everything you need to know about white tea

There is a wide variety of teas. The most familiar teas, which you can easily find on the market are: black tea, green tea, and red tea. But have you had the opportunity to discover white tea? It's true that white tea is less known than others: it is indeed a rare tea. And rarity means higher price!

However, know that all teas come from the same shrub, Camellia Sinensis. The rarity of white tea therefore comes from its composition, mainly consisting of closed buds, and its harvest which only lasts 3 days in the year, the first 3 days of spring.

White tea: unmatched finesse

The uniqueness of white tea is the finesse of its taste. Slightly and naturally sweet, delicate and floral, discreetly fruity, one can say that white tea is a true explosion of flavors in the mouth. It is highly appreciated by fine tea enthusiasts. Light in theine and rich in polyphenol, white tea can be infused longer without releasing more bitterness. For tea connoisseurs, white tea is not just drunk, it is savored. To release maximum flavors, particularly its peony and citrus aromas, nothing better than using the Zhong. This is a tea cup made of 3 parts, which allows you to prepare tea in individual cups rather than in a teapot. A refreshing and thirst-quenching beverage, white tea can be consumed throughout the day as a hot infusion or as iced tea.

The different types of white teas

Contrary to popular belief, white tea does not come from a different variety of tea plant. All teas, regardless of their origin, come from harvesting the same shrub: Camellia Sinensis. The differences between teas mainly come from the part of the shrub that is selected, the processing performed on the tea after harvest, and the region where it is produced.

We can therefore distinguish 3 different types of white teas:

  • The "original" white tea is produced only in China in the Fujian region. This tea is extremely rare and consists only of buds
  • The new white tea, also originating from Fujian, consists of buds as well as the two or three youngest leaves
  • The "classic" white tea produced in other countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Japan, Thailand, Nepal, and Africa. Flavors can differ depending on climate conditions and harvest location.

What is white tea?

Originally from China, white tea comes from the Fujian region. The first white teas appeared in the 6th century. It is very similar to green tea, as it is harvested before the leaves mature. White tea primarily consists of closed buds, long, downy and white in color, which are hand-picked within a very short time frame during the first days of spring.

White tea requires the minimum number of steps in its manufacturing process. Only 1 to 2 steps are necessary before packaging:

  • The withering. After harvesting, the tea is laid out for a few hours or days in the sun
  • The drying. Depending on climate conditions, drying may sometimes be necessary to finish dehydrating the tea.

Like its counterpart green tea, white tea is therefore very little oxidized.

White tea: its medicinal properties

White tea is one of the least processed teas before packaging, which gives it undeniable medicinal properties. Of all teas, white tea contains the most active ingredients. Very rich in polyphenols and particularly in catechins, it proves to be an excellent antioxidant and a powerful fat burner. White tea reduces cholesterol levels by improving blood circulation and helps lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases. It strengthens the immune system and protects skin cells against free radicals. Very similar to green tea but lower in theine, white tea is excellent for health.

The benefits of white tea for the skin

An excellent anti-aging resource, white tea takes care of your skin from the inside. Indeed, polyphenols slow down the production of components that damage the internal fibers of the skin and cause it to lose its elasticity and firmness. A powerful antioxidant, white tea is the ideal ally to neutralize free radicals. It is strongly advised not to add sugar and/or milk to white tea to fully benefit from the tea's active principles. Did you know that tea is also very effective for external skin treatment? After steeping your tea, don't throw it away! Place your still damp and warm leaves and buds on a gauze. Wrap them and place on the eyes. The properties of white tea will have a beneficial effect on blood vessels, reduce dark circles, and decrease puffiness.

When to drink white tea during the day?

Light in theine, white tea can be consumed at any time of the day. As it can be infused several times without losing its properties, you can start your morning by accompanying your breakfast with a delicately flavored white tea. No need to add sugar or a splash of milk, as this would alter the aromas and reduce its therapeutic qualities. After lunch, it gently aids digestion and leaves a pleasant taste in the mouth. As delicate as an herbal tea, white tea can also be enjoyed in the evening without fear of nervous excitement that could prevent you from sleeping.

Can you drink white tea every day and at any age?

Tea is the most consumed beverage in the world. Like coffee, tea enthusiasts are accustomed to drinking tea at breakfast, after lunch, or during afternoon tea. White tea contains the least theine and can be consumed throughout the day, without exceeding 4 cups per day. Even children can have a cup of white tea in the morning at breakfast or for afternoon snack.

Given that white tea is excellent for reducing lipid and sugar levels, it is recommended to drink it when following a health diet. White tea is also recommended for elderly people. Indeed, studies have shown that white tea, in addition to preventing certain cancers and reducing cardiovascular risks, significantly reduces the risks of cognitive degeneration.

How to prepare white tea?

Every regular tea consumer should own at least one teapot at home. Tea enthusiasts, meanwhile, know the rituals and are equipped with a Zhong, also called Gaiwan. The traditional preparation of white tea is a precise ceremonial that allows you to release maximum tea aromas without altering its medicinal properties. How to prepare white tea? Follow these steps.

  • Heat water until it almost boils
  • Place some white tea leaves or buds at the bottom of the Zhong and pour hot water over them
  • Immediately after, hold the lid with 2 fingers and pour the water into a bowl to wash the tea
  • Pour hot water over the leaves again, put the lid on and let it steep for a few minutes (between 2 and 3 minutes at most)
  • Drink your tea directly by slightly offsetting the Zhong's lid to let the precious liquid pass between your lips while filtering the tea leaves.

Green tea or white tea for weight loss, what are the differences?

When we start a diet, it is well known that green tea is the most appropriate beverage to accompany us. An excellent natural fat burner, this sweet and fragrant nectar is an energy booster that has the additional function of limiting fat storage. But did you know that you can drink white tea to lose weight? With properties similar to those of green tea, drinking white tea to lose weight is even more effective. Why? Because white tea has undergone very little processing after harvesting, giving it the advantage of being very little oxidized and containing more tannin, as well as three times more polyphenols than its cousin green tea. Moreover, as an excellent reducer of triglycerides (blood sugar), it greatly promotes weight loss. You can also learn about white tea detox.

Which white tea to choose? Our advice for buying well

More and more consumers are turning to natural products that benefit the body, aiming to improve wellbeing. For this reason, it is advised to choose organic white tea. Thanks to the ORGANIC label, you ensure not only that you are consuming tea that is healthy but also high-quality tea. Note that you have a choice between two categories of white teas:

  • Pai Mu Tan
    • Consisting only of buds and the first two leaves, Pai Mu tan white tea is also called white peony, as its flavor recalls the scent of peony.
  • Yin Zhen
    • Also called silver needles, this is the most prestigious and rarest of white teas, this tea primarily consists of unopened buds and its aroma is subtle and fresh.

Jasmine white tea is also very renowned. Among the most exclusive, JASMINE DRAGON PEARLS is an exceptional tea whose leaves are delicately hand-rolled into characteristic small balls. Among white tea producing countries, China is the main one. Chinese white tea is therefore the most authentic. But you will also find white teas from small farms particularly in Vietnam.

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