Tea is the second most popular beverage in the world, following water. While many people love tea, a large number of people are still unaware of all the varieties and blends. The biggest challenge is choosing one that is loved most.
Popularity of White Tea
Although all tea is delicious, white tea has become very popular. This tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, the same plant that grows green, oolong, and Chinese black tea but with white tea, leaves and buds are harvested earlier, waiting until the leaves open completely.
Once the leaves fully open and the buds are covered with white hair, they are plucked from the plant. Because this type of tea is the only one made with the white hair covered buds, it is called white tea. Processing of white tea is minimal and unlike other types of tea, it does not go through a fermentation process.
To make white tea, the leaves are usually steamed but they can also be fired. After that, the leaves are dried. Depending on the harvester, white loose white tea leaves may be steamed in the field where they are then placed in the sun to dry.
Many people are not educated about white tea primarily because this type of tea has just one growing season so there is less. Years ago, white tea was saved for distinguished people who used it in formal tea ceremonies, being considered a pristine type of tea.
Today, white tea is still not grown as much as Chinese green tea, black tea, and oolong tea but even so, it continues to grow in popularity. Because of higher demand, we now see special tea gardens that produce nothing but white tea. Even so, white tea is still rarer than other types of tea and the price is higher.
Health Benefits
In addition to the delicious flavor, white tea is also beneficial for health. Since this kind of tea is processed so little, antioxidants are not destroyed. In fact, white tea has a higher level of antioxidants than you would find in the best green tea. Unfortunately, the number of studies is less with white tea than green tea so while it is known it is healthy, the full extent of benefits remains a mystery.
We do know that since white tea is high in antioxidants, we know it offers medicinal properties much like you would get from drinking green tea. For instance, green tea has been heavily studied to show that it helps prevent and fight heart disease, cancer, and high cholesterol. Of the studies that have been done on white tea, it has been shown that the body’s immune system is improved, making the body stronger to fight disease and infection.
Properties and Brewing Tips for White Tea
When looking at white tea, you would notice it has a much lighter color than oolong or green tea and even the flavor is lighter with a hint of sweetness. White tea is never bold so if you prefer a richer tea, you would consider loose black leaves. Now, if white tea were brewed in the right way, it would be sweet, not bitter, and have no after taste. You would also notice that unlike green tea, white tea does not have a grassy flavor.
To brew white tea, you would get the best flavor with bottled or filtered tap water. Use a clean tea kettle or saucepan filled with water and heat to boiling. While the water is heating, pour hot tap water into your teapot so the inside becomes warm. Once the water on the stove reaches a boil, remove it for about 60 seconds.
Keep in mind that water used to brew white tea should always be between 170 and 185 degrees. Therefore, by brining the water to a boil and then letting it sit for 60 seconds, this would be accomplished.
While the water sits, pour the hot tap water out of the teapot and place the white tea leaves inside the infuser. Remember that the leaves of white tea are very thick so you would need to use more than you would if brewing green or black tea. We suggest you start with two teaspoons for every cup and then make adjustments according to your personal taste.
After pouring the boiled water into the teapot, the leaves would steep between five and eight minutes but no more. Allowing the leaves to steep longer would not make the color darker. In addition, steeping longer than eight minutes could cause the tea to become bitter. However, pay attention to the specific type of white tea you purchase in that some varieties require 15 minutes of steeping.
Although you could sweeten white tea, with it being naturally sweet, this is not suggested. Most tea experts recommend this kind of tea be consumed as is so the full, delicate flavor could be enjoyed. Most people drink white tea hot but this is also delicious when served cold.
White Tea Varieties
The good news is that white tea is available in so many varieties so you are sure to find something you love. Depending on the variety, the tea may have a more flowering flavor whereas some white tea is fuller bodied. Even so, white tea will never be as strong as black or even green tea.
You should always sample different varieties of white tea, finding several you like before making a full purchase. Remember, loose leaves of white tea are more expensive than other types of tea so find what you like first and then purchase a larger quantity.
You can buy white tea in bottles or in bag form if you prefer but if you want to enjoy the best flavor possible, you definitely want to brew white tea from loose leaves. Then, sipping on the white tea while still hot will provide you with an unbeatable experience.
