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All About White Tea

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The Most Delicate of All Teas

White tea is so named because of the fact that only pale newly grown leaves are used to make it. Varieties of white tea have taken many years to develop and a new bush will not produce usable leaves for some 5 years after planting. Juvenile leaves and buds are the only ones used. These white tea varieties have more antibacterial and anti-viral properties than other types of tea, and are widely used in herbal medicine for this reason. The science behind this is not especially complex; White tea contains plenty of Gallic acid a known anti-viral agent. In addition it contains theobromine which accelerates vascular metabolism making it a useful complimentary herbal treatment for arteriosclerosis and other vascular/heart related problems. This theobromine makes white tea a very invigorating drink but it is tempered by the fact that it also contains theanine, a complementary relaxant and mood enhancer.

(image by WJ Houtman - White Tea)

Production

During production, white tea is not fermented like Oolong, or oxidized like black tea. The process is very similar to green tea, involving air drying, followed by steaming to prevent oxidation. Like oolong tea, it is produced in the Fujian province of China. The production process is completely different, however, as oxidation and fermentation cannot be allowed . The grading of white tea is as thorough as that for Oolong tea, with extra special grades commanding higher prices.

Preparation

Like green tea, white tea is prepared in water below boiling point, 160ºF-170ºF, as boiling water poured over white tea will spoil the flavor of this delicate leaf, adding bitterness. Some tea drinkers like to steep the leaves for up to 10 minutes to allow the complex aromas and flavors to develop, but in general 3 to 5 minutes will suffice. Higher grade teas can be re-infused and steeped again; the best of the best, several times. There is no special equipment for making white tea but it is recommended to use a teapot or similar brewing device so that the tea can be steeped properly, rather than making it in a cup or bowl where heat is lost very quickly thereby interfering with the infusion process.

Health Benefits

The health benefits of white tea are widely known including the already known benefits in reducing cancers and assisting in the fight against rheumatoid arthritis. White tea contains substances that slow the enzymatic break down of elastin and collagen therefore making it a successful defense against the vagaries of old age. This reduction in the breakdown of these two fundamental building blocks of the skin helps to improve skin tone and reduces wrinkling/sagging.

"If a man has no tea in him, he is incapable of understanding truth and beauty." ~Old Japanese Proverb

Link List

White tea is most available in loose leaf form. Bagged white teas are not common. As such, a teapot or infuser is necessary to prepare white tea.

Chinese Tea Sets: Traditional Chinese tea sets work well with a white tea.
Infuser Tea Mugs: Infuser mugs make brewing a single cup of tea for yourself easy.
Clay Yixing Teapots: Clay teapots are the oldest style of teapot.