regulation. Drinking barley tea may also help your heart by lowering cholesterol levels.
However, barley tea is also naturally caffeine-free. It may help you reduce your caffeine intake or avoid it altogether.
Barley tea is also rich in nutrients. Each serving contains fiber and various beneficial vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, manganese, and selenium. While both beverages are healthy choices, barley tea has a slight advantage thanks to its extra nutrients.
Brewing Techniques
Oolong tea requires a little more precision compared to barley tea, which is more forgiving during the brewing process.
Brewing oolong tea and barley tea involves different steps, starting with the heating of water. Oolong tea is sensitive to hot temperatures. If the water is too hot, it will scorch the leaves. This can leave a bitter taste.
For best results, heat the water to a temperature of 180 degrees to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. This is just below the boiling point for water.
After heating the water, pour a small amount into your teapot to preheat it. Swirl the water around a few times and pour it. Next, add your oolong tea leaves or tea bags.
Typically, you should use about one to two teaspoons of leaves per eight ounces of water. Pour the hot water over the leaves and tea bag. The steeping time can vary based on your preferences and the type of oolong tea. Most blends taste best with a steeping time of three to five minutes. With dark oolong teas, you may want to steep for an extra minute or two.
Brewing barley tea is a little different. It’s more forgiving when it comes to the water temperature. You can use boiling water, as the barley grains are not as sensitive to heat.
As with oolong tea, you can buy loose barley grains or tea bags. The typical serving size is one tablespoon of loose barley grains per eight ounces of water.
Barley tea also takes longer to brew. You should steep the tea for 5 to 10 minutes to ensure that you extract the full flavor. For a stronger infusion, you can steep the barley tea overnight and then serve it with ice.
You can also use the cold brewing method. This involves steeping the barley tea in cold water instead of hot water. Place the tea in the fridge overnight and you’ll have iced barley tea ready the next day.
Cost and Convenience
The cost and convenience of oolong tea vs. barley tea vary significantly depending on the quality of the tea, the brand, and whether you’re buying it locally or online.
You may not find either option at your local grocery store, forcing you to go online to search for tea. As for price, oolong tea often costs more. However, the price can vary depending on the grade and origin of the tea.
Barley tea is less costly to produce, which means that you pay less. It’s often a budget-friendly choice for those looking for an alternative to traditional teas.
When comparing the convenience of the two beverages, barley tea stands out as the winner. It’s easier to brew, as the water temperature is less of a concern.
Oolong tea is less convenient due to the sensitivity of the brewing conditions. However, it tends to be quicker to prepare. You need to steep barley tea longer to unlock all the flavors.
Cultural Relevance
Oolong tea and barley tea both have strong connections to different cultures, particularly in East Asian countries such as China and Taiwan.
Oolong tea is an important part of traditional Chinese tea culture. It is often featured in traditional Chinese tea ceremonies. These ceremonies focus on the preparation and serving of the tea, turning the process into a compelling aesthetic experience.
There are also wide regional varieties of oolong tea. For example, tie Guan Yin is a variety produced in the Fujian province in China.
Barley tea is more popular in Japan and South Korea. In fact, it’s a staple of both cultures. It’s consumed daily for hydration. People love its mild, refreshing taste. It also complements many Japanese and Korean dishes. You’ll find it served in households, restaurants, and festivals throughout both countries.
Conclusion
Is oolong tea or barley tea better for you? It’s not a simple question. Both beverages can be part of a healthy lifestyle. It really comes down to your preferences.
Obviously, oolong tea is our top pick, as it’s the focus of this site, but barley tea is also great. It’s especially a good choice when you don’t want caffeine. While oolong tea isn’t as strong as the typical cup of coffee, it still has caffeine.
Oolong and barley teas also have different flavors and aromas. Oolongs are mostly known for having floral flavors and aromas. You may also notice fruity accents. More oxidized varieties may also taste toastier or woody.
Barley tea is also typically toasty, but it has more of a nutty flavor profile compared to a floral one. Instead of orchid or jasmine flavors, it’s robust and nutty.
If you prefer dark, bold teas, barley tea may be more your style. If you want a refreshing beverage with a nuanced flavor profile, I’d pick oolong tea.