Everything we need to know about white tea

What is white tea?

White tea is the least processed and therefore most delicate type of tea , created from the Camellia Sinensis plant. Its origin is Fuding, Fujian Province, Southeast China.

Nowadays, other regions of China, such as Yunnan or Guangxi, as well as major tea-producing countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Africa, and even Hawaii, have started their own and quite successful white tea productions.

High-quality white teas are harvested very early in the spring (also known as the First Flush), when small buds begin to sprout on the "dormant" tea bushes, finally "waking up" after the winter months.

The most expensive and most famous Chinese white tea is called " Silver Needle". It consists of young buds, so fine that they are still covered with fluffy white moss. This tea is picked by hand and very carefully, as whole buds are one of the main indicators of good quality.

White tea processing

1. Harvest

The highest quality white tea is hand-picked during early spring to mid-summer.

2. Drying

The drying process begins as soon as the tea leaves are picked and can sometimes last up to 3 days.

3. Dehydration

The leaves are dehydrated to reduce the water content to less than 5%.

White tea flavor

White tea is known for its soft and delicate flavor , which is often described as floral, fresh, fruity, with a hint of cucumber or melon. Some white teas are a bit fuller, with more nutty and earthy notes, as well as a sweet honey flavor.

See all types of white tea from Momenti.bg here .

It is important to mention that the taste of white tea varies significantly, depending on which parts of the tea plant are used (buds or leaves), as well as factors such as variety, location, weather, soil, processing, and even the temperature at which it is brewed.

Tips for brewing white tea

We generally recommend brewing white tea at around 75°C to avoid burning the leaves, which can in turn lead to an overly bitter taste in the tea.

However, if the white tea is of good quality, it is safe to steep it at a higher temperature (75°C – 95°C).

White tea and caffeine

First of all, it's important to note that higher temperatures and longer steeping times will result in more caffeine in your cup.

When it comes to white tea, the caffeine content varies significantly: 30 – 55 mg.

It has been found that young buds store the largest amount of caffeine within them.

Therefore, teas made from buds contain the highest amount of caffeine, while white teas, containing both buds and young leaves, have a lower caffeine content.

The big question is, if white tea contains a large amount of caffeine, why does it make us feel calm and relaxed?

The answer is this: the young leaves are also rich in L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and a calm state of mind. This counteracts the effects of caffeine, making you both focused and calm.

Benefits of white tea

1. Detox

White tea helps your body get rid of toxins by improving kidney and liver function .

2. Weight loss

Studies show that catechins found in white tea help burn fat cells and boost metabolism , promoting weight loss.

3. Memory improvement

White tea contains L-theanine, manganese, zinc, selenium, and catechins, which improve your memory.

4. Healthy skin and hair

White tea has antiseptic and antioxidant properties that protect the skin from cellular damage caused by free radicals. It also contains a catechin called EGCG, which keeps hair cells healthy, reducing hair loss and boosting growth.

5. Anti-aging effect

Free radicals in our body cause damage to the skin's DNA and can accelerate its aging. Don't worry! White tea is rich in polyphenols, which help neutralize these nasty free radicals and have anti-aging effects.

6. Strengthening the immune system

The catechins present in white tea help reduce inflammation, regulate the immune system , and increase resistance to infections.

7. Aids digestion

The flavonoids and antioxidants in white tea are known to stimulate bowel function and reduce gas . A cup of white tea can help relieve cramps and stomach acidity.

8. Lowering blood pressure

White tea contains catechins, saponins, theanine, and GABA, which may contribute to reducing high blood pressure .

9. Lowered cholesterol

Catechin, which is contained in white tea, can block the formation of bad LDL cholesterol , helping to prevent plaque formation in the arteries.

10. In diabetes

Catechins in white tea have been found to play an important role in the treatment and prevention of type 2 diabetes.

11. Reduces the risk of cancer

White tea has been found to contain the highest concentration of EGCG catechins, which have anti-cancer properties .

A few things to note:

1. Do not drink white tea for at least an hour after a meal if you suffer from anemia, as white tea interferes with the absorption of iron in the blood.
2. Consume less white tea if you are sensitive to caffeine.
3. Consult a doctor before consuming white tea if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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