Though few people have actually heard of white tea, this unique beverage is poised to become the next big thing in health teas. The Chinese have known about the wonderful properties of white tea for more than 1,000 years, and now the rest of the world is starting to discover this purest of teas.
What is White Tea?
White tea is the least processed of all teas on the market. The only processing done on the delicate silver buds and leaves is steaming and drying. Because the processing is minimal, white tea retains more nutrients than black or green tea, which is why herbalists and other health experts are promoting it as the ultimate health tea.
White tea gets its name from the silvery white hairs on the unopened buds of the tea plant. It’s also quite beautiful when brewed. Most describe its flavor as light and delicate, with no bitter aftertaste. It’s slightly sweet, eliminating the need for added sweeteners like sugar. Additionally, white tea contains less caffeine than black or green varieties.
History
Tea has been a popular drink for more than 5,000 years, but white tea didn’t become widely known until the Song Dynasty in China (960–1279). It is said that this pure white tea was a favorite of several emperors, including Hui Zong, who reigned from 1101 to 1125 and was obsessed with finding the perfect tea.
A special tea ceremony, known as the Song Tea Ceremony, accompanied this silvery tea made from ground white buds and leaves. This ceremony became the inspiration for the Japanese tea ceremony, still practiced today.
By the end of the Song Dynasty, however, white tea was considered outdated and was replaced by other loose-leaf teas. It wasn’t until the late 19th century that white tea regained popularity in China, and it was only recently introduced to Europe and North America.
Making White Tea
If you’ve ever purchased or shopped for white tea and wondered why it’s so costly, the answer lies in the harvesting process. Plants that produce white tea buds and leaves require careful tending for several years before they produce their first crop.
Once they’re ready for harvest, the process is meticulous. Each spring, white tea buds must be handpicked, and only a select number of leaves are chosen for this delicate tea. Harvesting must occur under ideal weather conditions, with no rain or frost.
After picking, the buds and leaves are steamed and dried at a slow pace. The leaves remain unrolled and undergo only slight oxidation.
The leaves are then crafted into several different types of white tea, with the main varieties being Silver Needle, White Peony, Long Life Eyebrow, and Tribute Eyebrow. Sub-varieties of these four types may also be available, often named after the region where they are grown.
Preparing White Tea
Most white tea is purchased in loose-leaf form rather than in tea bags. To prepare a single cup of white tea, use about 2 teaspoons of tea leaves per cup. Brew the leaves in very hot—though not boiling—water for about 3 to 5 minutes. White tea can be re-brewed for a second cup. In fact, some experts recommend this, as it helps extract all the nutrients from the leaves.
Health Benefits
Among all teas, white tea has the highest concentration of antioxidants, as it is the least processed. These antioxidants help fight against certain cancer-causing cells and are believed to reduce the risk of cancers such as colon, prostate, and stomach cancers.
White tea is also believed to thin the blood, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, which in turn reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. Herbalists claim that white tea acts as a natural killer of bacteria and viruses, strengthening the immune system and helping individuals avoid colds and the flu. Additionally, the antioxidants in white tea combat free radicals, helping to maintain healthy skin and reducing the effects of aging.
