What is White Tea?
White tea is the least processed, has the least amount of caffeine and the most antioxidants of all other tea variants (green, oolong, black, pu-erh). It is packed with essential nutrients, and considered superior to all teas.
White tea is native to China (Fujian province), Eastern Nepal, Eastern Thailand, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, and India.
White tea is derived from the sun-dried buds and leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. The leaves for white tea are picked when they are just small buds, and have fine, silvery-white strings, which give the tea a light and sweet flavor.
Types of White Tea
Of the several varieties of white tea, two main types include Silver Needle and White Peony.
Bai Hao Yinzhen (Silver Needle): This royal variety is the most cherished one in China and the world. Grown in the Fujian Province of China, the delicate silver needle leaves are approx. 30 mm in length and the buds are covered with visible silvery hairs, making it the most expensive variety. The best white tea leaves are plucked in spring, especially from the middle of March to the middle of April when it is not pouring. Silver needle white tea carries a light, delicate, fresh, and sweet taste.
*Brew 2 to 3 teaspoons of Silver Needle tea at 170 degrees F for five to eight minutes.
Bai Mu Dan (White Peony): This variety includes new leaves as well as the center needle sprout of the plant. The plucking process of this tea is similar to that of silver needle, focusing on the spring season without rains. White Peony has a distinct aroma that will make you feel good and light-hearted. The tea is known for its pale green/ golden color and fruity taste that is devoid of grassy flavors.
*Brew 1 – 2 tsp white peony at 170 degrees for 5 minutes.
White Tea Benefits
- Promotes Healthy aging
- Improves skin and hair health
- Aids in weight loss and in the treatment of diabetes
- Prevents cancer
- Reduces inflammation
- Promotes heart health
- Improves the health of liver and kidneys
- Enhances memory, energy, and alertness
- Maintains reproductive health
- Promotes gut health – Helps relieve stomach cramps and nausea and reduce stomach acidity,
- Improves oral health
- Supports the treatment of hypothyroidism
- Enhances the body’s natural detoxification process