It all started in Taiwan, but the popularity of oolong milk tea—also called oolong bubble tea or oolong boba—has spread throughout the globe. Oolong tea, milk, and sugar are the base flavors, while tapioca pearls or other chewy toppings give it a unique twist.
So, what does oolong milk tea taste like? The answer can vary depending on the specific recipe and preparation method, but here are some general flavor profile characteristics. The flavor can be creamy, sweet, floral, chewy, or earthy.
Keep reading to learn what affects the taste profile of oolong tea.
What Is Oolong Tea?
Traditional Chinese Oolong tea is partially fermented, putting it between green and black teas in terms of oxidation. Owing to the fermentation process, oolong all loose-leaf tea has a unique flavor and aroma compared to other types of tea. The range of flavors that may be derived from oolong tea leaves rely on the kind of tea and the manner of processing.
There are several varieties of Oolong tea, each with its own flavor. The most popular tea kinds include Tie Guan Yin, Da Hong Pao, and Wuyi Rock. Tie Guan Yin, also known as Iron Goddess, is an oxidized oolong tea with a floral and nutty flavor.
Great Red Robe, also known as Da Hong Pao, is an oolong tea with a robust, smoky flavor resulting from its considerable oxidation. This oolong tea, known as Wuyi Rock tea, is acclaimed for its mineral and earthy overtones and is derived from the Wuyi Mountains in China.
Oolong tea manufacturing includes withering, rolling, oxidation, and burning. Depending on the kind of oolong tea and the teamaker’s tastes, the method’s complexity may vary. Before manufacturers roll oolong tea leaves to release enzymes that promote oxidation, they are often sun-dried or air-dried to eliminate moisture.
The tea leaves are then allowed to oxidize for a certain period before being burned to stop the oxidation process and preserve the taste and fragrance of the tea for consumption.
What Exactly Is Oolong Milk Bubble Tea, and How Does It Taste?
Manufacturers may make Oolong milk tea in several different ways. And Tapioca pearl-based boba or bubble tea is the most popular.
Oolong tea is a semi-oxidized, to variable degrees oxidized tea. Minimal oxidation makes oolong more comparable to green tea, but greater oxidation renders it more comparable to black tea.
Depending on the degree of oxidation and the production process, oolong tea may have a range of tastes. Some oolong teas have a grassy flavor, but others have flowery and earthy flavors. Yet, some have a nutty taste. There are several varieties of oolong tea; therefore, choosing which one best matches your taste is essential.
Use a natural milky powder or whole milk to optimize the taste possibilities. It should not include any added sugar. One may also serve it with milk; however, whole milk may be excessive. If you’re searching for a more refined beverage, try a teaspoon of oolong tea before bedtime. Unlike other tea varieties, authentic Milk oolong has a natural milky flavor, although many imitations are available with artificial chemicals.
Taste Profile of Oolong Milk Tea
Creamy: The milk in the Oolong tea makes it very smooth and creamy. You may enhance the richness by using whole milk or creamer.
Sweet Cream Aroma: Most oolong milk tea recipes call for adding sugar or sweetener, which gives the drink a sweet flavor that compliments the earthy notes of the tea.
Earthy: The slightly oxidized oolong tea leaves give it a natural, earthy taste. And depending on the kind of oolong tea, its characteristic flavor—often characterized as woody or nutty—may be mild or intense.
Floral: You may pick up subtle floral notes from some oolong tea kinds in milk tea. Many people find this taste to be uplifting and stimulating.
Chewy: Tapioca pearls or jelly cubes are the toppings of the tea, both of which provide a chewy texture to the drink. These condiments give the drinker a delightful and novel chewing experience.
Variations of Oolong Milk Tea
There are various ways to customize the taste of oolong milk tea, even though the traditional recipe calls for just three elements (oolong tea, milk, and sugar). Some typical oolong milk tea variants include:
- Honey Oolong Milk Tea: Honey is present in the tea in this recipe for a sweet and flowery taste.
- Oolong Matcha Milk Tea: The recipe calls for oolong tea and matcha powder, which provide an earthy, somewhat bitter taste together.
- Oolong Milk Tea with Brown Sugar: This recipe uses brown sugar instead of white sugar, giving the beverage a caramel undertone and a more decadent sweetness.
- Jasmine Oolong Milk Tea: In place of regular oolong tea, flowery and aromatic jasmine tea is used in this jasmine oolong milk tea recipe.
Check out: What Does Rose Milk Tea Taste Like?
How to Prepare Milk Oolong Tea?
Skilled tea makers twist and bruise the leaves to get them to a state of partial oxidation. When the cell walls of the leaves decompose and oxidize, the color shifts from green to brown. Heating the leaves puts an end to the oxidation process. This procedure may take several iterations until the leaves have the right flavor notes.
The elevation at which the leaves also grow significantly impacts the tea. The greater the altitude, the more the tea’s flavors and smells can concentrate. Growing conditions on a vast mountain are essential for producing the finest Milk Oolong tea’s robust flavor and aromatic qualities.
There are several Milk Oolong teas out there that are not authentic. False teas lack the history and care of their genuine counterparts. Despite its name, milk oolong tea is not a hybrid; instead, it is a naturally occurring tea with buttery, nutty flavors resulting from painstaking craftsmanship.
Yet, counterfeits use a variety of synthetic aroma enhancers to fool the senses. Some dishonest sellers will tell you their tea contains milk when you know otherwise.
How Much Caffeine Is in a Cup of Oolong Milk Tea?
Since different tea shops use different quantities of oolong tea in their milk, the caffeine content of oolong milk tea (bubble tea) varies. One cup of oolong tea, which is six ounces, may contain anywhere from 30 to 40 milligrams of caffeine.
There is a unique method to make milk oolong tea. After the leaves have withered enough for oxidation to occur, they are harvested by hand. To get the milky taste, the enzymes in the leaves must react with the air.
The preparation of milk oolong tea adheres to the standard procedure for producing tea. A cold, humid chamber is essential, and the right height and temperature are crucial. Withering the leaves first allows the aromatic chemicals to escape, but the process itself maintains the mellow taste.
Variations of Oolong Milk Tea
While the Camellia Sinensis plant is the source of black and green tea, oolong tea is a class of its own.
The oxidation process is what gives these teas their unique hues and tastes. The term “oxidation” describes the length of time that tea leaves are out in the air during drying.
Oolong tea’s delicate and flowery characteristics come from the quick oxidation process. The longer the leaves are oxidized, the more robust and toasted the flavors become. Oolong tea has a flavor that is a cross between green and black tea.
Oolong tea comes in many varieties, but some of the most popular are:
- Iron Goddess of Mercy Tie Guan Yin)
- Phoenix Tea (Dan Cong)
- Da Hong Pao Wuyi Oolong Tea
- Jin Xuan Tea
- Gaoshan Tea
The kind of tea you like depends entirely on your tastes. Because of its complement to milk tea’s creamy flavor, robust and full-bodied oolong is a go-to choice.
Check out: What Tea Is Good With Milk?
Can I Drink Oolong Milk Tea Daily?
To our regret, we lack the necessary medical training to advise you on the suitability of any particular tea for consumption. If you have any of the following conditions, you should use caution while drinking tea or tisanes. Instances where this may apply, include suffering from any health issues, using medicine, having radiation or chemotherapy treatment, allergies, or having a low tolerance for caffeine.
There is some evidence that teas may exacerbate health problems, interact negatively with drugs and therapies like chemotherapy and radiation treatment, and even generate their own set of symptoms and responses. Consult your physician before starting any new tea or tisane regimen.
Health Benefits of Oolong Milk Tea
According to research, oolong tea contains beneficial chemicals. Oolong tea’s healing effects include an antioxidant, a fat burner, a blood pressure reducer, a germ fighter, and an allergy preventative.
Consumption of oolong tea can lead to a reduced risk of cardiovascular
disease and other chronic diseases. Additionally, the article above lists many more advantages, such as its anti-hyperglycemic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial qualities.
- Oolong tea includes polyphenols, which may assist in boosting metabolism and aid with weight control
. In addition to providing protein and calcium, the milk in oolong milk tea helps promote a balanced diet and curb cravings. - Some studies show that oolong tea may enhance heart health by decreasing blood pressure, reducing cholesterol levels, and improving circulation.
- Oolong tea may offer minor digestive effects, helping to calm the stomach and decrease inflammation. Moreover, milk may have a calming impact on the digestive tract, making oolong milk tea an excellent option for individuals with sensitive stomachs.
- Oolong tea includes caffeine and other chemicals that may improve cognitive performance and increase alertness. Vitamin D, calcium, and other vitamins and minerals are essential for brain function. Milk includes these nutrients.
- Milk’s calcium and vitamin D may enhance bone health and decrease the incidence of osteoporosis. Regular use of oolong milk tea may develop strong and healthy bones.
How to Make Oolong Milk Tea
Interested fans may simply brew their oolong milk tea at home. Start with this simple recipe for brewed tea:
Ingredients
- 2-4 tablespoons of oolong tea leaves (or 2-3 tea bags)
- A glass of water
- An amount equal to half a cup of milk (or to taste)
- Select your preferred sugar replacement (optional)
Instructions
- Bring some water to a boil using either a kettle or a stove.
- While the water boils, pour the oolong tea onto a tea strainer or infuser.
- Pour the boiling water over the tea and let it steep for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the desired strength.
- Prepare milk in a small saucepan over medium heat as the tea steeps. You may add sugar or sweetener at this time.
- After you remove the strainer and tea bags, pour the tea into a cup.
- Slowly pour the hot milk into the tea, stirring it gently.
- Add extra sugar or milk to taste.
The method mentioned above is only one way of producing oolong milk tea; there are other methods. So, if you like oolong tea but want to alter its flavor, try a different kind or add spices such as vanilla or cinnamon. By allowing the tea to cool, you can transform it into iced oolong milk tea, which is as excellent as hot tea.
Conclusion
Unique and delightful, oolong milk tea mixes the rich taste of oolong tea with the creamy smoothness of milk. Moreover, there are several reasons to appreciate this beverage, from its flowery and fruity undertones to its possible capacity to help reduce weight, enhance heart health, and promote digestion.
Furthermore, preparing oolong milk tea at home is a joyful and gratifying experience due to its simple recipe and easy customization choices. Hence, prepare a cup of oolong milk tea and experience its robust taste and possible health advantages.
Sources
- 13 Wuyi Oolong Tea Health Benefits – Healthy Huemans
- Coffee, green tea, black tea and oolong tea consumption and risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease in Japanese men and women – PubMed (nih.gov)
- Oolong tea increases metabolic rate and fat oxidation in men – PubMed (nih.gov)
- 15 Amazing Benefits Of Oolong Tea