1. History and Origins: White tea originated in Fujian Province, China, and can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty. According to legend, white tea was discovered by farmers in Fujian who accidentally allowed picked tea leaves to wither and dry in the sun, without any processing. This natural drying process created the unique flavor of white tea, making it one of the closest tea types to the natural state of tea leaves.
2. Processing Method: The processing method of white tea is relatively simple and mainly involves picking, withering, and drying. White tea is not rolled, fermented, or pan-fired like other types of tea, preserving its natural state and nutritional components. It is usually made from fresh young buds or buds with one or two leaves, rather than mature tea leaves.
3. Appearance and Characteristics: The appearance of white tea can vary depending on the variety and processing method. Generally, white tea leaves have a pale or silvery-gray color, with intact leaf shapes and sometimes covered in fine hairs. White tea has a subtle and elegant aroma, and the tea liquor is usually light yellow or pale amber in color. It offers a refreshing and mild taste, often accompanied by floral, fruity, or honey-like notes.
4. Major Varieties of White Tea: White tea has several major varieties, and here are some of the most well-known ones:
- Silver Needle: Silver Needle is one of the most famous white tea varieties, originating from the Fuding region in Fujian, China. It is made from tender buds and features long and slender tea leaves with prominent silver-white hairs. Silver Needle has a delicate and fresh taste, a graceful aroma, and a light yellow tea liquor.
- White Peony: White Peony is one of the most representative white tea varieties, produced in the Fuding region of Fujian. It consists of fresh buds and one or two leaves, offering a floral aroma and a light and mellow flavor. The appearance of White Peony tea leaves resembles white peony petals, and the tea liquor has a light yellow color.
- Gong Mei: Gong Mei is a commonly found white tea variety, produced in Fuding, Fujian, and Jingdezhen, Jiangxi. It is made from one bud and one leaf, with flattened leaf shapes and slightly inward-curled tips. Gong Mei tea offers floral and fruity aromas, with a light yellow tea liquor.
- Shou Mei: Shou Mei is a special white tea variety produced in the Fuding region of Fujian. It is made from the tips of Shou Mei tea leaves, which are small and well-proportioned, covered in delicate hairs. Shou Mei tea has a fragrant and sweet taste, with a light yellow tea liquor.
- High Mountain White Tea: High Mountain White Tea is grown and produced in high-altitude areas, primarily in the Fujian and Yunnan provinces of China. Due to the high mountain climate and soil conditions, high mountain white tea has a unique aroma and taste, often carrying a refreshing and crisp note.
- Snow Sprout: Snow Sprout is a special white tea variety produced in the Fuding region of Fujian. It is made from extremely tender leaf buds, featuring slightly curled tea leaves covered in white fuzz. Snow Sprout offers a rich and mellow taste, a fresh floral aroma, and a light yellow tea liquor.
5. Brewing Method: When brewing white tea, it is recommended to use glass or white porcelain teaware. The water temperature should be around 80-85°C (176-185°F), and the steeping time is generally short, about 1-2 minutes. White tea can be steeped multiple times, with gradually increasing steeping time to gradually release the tea's aroma and flavor.
6. Health Benefits: White tea contains abundant tea polyphenols, amino acids, vitamins, and other nutrients, offering various health benefits. It is believed to have antioxidant, anti-aging, blood pressure-lowering, cardiovascular health-protecting, immune-boosting, and digestion-promoting effects.
7. Precautions: White tea generally has lower caffeine content and is suitable for sensitive individuals. However, individual tolerance to caffeine may vary, so it is advisable to consider personal circumstances when consuming white tea. Additionally, the quality and taste of white tea may change over time, so it is recommended to choose fresh tea leaves and store them properly.
