White Tea

What is White Tea?

Most essential is to establish what White Tea is made of and how it finds its way into your morning cup. These leaves come from the same place as Black, Green and Oolong Tea: The Camellia sinensis (Tea) plant.

The difference between each type happens at the factory. White Tea, in particular, undergoes only a minimal amount of processing, which has a significant influence on its taste and character.

Workers first wither the Loose Leaf Tea before allowing it to oxidise for an exceptionally short period. This prevents it from experiencing the chemical change to its structure that most associate with Black Tea.

The result is that it retains the vast majority of its natural qualities, including its antioxidants. In fact, as White Tea is the least processed type, it has more antioxidants than ever-popular Green Tea.

Different Varieties of White Tea Leaves

A good rule of thumb is that White Tea consists of leaves that haven’t fully unfurled yet, during which time the buds are still young. It’s worth noting, too, that the name of the Tea stems not from the light colour of the liquor but the silvery pekoe (hairs or dust) that grow on these unopened buds. However, there are also several different varieties of White Tea leaves.

Silver Needle Tea (also known as “Ying Zhen Tea”) is what most would consider a top-grade type. This is because it uses only the very top buds (leaf shoots) of the plant.

Then there is White Peony Tea (Bai Mu Dan), a supposed middle-grade Tea which is arguably one of the most popular. Finally, Shou Mei is the product of the upper leaf and tips, one that bears a closer resemblance to Oolong Tea.

A Brief History of Loose Leaf White Tea

But where did it all begin? Legend has it that an ancient Chinese emperor named Shennong was the man Who Discovered Tea some 5,000 years ago.

While the story goes that he stumbled upon Green Tea, others would argue that it was, in reality, White Tea. Early records suggest that an almost “prototype” White Tea came into existence during the Chinese Tang Dynasty (616-906 CE).

The first reference nevertheless didn’t appear until the Song Dynasty (906-1127 CE), featuring in the book “Treatise on Tea,” written by Emperor Huizong himself.

This period saw its consumption reserved only for royalty and dignitaries of the Emperor’s court. It was also late arriving in the West. Evidence indicates that it first came in 1876 – we’re simply glad that it got here eventually.

White Tea Caffeine Content

Does White Tea have caffeine? And, if so, does it or Green Tea have more caffeine? You’ll know by now that it is the least processed type and, as a result, has the highest level of antioxidants in the world of Leaf Tea.

It might sound somewhat odd on the surface, but the fact that it undergoes only minimal processing likewise means that it has the lowest caffeine levels.

But it does, indeed, have caffeine. This stimulating chemical compound famously gets us out of bed in the morning. It functions by blocking adenosine, a neurotransmitter that relaxes the brain. The result is the opposite: Caffeine makes you feel more energised and less sleepy.

The average serving of Loose Leaf White Tea will contain 15-mg of caffeine, making it an excellent alternative should you need to cut down.

Drinking White Loose Tea While Pregnant

Some of those wanting to lower their caffeine intake might well be expecting mothers. According to NHS Choices, pregnant women should limit how much they consume to 200-mg daily. How many cups of White Tea a day is that?

Allow us to show you on a broader scale. It is equivalent to two cups of Fresh Coffee, four cups of Black Tea, five cups of Oolong, six cups of Green Tea and eight cups of White Tea.

It isn’t all good news. Research conducted in 2007 suggests that some chemical compounds within inhibit folic acid intake, a B vitamin that helps prevent congenital disabilities.

This might cause complications during pregnancy, however rare it might be. We would urge you to seek medical consultation should you have any concerns. But now comes the time for the “real” good news: White Tea Benefits.

Health Benefits of White Tea

Is White Tea as good as Green Tea when it comes to its health benefits? The truth is that it’s better. This is where its antioxidants come into play. Antioxidants combat free radicals in the body, which in turn slows oxidative stress. The process works on a molecular level to reduce the risk of developing a multitude of chronic conditions from heart disease to type-2 diabetes to even, potentially, cancer.

And that’s just the beginning. According to a 2009 study published in Nutrition and Metabolism, White Tea promotes weight loss. It improves skin health, too, according to a study conducted by Kensington University in London.

Then, there is evidence from a 2013 meta-analysis published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition indicating that it balances blood sugar levels.

How to Make White Tea

All that’s left, it would seem, is to show you how to make White Tea. You’ll first need to decide between Tea Bags and Loose Tea, the latter of which will require a Tea Filter or Infuser.

When to drink White Tea is up to you as, really, it makes for a delight no matter the time. Just follow the instructions below to start indulging in delicate grassy flavours and the health benefits of drinking White Tea:

1. Put Loose Leaf Tea into a Tea Infuser or Filter.
2. Place the accessory in a mug or cup.
3. Boil fresh water and allow it to cool to temperatures between 80 and 90°C.
4. Infuse for 1 to 3 minutes.

How to Serve: Consider honey or lemon. Alternatively, serve without accompaniments.