Chinese white tea is without doubt one of the fastest growing teas from the point of popularity. People all over the world who love tea are amazed at all the unique varieties. Because of this, we see more and more tea companies now providing samples. Although China produces most of the world’s white tea, Japan is also become a large producer.
Along with these two Asian countries, we also see other countries now growing white tea to include India and Sri Lanka. The challenge is that while many people understand white tea grown in Asia, they are unfamiliar with this kind of tea coming from any other country. However, as the popularity of white tea continues to expand, it will not be long before white tea from all countries is recognized.
Tea from Ceylon Sri Lanka
The colonial name of Sri Lanka is Ceylon, which is a country ranked as the third largest producer of tea. While loose black tea is the most common type coming out of Sri Lanka because of the more than one million people living there that love it, we are now seeing new varieties produced. Known as Ceylon tea, it accounts for almost 20% of tea consumed around the world.
In the highlands of Sri Lanka, tea has been grown for 4,000 years. One of the things that make black tea from Sri Lanka different from Chinese black tea is that it can be harvested all year. For white tea, this is grown near Adam’s Peak near the region of Nuwara Eliya, which is about high above sea level.
Flavor of Ceylon Tea
Another unique aspect of Ceylon tea, regardless of type is that the flavor is very distinct from tea grown in Asia and India. For one thing, Ceylon tea has a mild flavor and aroma. Then for white tea grown in Ceylon, the color is also unique, being more of a gold or copper color and the flavor has a hint of pine and honey.
The harvesting process of Ceylon white tea involves all of the leaves being hand rolled. This process includes the leaves being laid out to dry and wither in direct sunlight. Keep in mind that while this type of exotic tea is grown in Ceylon, only a very small part of the country is involved, which makes it rare and expensive. Unlike other countries where white tea is produced in mass quantities, it is farmed very little in Ceylon, making it the costliest of all white tea grown.
Tea from Darjeeling India
In the northeast part of Indian is a region called Darjeeling, which is situated in the Himalayas foothills sitting in between Bhutan, Nepal, and Sikkim. Of all places in the world that produces tea, Darjeeling is one of the best known, producing tea with a wonderful and distinct flavor. With more than 80 tea gardens spread out, approximately 52,000 people from Nepal work the fields and an additional 15,000 help plucking in the spring part-time.
Teas produced in Darjeeling are often referred to as “Champagne of Teas” because the flavor is so different from other types of exotic tea. With the cool and moist climate of this region, the rich, fertile soil, heavy rainfall, and gently sloping hills, these gardens produce some of the most distinct, healthy tea in the world.
If you have ever had a cup of black tea from Darjeeling but were unimpressed, chances are the tea was labeled as being from this part of the world but a blend and not solely black tea leaves. Today, some 10,000 pounds of Darjeeling tea is produced but tea sold with labels of Darjeeling tea account for about 40,000 pounds. Therefore, when you purchase this type of tea, make sure you pay close attention to the label so you know exactly what you are buying.
When looking at black tea from this region versus white tea, you will find that white tea is rarer. The flavor is delicate and mild, and with a hint of sweetness. When brewed, Darjeeling white tea turns a light gold color. Keep in mind that this type of tea is not as compacted as other loose leaf tea so to make a cup, you would need more leaves but without causing the strength to be greater.
Interestingly, most people that love black tea from this region also love the white tea, finding that when compared to white tea from other parts of the world, it has more body and flavor.
You can sample Darjeeling white tea to see for yourself, which is recommended. We recommend the first tea you try is Darjeeling White tips, which is slightly sweet and delicious. Do not be discouraged if you have tried white tea from other parts of the world only to feel the flavor is lacking because with Darjeeling tea, you get something completely different.
Value of Ceylon and India Tea
Unfortunately, herbal tea from Ceylon and India is overlooked because many people still believe they can only purchase white tea from Asia. The truth is that while all white tea is amazing, tea that comes from Ceylon and India is believed to be among the best. Therefore, as you begin looking to buy tea online, try samples from several different regions to include Ceylon and Darjeeling so you can experience this type of tea to the fullest.
