Oolong Tea (pronounced Wu-Long): The cultivation and manufacture of classic oolong teas are restricted to a small area of Southeastern China’s Fujian and Guangdong Provinces as well as the island of Taiwan. Oolong tea is widely consumed in Southeastern Asian countries and in Japan where it is prized for its cholesterol reducing and weight loss function. There are hundreds of types of oolong teas which are classified according to the tea bush varietal, the season of harvest, and the cultivation region. Each cultivation region of oolong has its own unique flavor and artisanal manufacturing tradition different from the next region. The oolong tea category is defined as a group of semi-oxidized teas whose manufacturing style ranges between green and black tea. Some oolong teas are more oxidized and closer in character to black tea with amber infusion colors and notes of fruit and roasted sugar like our Golden Phoenix Oolong from Guangdong while other oolongs are less oxidized and are closer to green tea with lighter body, floral aromatics and golden green infusions like our Jade oolong from Taiwan. Research conducted in Japan, China and Taiwan report that oolong tea is rich in anti-oxidants such as Theaflavin, Tea Catechin and Tea Polysaccharides. Regular consumption of Oolong Tea is linked to the reduction of plaque in the arteries, reduction of cholesterol and lowering of blood sugar. Its reputation as a safe, daily slimming and dieter’s tea in Southeastern Asia has been widespread for hundreds of years.