What is White Tea?
White tea is a little less common than its more renowned cousins – green tea and black tea, however, white tea deserves your attention. White tea leaves are still from the Cammelia Sinensis plant however, they undergo a very different process that changes the entire make-up.
When looking at the loose leaf white tea, you’ll still see the leaf inside the bud holding a strong shape. The colour of the leaves is silvery-white and has a subtle fruit aroma.
White tea is a beautiful tea that holds a special place amongst tea connoisseurs. Pour yourself a cup of your white tea and enjoy reading about its unique qualities. Smooth, a little creamy and with a soft sweetness.
We offer white tea in our Pure Tea blend – White Tea, Acai and Coconut
Where is White tea from?
White tea is a speciality tea that originates in the Fujian province in South-East China and dates as far back as the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Chinese royalty, who loved the brew and often served it to their guests made it popular. One particular Emperor, Hui Zong, loved white tea so much that he became obsessed with searching for the very best white tea, but he lost his kingdom. Hui Zong spent more time drinking tea than tending to his people! Ever since, the loose-leaf white tea has become more and more popular amongst China and the world.
Production
White tea leaves are the most complex to produce amongst the tea varieties. This is due to the leaves being plucked when they’re young tea buds rather than when they’ve matured.
White tea production involves plucking the young tea leaf buds and then lightly steaming them. These steps are essential to denature and deactivate oxidative enzymes in the leaves, affecting the colour and flavour of the tea leaves. Next, they’re dried. This drying process causes a white coat to form on the leaves (hence the name White tea) as if snowflakes have covered the plant. The leaves are dried in indirect sunlight to hold on to the rich flavour inside.
White tea leaves are a bit more difficult to produce. However, it’s definitely worth it for the much-loved delicate and fruity flavour. But, don’t be fooled by the lighter colour – white tea still holds the same amount of caffeine as other teas.
Health Benefits
Although all tea is very healthy and good for the body, white tea especially has been known to contain higher levels of polyphenols (i.e. antioxidants). Oolong and Black teas will always have a little less of an antioxidant count because of their production process. Polyphenols are micronutrients we consume through plants, benefiting the body by:
- Assisting digestion.
- Promoting weight loss.
- Easing symptoms of diabetes.
- Disease prevention.
Flavour
White tea has a unique flavour compared to traditional English Breakfast. The flavour is subtle, fruity and a little sweet. A cup of white tea is less bitter and offers a smoother and naturally sweeter brew.
Enjoy a brew in the morning and throughout the day. Perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
If you’re a lover of light green teas or even tisanes, you’ll be in heaven with white tea. You can find white tea in our White Tea, Acai & Coconut.
