White Tea has recently been discovered by tea lovers around the world. Harvested mainly in China's Fujian province, white tea is a specific form of tea that has been minimally processed: usually just steamed and air-dried. White tea contains a higher proportion of buds than other teas. The best quality white tea is made entirely from leaf buds that are covered with downy, white hairs. The new buds are plucked only once a year before they open in the early spring. Unlike other tea processing methods, the leaf buds are not rolled or oxidized. The result is a tea with a delicate, fresh flavor and natural sweetness.

White teas

During the late 19th century, specific types of China tea plants were selected to make white tea. The buds and leaves from two strains, Shui Xian (Narcissus) and Da Bai (Big White), are typically used for white teas. The highest quality white teas are Silver Needles (Yin Zhen) and White Peony (Bai Mu Dan). Silver Needles is made only from the largest buds; smaller buds, along with the top two leaves, are used to make White Peony.

White tea health benefits

A research study, published in June 2000 by the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, found that white tea contains a higher concentration of anti-oxidants than green tea. In test tube and animal studies, researchers found that white tea was effective in blocking DNA damage from some cancer-causing chemicals. Further tests are planned to confirm if these preliminary findings can be extrapolated to human cancer prevention and treatment.

White tea brewing tips

White tea tastes best when prepared like green tea. Filtered water or spring water will produce the best cup. The ideal water temperature is well below boiling, about 170-180 degrees Fahrenheit. The best white tea, such as Silver Needles, will benefit from even cooler water. Since white tea is generally lightweight, be sure to add a generous amount of leaf -- usually about 1 tablespoon per cup. For the most flavorful cup, we recommend a first steeping time of 4 – 5 minutes. White tea can be steeped several times.

Browse our selection of White Teas

White Tea:

Silver Needles
Organic White Peony
Drum Mountain White Cloud
Organic Snow Buds
Organic Darjeeling Silver Tips
Rose Bouquet