The difficulty and dilemma among Tea lovers of what can be the best tea choice for them is never-ending. With so many different tea leaves in the market, choosing the ideal brew is difficult. The spectrum of tea leaves is vast with each variant having a unique taste and quality. So when it comes to selecting between black tea and Oolong Tea, the source of acquisition of both is the same. Both Black tea and Oolong tea are obtained from Camellia sinensis. However, it’s the harvestable parts and the method of preparation that sets them apart. The pleasant aroma, the flavor, and the appearance of the two kinds of brew are different due to the processing. Here are some key differences between Black Tea and Oolong Tea which will help you decide what’s the best option for you. 

For convenience, you can head to an online tea store and order black tea and oolong tea and compare the two. 

Brief History Of Oolong Tea And Black Tea

Oolong Tea 

Initially produced in China, oolong tea shares its origin with China tea, although there are other regions around the globe known for their authentic Oolong Tea leaves. This mainly includes Taiwan. The main regions of tea cultivation in China comprise Fujian Province and the large extent of the mountainous terrains of the Wuyi Ranges as well as Anxi County. 

In the earlier Qing Dynasty, drinking Oolong Tea was very common. In China, it was often called the Black Dragon Tea, a form of Oolong Tea. 

Black Tea 

Black tea is often considered an alternative to Black coffee, having a strong taste and high content of caffeine. Combined with robust flavours like chocolate, woodsy and caramel, black tea is a magnificent choice for tea lovers. It first originated in Yunnan District of China as well as India. Nowadays, however, black tea plantations are found everywhere around the world. For instance, in Europe, British English Black tea and Earl Grey Tea are very common. It features bergamot rinds which offer additional flavors. In India, Assam and Darjeeling are the leading producers of black tea leaves along with other variants. Often spices are added to make black tea taste even better with a strong aromatic essence conferred to it. This is known as Masala Chai. A cup of black tea consists of 130 mg of caffeine. It also possesses the amino acid L-theanine, which creates focus and reduces distraction and memory blurring. 

Difference Between Black Tea and Oolong Tea

The Dried Tea Leaves of Black Tea and Oolong Tea 

Having a completely different production process, Black Tea leaves and Oolong Tea leaves appear different in their dried form. The color, as well as the shape of the leaves, also differ. Black tea leaves are relatively smaller in size when compared to Oolong Tea. Moreover, the shade of black tea leaves is also darker than that of Oolong Tea leaves. The characteristic features of Oolong Tea include long leaves, a greenish hue, and a round shape. Simply by looking at the tea leaves, one can find out which is Black tea and Oolong Tea.

Production of Black Tea and Oolong Tea

Black tea is processed through oxidation, a traditional method of creating the aromatic essence. Due to the oxidation state, these leaves appear darker in color, and when brewed, the beverage also looks blackish in hue. Oxidation of Oolong Tea is not a likely case; however, when done, the rate of oxidation is 8-80%, comparatively less than the rate of oxidation of Black Tea. Oolong Tea leaves are partially oxidized and it offers a sweet aftertaste that is missing in black tea with its strong and bold flavors. 

Taste of Black Tea and Oolong Tea 

One of the most vital aspects of the difference between black tea and Oolong tea leaves is the flavor of the beverages. If you are fond of strong taste, then black tea is the best choice for you, while for a mild essence and refreshing aroma, Oolong Tea is the ideal pick. A mild sour taste is developed in Black tea due to oxidation of the leaves, while the fragrance during brewing is pretty strong. Oolong Tea, on the other hand, tastes mild to relatively strong because of the percentage of brewing. The roasted aromatic essence with heavy flavors is developed in both cases when you are brewing them for a long time. Some of the Black tea and Oolong tea leaves are infused with rose essence or honey flavor to create variations for tea lovers. 

Colour of the tea leaves while brewing 

Due to the complete oxidation state of black tea, its color, while brewing, gradually takes a darker note. Oolong Tea, subjected to mild oxidation, offers a transparent hue and appears greenish or yellow once brewed. However, if the tea is oxidized up to 40%, the shade of the drink while brewing turns darker with a more prominent taste. Moreover, oolong Tea that is oxidized up to 80% tastes strong and has a red or brick-brown color. 

Health Benefits Of Tea Leaves: Black Tea and Oolong Tea

Both black and oolong tea are rich in several minerals as well as antioxidants that are essential for proper functioning of the body. Consuming antioxidants through your favorite beverage gives you the scope to indulge in something smooth and refreshing while also aiding in the removal of toxins from the body. Drinking black tea can create smooth circulation in the body and improve heart health. The secret to healthy skin is drinking Oolong Tea every day. There is a significant effect on teeth and hair as one consumes Black Tea or Oolong Tea regularly. 

Different extent of oxidation in both kinds of tea alters the content of caffeine in it. 30-40mg of caffeine is present in a cup of Oolong Tea while the caffeine concentration in black tea is much higher. It ranges up to 50-80 mg per cup of tea. So, if you are looking for something strong in the middle of the day to wake you up, then have black tea to feel energized. Oolong Tea is a suitable choice for consumers who are on a diet and or looking for ways to lose weight. 

Learn To Make Oolong Tea and Black Tea 

The process of brewing Oolong Tea and Black Tea is simple and more or less similar. One uses a filter or strainer to remove the leaves and serve the warm, clear beverage once it is done. 

Steps to make Black Tea 

  • Use good quality black tea leaves for an enriching experience for the taste buds. 
  • Then pour some hot water over the tea leaves or set it to boil.
  • Steep the leaves for a while until the water begins to change color and acquire a dark hue. Soon you will see that bubbles are forming. 
  • Do not brew for too long as it can turn the tea bitter. 
  • You can enjoy it hot or cold. 

Steps to make Oolong Tea 

  • Add some loose tea to the teapot. 
  • Then you must pour some hot water over the tea leaves or leave it to boil for a few minutes.
  • Allow the water to reach at least 90°C. 
  • Once the bubbles begin to form, you can strain the leaves, and serve the beverage warm. 

You can make your drink more flavorful with the addition of spices like cardamom, cinnamon, etc. Especially if you have a cold, then masala chai is the best option.

Experiment with different ratios of ingredients to see which flavor you love the most. Both Black tea and Oolong tea are good for a refreshing experience in the evening or a warm touch in the morning with breakfast. 

Which is healthier – Oolong Tea or Black Tea 

Between Oolong Tea and Black Tea, the chemical composition of both is the same. Both beverages contain essential antioxidants like catechins, tannins, theaflavins, which offer extensive benefits to one’s health. Such drinks are meant to provide a boost of energy and higher caffeine content in case the latter is good for wakefulness during a lazy day. 

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing between Oolong Tea and Black Tea, it depends on your personal preference and acquired taste of what you would like to opt for. Drinking tea is considered beneficial for cardiovascular diseases as well. The antioxidants degrade free radicals in the body and research showcases the brilliant ability of Oolong and black tea to enhance fat oxidation in the body.