Today, several white tea productions exist, sourced from different countries around the world. But the true origin of this refreshing, subtly flavored nectar lies in China's Yunnan province, where it is hand-picked from Camellia Sinensis bushes. Unlike red, green or black tea, white tea is made exclusively from silver buds and a few young shoots. This makes it a rare and precious tea, and one that is particularly rich in antioxidants, active compounds with beneficial effects on the body. The buds and leaves undergo neither oxidation nor fermentation, nor roasting as black tea does. Only withering and drying are used in the making of white tea.
Loose-leaf, tea bags, powder or cake: which white tea format should you choose?
Ask any white tea enthusiast: which white tea should you choose? Without hesitation, they'll tell you: go for loose-leaf white tea. While white tea in bags and even in powder form can be found on the market, the nobility of this tea deserves better than being ground to dust. That said, for those who enjoy its original, lightly sweet taste, the organic Wuliangshan Yue Guang Bai, which translates as "White Moonlight," is an exceptional white tea, aged to varying degrees and pressed into a cake much like Pu-erh. You'll also find organic white tea bags of undoubtedly good quality, though bagged tea does take away from the charm of a traditional brewing ritual, one that invites you on a journey with every cup. You might also consider a grand cru white tea such as Yin Zhen (Silver Needles), Bai Mu Dan (also written Pai Mu Tan, meaning White Peony), or one of the exceptional white teas scented with jasmine, rose, or other flowers and fruits.
Plain white tea or flavored white tea: which should you choose?
Experienced organic white tea drinkers tend to agree: they'll recommend starting with a grand cru and tasting it as it is. It's all about finesse and flavor. The ultimate rare tea to discover is Yin Zhen, or "Silver Needles." Made entirely from unopened buds covered in fine white down, this white tea with its floral, lightly chestnut-tinged character will win you over with its freshness, delicacy and complete lack of bitterness. Pai Mu Tan (White Peony) is a carefully crafted blend of silver buds and the first two leaves, simply withered and dried to preserve the authentic freshness of the tea plant's young leaves. Its liquor is lightly amber, with a fruity taste and a gentle herbal undertone. Another beautiful option is the Jasmine Dragon Pearl white tea. Made from hand-picked young leaves, it celebrates jasmine flowers, placed in contact with the leaves for several days to gently scent the tea before being carefully removed by hand. The leaves are then softly rolled into pearls. The resulting infusion is golden, with a delicate floral taste. Nanmei Wild Buds, true to its name, is made from wild buds with the distinctive quality of being caffeine-free. Its lemon and liquorice flavor has a pleasant, lightly tangy edge. There are many other scented white teas worth exploring, though it's always worth checking the true origin of the tea and whether it contains any other varieties, such as green tea.
Chinese, Japanese or another origin: which white tea should you choose?
Organic white tea, as we know, originates in China, more specifically in Fujian province. It is here that you'll find the finest white teas, grown, harvested and processed with the greatest care using traditional artisan methods. That said, many other countries have taken up white tea cultivation and strive to match the quality of their Chinese counterparts. Yuzu white tea comes directly from Japan, scented with a Japanese citrus fruit, the Yuzu (a cross between a wild mandarin and Ichang lemon). Nepal produces an organic white tea similar to Pai Mu Tan. India, and Darjeeling in particular, offers the Royal Glenburn, a white tea made from buds and young shoots. Sri Lanka contributes the Sri Lanka Gold, which resembles Yin Zhen. If you're looking for an authentic white tea experience, we'd always recommend going back to a purely traditional Chinese white tea.
How to store your organic white tea properly
Now that you know which white tea to choose and have decided to go for loose-leaf, you might be wondering how to keep this precious, delicate and fairly costly treasure at its best. White tea should be stored away from light and moisture. Although it has been dried, white tea needs to retain around 3% moisture, no more. Light causes oxidation, and white tea's defining quality is precisely how little it has been oxidized, giving it its distinctive, low-astringency flavor. A tea caddy remains the best container for storing tea. While tea caddies come in all materials (glass, porcelain, wood), a metal tea caddy is the preferred choice. If possible, opt for one with a double lid, which will help protect the tea from both moisture and surrounding odors. Store your tea somewhere other than the kitchen, again to avoid absorbing smells, and in a cool spot to prevent the leaves from drying out. Properly stored, white tea can keep for over a year.
Explore our range of organic white teas: Pai Mu Tan, Yin Zhen Silver Needles, Anji Bai Cha and our flavored blends. Certified organic farming, direct sourcing.