Are you a tea-lover wanting to branch out into new and exciting areas? Have you heard of white tea, but aren’t sure what it is all about? Then this blog post is for you!
In this blog post, we will explore the wonders of white tea, discover where sweet and mellow flavors come from, and uncover the health benefits hidden within its delicate leaves.
From fermentation processes through to brewing techniques, be prepared to learn something entirely new about one of your favorite beverages!
So if you’re ready to dive deeper into the world of tea appreciation then read on – let’s find out more about discovering the wonders of white tea!
TYPES OF WHITE TEA
White tea is made from young tea leaves that are minimally processed so the tender leaves remain white or silver-green in color.
Generally, white teas have fewer caffeine levels than other types of tea, making it an ideal choice if you’re looking for something light and refreshing.
There are many varieties of white teas with unique flavors that you can explore and enjoy.
SILVER NEEDLE (BAI HAO YINZHEN)
Silver Needle tea, also known as Bai Hao Yinzhen, is one of the most prized and sought-after teas in the world.
This delicate tea is made from young, downy buds and long slender leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant.
It has a slightly sweet flavor with a hint of hay, and a distinctively clear yellow or green cup when steeped.
Silver Needle is said to have many health benefits such as reducing stress, improving mental clarity, and helping maintain youthful skin.
BREWING
TEMPERATURE
The optimal temperature for brewing Silver Needle white tea is 75⁰C (167⁰F).
TIPS
Temperature that is too hot may result in a bitter, unpleasant cup. It’s important to let the boiled water cool down just slightly before pouring it over the tea leaves.
To make the perfect cup:
- Start with 1 heaped teaspoon of loose leaf Silver Needle for every 8 ounces of freshly boiled water.
- Steep for 4-5 minutes, then strain off the leaves. Serve without milk or sugar to enjoy its delicate flavor.
BUDDHA’S TEARS
This special white tea is a rare and special type of tea produced in Yunnan Province, China.
It is not only flavorful but also has an intriguing origin story.
The tale goes that during the Ming Dynasty in China, a monk was meditating under a tree near a monastery when he started weeping tears of joy.
Those tears dropped on the leaves of the nearby tea bush, creating this one-of-a-kind blend of White Tea with its distinctive flavor.
It has a unique flavor profile that combines sweet and savory notes with a subtle grassy finish.
Its delicate aroma is often described as fruity and floral, with hints of spice.
BREWING
TEMPERATURE
The optimal brewing temperature is slightly lower at 70⁰C (158⁰F).
TIPS
It is important to be precise with this temperature as too hot or cold can negatively affect the flavor of the tea.
Allow boiled water to cool slightly before pouring it over the tea leaves.
To make the perfect cup:
- Start with 1 heaped teaspoon of loose Buddha’s Tears for every 8 ounces of freshly boiled water.
- Steep for 4-5 minutes, then strain off the leaves.
- Serve plain or add honey to enhance the flavor.
CEYLON
Ceylon white tea is a rare and special type of tea from Sri Lanka.
It has a unique flavor profile that combines sweet and floral notes with a subtle earthy undertone.
Its delicate aroma is often described as honey-like, with hints of citrus and spice.
BREWING
TEMPERATURE
The optimal brewing temperature is 80⁰C (176⁰F).
This high temperature will bring out all of the delicate flavors, without burning or over-brewing.
TIPS
Allow boiled water to cool slightly before pouring it over the tea leaves.
Ceylon White Tea should be brewed gently in order to bring out the full flavor profile of this luxurious beverage, making it perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or any special occasion.
GONGMEI
Gongmei, also known as White Eyebrow, is an exquisite White Tea from the Fujian Province in China that offers much more than meets the eye.
Literally translating to “tribute eyebrow” in reference to its unique shape – the leaves are picked with one curved end, resembling an ancient official’s tribute eyebrows.
It is made from tightly-rolled buds and leaves of the Camellia Assamica tree, which give it its distinctive flavor.
Enjoy its sweet floral aromas and clean finish for a truly luxurious experience!
BREWING
TEMPERATURE
The optimal brewing temperature is 175-185⁰F (80-85⁰C).
TIPS
To make the perfect cup:
- Start by heating water to about 180-190°F (82-87°C). This is a bit cooler than boiling water, which can damage the delicate flavors of white tea.
- Add 1-2 teaspoons of Gongmei white tea leaves to a teapot or infuser. You can adjust the amount of tea based on your personal taste preference.
- Pour the heated water over the tea leaves and let it steep for 3-5 minutes. It’s important not to over steep white tea, as it can become bitter.
- Once the tea has steeped, strain the leaves from the liquid and pour the tea into a cup.
- Enjoy your Gongmei white tea as is, or you can add honey or sugar if desired.
Note that this tea can be easily overwhelmed by strong flavors, so it’s best to avoid adding milk or other strong flavorings.
Also, Gongmei white tea can be steeped multiple times, so you can enjoy several cups from the same leaves.
Simply increase the steeping time by 1-2 minutes for each subsequent infusion.
LONG LIFE EYEBROW (SHOU MEI)
Shou Mei White Tea is a type of white tea that exhibits subtle but sweet fruity and floral aromas.
It has been used for centuries due to its many health benefits, including anti-aging and skin-rejuvenating properties.
So if you want your eyebrows looking naturally full and youthful, try brewing up some of this magical elixir!
Who knows, maybe it’ll give you that extra bit of luck in achieving longevity!
Made from mature tea leaves plucked in mid-summer and autumn, Shou Mei White Tea stands out with its unique flavor profile.
Its dark green color reveals notes of honeydew melon, lychee and peach, creating a delightful mix of sweet and floral notes that linger on the tongue.
With its high levels of antioxidants and polyphenols, Shou Mei White Tea makes for an excellent choice to help keep your skin looking young and healthy.
So go ahead and sip away at this incredible tea – you’ll be thankful you did when you see those luscious eyebrows!
The best part about Shou Mei White Tea is that it’s available in many forms including loose leaf, bagged, and even ready-to-drink options.
BREWING
TEMPERATURE
The optimal brewing temperature is 80-85⁰C (175-185⁰F).
TIPS
Brewing the perfect cup:
- Add the desired amount of tea leaves to a teapot or cup.
- Heat the water to a temperature of 175-185°F (80-85°C).
- Allow the water to cool for two minutes before pouring it over the tea leaves.
- Steep the tea for 3-5 minutes depending on your desired strength and enjoy!
If you would like more flavor, try adding a few drops of honey or lemon juice for added benefits.
ORIENTAL BEAUTY
Oriental Beauty white tea, also known as Bai Hao Yin Zhen or Eastern Beauty, is a type of white tea that is grown and produced in the Hsinchu County of Taiwan.
It is made from the leaves and buds of the Camellia sinensis plant, which are carefully hand-picked and then withered and dried.
Unlike any other teas, it has an unusual flavor profile that combines a sweet, honey-like taste with notes of honeysuckle and roasted fruits.
Its aroma is often described as being crisp and fragrant, with a hint of mango.
The leaves have a silvery-white hue that gives it an elegant look, making it the perfect accompaniment to special occasions or just treating yourself to something special.
BREWING
TEMPERATURE
The optimal brewing temperature is 85-90⁰C (185-195⁰F).
TIPS
To make the perfect cup:
- Start with 1 teaspoon of loose leaf Oriental Beauty for every 8 ounces of freshly boiled water.
- Allow the water to cool slightly to a temperature between 175°F (79°C) and 185°F (85°C).
- Steep for 4-5 minutes, then strain off the leaves. Serve without milk or sugar to enjoy its unique flavor.
WHITE PEONY (BAI MU DAN)
White Peony white tea, also known as Bai Mu Dan, is an exceptional type of Chinese tea made from only the top buds and first two leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant and is produced in the Fujian province of China.
It has a unique flavor profile that combines sweet and smooth notes with hints of hay and toasted rice.
Its aroma is often described as being delicate and subtle, with slight floral overtones.
White Peony’s light, pale green hue is reminiscent of freshly-picked grass in the springtime, while its delicate needle-shaped leaves impart a lovely sweetness that lingers on your tongue for some time after you’ve finished drinking.
BREWING
TEMPERATURE
The optimal brewing temperature is 79-85⁰C (175-155⁰F).
TIPS
Making a perfect cup of white peony tea:
- Start with 1 teaspoon of loose leaf White Peony in an 8 ounce cup or teapot.
- Heat the water to a temperature between 175°F (79°C) and 185°F (85°C).
- Steep for 4-5 minutes, then strain off the leaves. Serve without milk or sugar to best enjoy its gentle taste.
SNOWBUD ORGANIC
Snowbud Organic white tea is a premium type of Chinese tea made from only the top buds and first two leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant and produced in the Fujian province of China.
It is made from the unopened buds of the Camellia sinensis plant, which are carefully hand-picked and then withered and dried.
It has an exquisite flavor profile that combines light, sweet notes with a hint of roasted nuttiness and subtle floral aromas.
Its aroma is often described as being delicate and refreshing, with slight fruity undertones.
BREWING
TEMPERATURE
The optimal brewing temperature is 79-90⁰C (175-195⁰F).
TIPS
To make the perfect cup:
- Start with 1 teaspoon of loose leaf Snowbud Organic for every 8 ounces of freshly boiled water.
- Allow the water to cool slightly to a temperature between 175°F (79°C) and 195°F (90°C).
- Steep for 4-5 minutes, then strain off the leaves. Serve without milk or sugar to appreciate its unique flavor.
JASMINE PEARLS
Jasmine Pearls white tea is an exquisite type of Chinese tea made from young tea leaves and buds that are hand-rolled into small pearls and then infused with the fragrance of fresh jasmine blossoms.
Plucked in the morning, it is scented with sweet jasmine flowers to create a unique flavor profile that combines a subtle sweetness with delicate floral aromas.
Its aroma is often described as being refreshing and light, with hints of honey.
Enjoy it hot or cold – either way you’ll be indulging in an experience unlike any other.
BREWING
TEMPERATURE
The optimal brewing temperature is 74-79⁰C (165-175⁰F).
TIPS
To make the perfect cup:
- Start with 1 teaspoon of loose leaf Jasmine Pearls for every 8 ounces of freshly boiled water.
- Allow the water to cool slightly to a temperature between 165°F (74°C) and 175°F (79°C).
- Steep for 2-3 minutes, then strain off the leaves. Serve without milk or sugar to appreciate its subtle taste and aroma.
BREWING WHITE TEA
Brewing White Tea requires a bit of patience and finesse, but it’s worth the effort! White tea is delicate and light, so you’ll need to handle it with care.
- Start by choosing high-quality white tea. Look for tea leaves that are whole and unbroken, and avoid those that have a lot of dust or broken pieces.
- Heat water to around 170-185°F (75-85°C), then let it cool for a few minutes before pouring it over the tea leaves.
- Measure out the appropriate amount of tea. A general guideline is to use around 1-2 teaspoons of tea per 8 ounces (240 ml) of water. However, you can adjust the amount of tea according to your personal taste.
- Steep the tea leaves in the hot water for 2-3 minutes. White tea is delicate and should not be oversteeped as this can result in a bitter taste. Start with a shorter steeping time and adjust accordingly.
- Remove the tea leaves. Once the steeping time is complete, remove the tea leaves from the water. You can use a tea strainer or pour the tea through a fine mesh sieve to remove any loose tea leaves.
White tea can be enjoyed hot or iced and is often served plain or with a little bit of honey or lemon to enhance the flavor.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF WHITE TEA
White tea is loaded with beneficial antioxidants and other compounds that can offer many health benefits.
Here are some of the potential benefits of including this nutritious beverage in your diet:
IMPROVES HEART HEALTH
White tea comes from the same plant as green and black teas, but it has unique properties that make it beneficial for heart health.
White tea contains compounds such as catechins which help lower cholesterol levels by blocking absorption of dietary fat in the intestines, reducing inflammation throughout the body, and improving blood flow.
Research also suggests that white tea may be more effective than green or black teas in lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol levels due to its higher concentration of catechins.
Drinking several cups of white tea daily can help improve overall heart health by reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease.
REDUCES RISK OF CANCER
White tea is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect your body from free radical damage.
Studies have found that the antioxidants present in white tea can reduce your risk of developing cancer by defending against the harmful effects of oxidization.
Furthermore, white tea may also be useful for people who already have cancer, as it can help stop tumor growth and even slow the spread of some cancers.
IMPROVES DIGESTION & GUT HEALTH
White tea is known to be an excellent digestive aid thanks to its rich polyphenol content.
Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants that can help improve digestion and reduce inflammation in the gut.
Studies have found that white tea can help promote healthy bacterial growth in the intestines, providing relief from digestive issues such as bloating and cramping.
Additionally, white tea has been shown to relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
BOOSTS IMMUNE SYSTEM
White tea is a great way to naturally strengthen your immune system.
Studies have shown that the antioxidants found in white tea can help boost the immune system, helping your body better fight off illnesses and disease.
Additionally, white tea also contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can aid in fighting inflammation and protect against allergic reactions.
IMPROVES MENTAL CLARITY
White tea is a powerful nootropic that can help improve mental clarity.
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of white tea can protect the brain from damage due to stress, oxidation, and inflammation.
Additionally, the low caffeine content in white tea can provide an energy boost without causing jitters and other negative side effects associated with high levels of caffeine.
Drinking white tea regularly can help sharpen focus and improve concentration, making it an ideal drink for students and others looking to stay mentally sharp.
PAIRING WHITE TEA WITH FOOD
White tea is the perfect accompaniment to any meal!
Its subtle flavor makes it a great pairing for many different types of food, from light salads to richer entrées.
For example, white tea goes well with seafood dishes such as salmon or tilapia, as its delicate flavor does not overpower the taste of the fish.
For heartier meals like steak or pork chops, white tea can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
For extra flavor, you can also mix white tea with herbs and spices like lemon zest or cinnamon for an added boost of flavor.
By pairing white tea with different dishes, you can enjoy an enjoyable dining experience while reaping the health benefits of this powerful antioxidant!
SUMMARY
White tea is a unique and delicately flavored beverage that has been enjoyed around the world for centuries.
White tea is made from long, unopened buds of the Camellia Sinensis plant, which are plucked, then quickly steamed or pan-fired to stop oxidation.
The result of this minimal processing is a light and subtle flavor with plenty of antioxidants and health benefits.
White tea’s unique flavor is often described as delicate, grassy, and sweet, with notes of honey or citrus.
Drinking it can help reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol, boost immunity, and improve mental clarity.
White tea also has anti-aging properties due to its high levels of polyphenols — powerful antioxidant compounds that fight free radicals in the body.
White tea’s incredible health benefits make it an excellent choice for those looking for a delicious and healthy way to enjoy their daily cup of tea.