It is a tea that has not been roasted, it is barely oxidized, with floral notes and a twist shape. It is between green tea and oolong, although many times it is determined that it is the latter, due to its mild flavor. In this post we will tell you what Baozhong tea is .
Its name in Chinese means “wrapped type” which is the process of wrapping its leaves during drying. Also called spring tea, the baozhong It has a floral and melon aroma, it is rich and smooth. In Taiwan, the harvesting of its leaves occurs at the end of March.
The normal thing is to infuse 1 tablespoon of tea for 3 minutes and immediately remove the leaves, so its flavor will not be so intense.
Origin of Baozhong tea
Its production occurs in the Wenshan mountains, in Taiwan, specifically in the Pinglin district. The curious thing is that where Baozhong tea is most produced is in the capital, Taipei. Its origin is not defined with certainty, but apparently it is a generic name given to teas that were packaged and sold commercially.
Over time it spread to the island. The original tea is produced in Wenshan, where competitions are even held in each season. Its quality varies greatly, it has an intense floral aroma that is stronger than those from high mountains, with a fresh and floral flavor of the countryside.
The same thing happened to this tea as the famous Chinese TieGuanYin tea, at first it had an intense roasting, but as it became lighter and fresher, the roasting has been lost. This was because roasted teas kept better over time.
Many lovers of this tea in Taiwan keep it aged at home, even for decades without being consumed. Despite being such a delicate tea, rested boiled water is used for its preparation, but its infusion time is less than that of mountain tea.
It is prepared at temperatures ranging from 90º to 95º C, but lower temperatures can be used, for example 80º C and try which one you prefer best.
What is Baozhong tea used for?
The main benefits of Baozhong tea are as follows.
Keeps the heart healthy
Thanks to its high content of polyphenols, it preserves heart and vascular health. Polyphenols are part of the antioxidants, so they help reduce cholesterol and blood pressure.
Chinese studies have determined that consuming up to two cups of Oolong tea a day helps reduce the possibility of suffering from a stroke.
Help to lose weight
Baozhong tea properties are related to weight loss. It is said to increase metabolism, so that food is processed faster. Also, it strengthens the immune system and fights aging, making the skin look rejuvenated.
Activate the brain
The caffeine in tea stimulates brain cells, increasing performance and concentration. Combined with other elements such as theanine, the antioxidant effects are increased, especially those inherent in protecting the brain.
Older people who have drunk green tea and Oolong have been shown to have good cognitive abilities.
anticancer effects
Polyphenols, which are antioxidants contained in Baozhong tea , prevent cancer, caused by alterations in cells. Consuming it regularly can reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancers.
Relieves stomach upsets
Being certainly alkaline, it helps to soothe gastrointestinal complaints, such as stomach aches, digestive problems, and a feeling of satiety.
strengthens the bones
Prevents osteoporosis and prevents tooth decay.
Baozhong tea contraindications
Like all tea, it contains caffeine as it comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, so it is not advisable to consume it in excess, in children or pregnant women. Also, it should not be drunk by people who suffer from anxiety, stress and insomnia.
You should consider the amount of tea you drink during the day, because being stimulant it can aggravate certain conditions, especially if drunk in excess. By containing theine, which although less strong than caffeine, is also stimulating.
It should not be consumed if you suffer from ulcers.
It produces vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency.
When drunk in excess it can cause kidney damage.
People who are allergic to caffeine or tannins are not advised to consume it.
It is advisable not to drink tea after 3:00 p.m. Although not all teas have the same amount of theine, so the ability to stimulate will not be the same. In the case of baozhong tea, its caffeine level is not very high. It is recommended to drink 1 to 2 cups daily.
How Baozhong tea is prepared
Preparing Baozhong tea is very simple: drinking water that has not reached a boil (90º C) is used, this helps to maintain its active elements and its characteristic flavor. If the temperature is very high, its polyphenols become destabilized and reduce its effect.
The most intense antioxidant action is reached with 3 minutes of infusion. It can be drunk cold, preparing it hot and then letting it cool. The perfect cup is prepared like this:
- Heat the water until it just boils.
- Turn off the heat and add the tea leaves.
- Let it infuse for 3 minutes.
- Try if you like it that way, if you want it stronger, leave it longer. Do not let it exceed 10 minutes.