Today, white tea is growing in popularity around the world. Historians tell us that Chinese white tea was first enjoyed from 618 to 907 AD during the Tang Dynasty. Now, countries around the globe are discovering the same light and delicate flavor.
Then from 960 to 1279 AD in the Song Dynasty, Hui Zhong, the Emperor tasted white tea and found it was delicate and elegant. Making a declaration to this fact, the popularity of white tea skyrocketed, which led to gardens throughout China growing this variety. As a part of growing interest, a new method for processing white tea was developed, fondly named the Song Method.
Traditional Processing of White Tea
Before the Song Method for processing Chinese white tea was created, the other method involved making cakes, which were then broken off into pieces to boil. However, with the Song Method for processing this exotic tea, it was made into powder. Once the leaves of the tea are steamed and dried, they are then crushed into powder form, which is whisked into hot water using wide Chinese bowls. Because of making white tea this way, the color comes out iridescent white or emerald.
Numerous types of white tea have become the favorites to include those grown on bushes of the Xiao Bai, Da Bai, Chaicha, and Narcissus plants. Grading of white tea is based on many things to include the way in which the leaves and buds are hand plucked.
Bai Hao Yinzhen Tea
The highest grade of all white tea goes to the Silver Needle, also called Bai Hao Yinzhen Tea. This tea is grown in China’s Fujian Province, along with Provinces of Yunnan, Lin Yun, and Jiangxi.
For tea to be at its best, it must be hand plucked from March 15 to April 10. At that time, the weather is dry. For the highest quality flavor, only unopened and undamaged buds are used. Many people like white tea because it has low caffeine levels. When brewed, the color is light and the flavor delicate and mild. In fact, some people say that white tea has very little flavor but this could be from choosing a low grade. Often, after white tea is brewed, it will have a pale yellow color that looks as if tiny white hair is floating on top.
Bai Mu Dan
Another excellent option that you can purchase through reputable tea companies is called Pai Mu Tan. Other names for this variety of tea include Bai Mu Dan, White Peony, and White Hairy Monkey. Grown in the Provinces of Chongqing and Fujian, the leaves and buds are also hand plucked from March 15 to April 10. While delicious, the grade of this Chinese white tea is not as high as Bai Hao Yinzhen tea.
The important thing when you buy tea online is to ask if the buds were undamaged. For this type of tea to be quality, the buds must be completely closed and not have any purple on them. For this type of tea, only the top two leaves and unopened buds are used and after the leaves dry, they turn green in color.
With this type of white tea, the fragrance has a floral note and the flavor is light and fruity. However, when brewed, it is also a stronger type of tea than other white varieties. In fact, when done brewing, the color is clear and shimmering, which could be gold or green. Of all Chinese white tea, this one has the second highest grade.
Shou Mei Tea
In the Provinces of Guangxi and Fujian is this type of white tea, which is made from hand plucked upper leaves and tips of the Camellia sinensis plant. Because these leaves and buds are pulled later than others are, the leaves are darker in color and the flavor is stronger. Most people say it tastes more like flowering tea or oolong tea. The key to brewing this kind of white tea is never to boil longer than three minutes or the tea becomes bitter. Of all graded Chinese white tea, this is ranked number four.
Darjeeling White Tea
This is another great choice of white tea grown in India. In this case, the leaves and buds are hand plucked and rolled, following time in the sun to wither. This type of white tea has to be grown in high altitudes where significant rainfall occurs and when brewed, the aroma and flavor are mild and the color pale.
Ceylon White Tea
Grown in Sri Lanka, this white tea is also harvested and rolled completely by hand. From that point, the leaves are set in the sun where they are allowed to wither. The color after brewing is pale and the flavor has a hint of honey. Of all tea grown in Sri Lanka, this is considered the best.
As you look at all the different types of white tea, the quality of the leaf plays a huge role in the grade. The highest grades would be made with more buds than leaves but just as with loose black tea, loose green tea, and other types of tea, the grading system has no standards. Therefore, trying to buy the best tea possible can be somewhat challenging.
The best rule of thumb when buying white tea, genmaicha tea, Chinese herbal tea, or any other variety is that the higher priced tea is probably best. However, when you purchase rare tea, expect to pay a lot of money. For this reason, you want to purchase from reputable tea companies and pay close attention to the quality listed on the label. Even though you would pay a higher price for quality tea, it is well worth it.
