Remember, white tea is rare so it is typically more challenging to find than loose black tea or loose green tea.  Interestingly, oolong, black and green tea comes from the same plant as white tea, the Camellia sinensis plant.  However, white tea is harvested earlier in the year than other types of tea prior to the leaves opening completely.

In fact, Chinese white tea uses the leaves and the buds covered with a white fuzz or “hair”.

Processing White Tea

The buds covered with “white hair” is why this type of tea is called “white tea”.  In addition, white tea goes through a unique processing method different from other types of tea, which actually involves less processing.  Because of this, white tea is left more in its natural state.  To process this kind of tea, the leaves and buds have to be harvested early in the year, which results in a delicate and slightly sweet flavor.

When comparing white tea to green or black tea, you would find the quantity is much less no matter what part of the world it is grown.

Because white tea is rare, it is harder to locate and the price is higher.  Although you may find some varieties at your location grocery store, if you want to enjoy the finest white tea possible, you should consider tea companies online.

Buying via the Internet

Without doubt, thanks to the internet, the world of tea has become available to everyone.

Today, people spend a tremendous amount of time shopping online and studies show that of the population in the United States, 84% will purchase something online at least once although 60% shop online on a regular basis.  Buying tea and other merchandise on the internet offers a number of benefits to include:

Convenience – You can buy whatever you need from the comfort and privacy of your own home

Speedy – Buying online is also much faster than driving from local store to store

 Easy – Without doubt, finding bargains online to traditional shopping is much easier

Tax Free – In most states, buying online means not paying tax, which could save as much as 7% off the purchase price

More Options – With the internet, you are not limited to inventory on hand but can look at tea companies and other merchandisers around the world

When it comes to purchase healthy tea such as white tea varieties and blends, you would be far more successful purchasing online.  Finding a rare form of tea such as this has never been easier.

Online Experience

Now, if you happen to live in one of the larger cities in the United States, chances are you would have access to one or two local tea shops but they would probably be limited to the types of white tea sold.  Therefore, you would have a much broader selection of white tea from all over the world by using the internet.

Spending time browsing the internet opens up many doors of opportunity so you would have the chance to sample white tea.  Tea companies often send out a one serving sample for a very low price or even for the cost of shipping.  With this, you could determine one or two you like best and then order in larger quantity.

One challenge is that buying online does not give you the chance to look at the tea before making your purchase.  The appearance of Chinese white tea should be full and fluffy and if it is compact, then it means the tea was not stored properly, meaning the loose tea is now damaged or of low quality.  When you buy high quality white tea, you would notice a delicate flavor with a hint of sweetness.  In fact, the tea would have only a slight aroma so if it smells stale, then you are purchasing poor quality tea.

Obviously, buying white tea via the internet also eliminates the chance to smell the aroma so one of the most important decisions you can make is to buy from tea companies with a sound reputation.  This way, the tea is probably high quality.  The company should also offer great customer service that can guide you through the buying process.

After all, a reputable company is going to make sure customers only buy quality tea and if for some reason you were to receive an order of poor quality white tea, they would immediately make things right.  Remember, their reputation depends on your satisfaction.

Although the price of white tea is more than black or green tea, the price would not be much lower online than when purchased locally.  In fact, when shopping through online tea companies if you were to find low priced white tea, chances are the quality is also low.

White Tea Gardens

Reputable online companies work closely with the best tea gardens in the world or with gardens in the country where the tea is being purchased.

The relationship between the tea company and growers at the tea garden is imperative to getting the best crop annually.

Of course, another important relationship would be with you and the tea company, particularly when buying white tea.  This type of tea is only grown once each year so finding a reputable company, one you trust online is going to ensure you get the best tea available.

Usually, tea companies online will send customers newsletters or emails notifying them when new tea has arrived and of course, they would also be staffed by professionals willing and able to answer questions about tea already on hand.

To find the best white, green, black, oolong, herbal tea, or flowering tea possible, your best option is to shop online.  Again, this is a highly convenient method but only if you purchase your tea from a trusted company.