Afternoon Tea Week: White Tea

What is White Tea?

In China, white tea is harvested from young leaves which are picked for just a few weeks in the spring. It dates back centuries and is found in the Fujian region of China. The silvery down that covers the young leaves is where the name derives. It is argued that white tea has more beneficial properties than both green or black teas. It was relatively unknown in the West until recently

Preparing the Tea

White tea is prepared in a slightly milder water temperature (175-186 F). leaving it to steep for a couple of minutes. In terms of caffeine, studies have shown that white tea may have a greater caffeine content than black tea.

White Tea Types & Variants

White teas can be classified into five different types:

• Yin Zhen Bai Hao (Silver Needle)
• Bai Mu Dan (White Peony)
• Gongmei (Tribute Eyebrow)
• Shou Mei (Noble, Long-Life Eyebrow)
• Fujian New Craft (DaBaiCha or DaHoaCha).

Silver Needle and White Peony are the probably the best two teas in terms of quality. Here’s a brief description all five, along with Amazon Affiliate links to some products. Pricing for white tea tends to vary in cost, but is generally cheaper online.

1. Yin Zhen Bai Hao (Silver Needle)

Silver Needle is probably the most popular and sought after tea on the list. It has a sweet aroma, somewhat floral, with a light woody body. It takes its name from its needle-like silvery tips

2. Bai Mu Dan (White Peony)

White Peony is mixed with two leaves and a silvery bud. Again, it has a sweet taste but with a nutty roast flavour. The colour and texture is a golden shimmery finish. This is a great tea to blend with other teas.

3. Gongmei (Tribute Eyebrow)

Tribute Eyebrow is another great quality tea. It is made up of young leaves without buds, giving it a slightly darker and fuller taste.

4. Shou Mei (Noble, Long-Life Eyebrow)

Noble, Long-Life Eyebrow is a white tea that consists of “leftover” leaves which have been rejected from the harvesting of silver needle or white peony. However, this does not diminish its taste. It has a darker colour and quite a bold flavour and is likened to a oolong tea.

5. Fujian New Craft (DaBaiCha or DaHoaCha)

DaBaiCha or DaHoaCha is one of the newest teas added to the white tea family. The leaves are rolled and dried, giving the impression of a black tea. The leaves are a green brown colour. It has a fragrance that is mild but the taste is quite strong.