White Tea

White tea is popular for many reasons. It has a mild flavor that is slightly sweet, and can be blended with a variety of other elements to change the flavor. The leaves that are used to make white tea are the same white tea leaves used for green and black tea. The difference is in how the plant is processed. White tea usually comes from the buds of the plant before it has matured. Green tea and black tea comes from more mature areas of the plants. Once the buds are picked they are steamed, then dried. This lends to the more delicate flavor of white tea when compared to other teas.

Health Benefits

The benefits of white tea aren’t much different than those of other types of tea. White tea is rich in antioxidants, which helps to slow down the aging of cells. It has long been used as a way to keep skin looking fresh and youthful. Many people have found that a regular consumption can decrease the pain and itching associated with eczema.  It can also help increase metabolism. When used in combination with a good diet and exercise it can increase weight loss. White tea for weight loss is probably one of the most common reasons it’s purchased. Another benefit is that white tea has been found to strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay. When white tea is consumed regularly it can slow down the build up of plaque. Another useful benefit of white tea is it can help the body process sugar more effectively and lower glucose levels in the blood. For diabetics, this can be a great way to naturally help control the disease.

Types of White Tea

There are 4 main types of white tea available. The differences are in the way the plant is processed and the region the plants are found. The most commonly found white tea is the Noble variety, also known as Shou Mei. This type of tea has the strongest flavor of the different kinds. It is reminiscent of a pale oolong. With Noble white tea, the buds are allowed to get more mature than other varieties. This is what gives the tea it’s darker, bolder flavor. Another unique aspect of the Noble variety is that the buds are allowed to process naturally on the plant. The upper leaves of the plant and the tips are allowed to wither on their own before they are taken.

Tribute eyebrow, also known as Gong Mei, is becoming more popular. The term ‘eyebrow’ comes from the shape of the leaves that are used. With Tribute you can expect a full bodied tea. The leaves are plucked, and allowed to oxidize slightly before they are aged. It is sometimes over processed, and tends to be a lower quality tea. However, if you enjoy a slightly bitterer flavor tea this can be a cheap tea to keep on hand.

White peony white tea, also called Bai Mu Dan, is one of the lowest grade white teas. In this organic tea the buds are combined with the leaves. This adds to the flavor, but also adds to the processing. The only reason it’s considered a lower grade is because more leaves are used than buds. The benefits of this though can outweigh the fact that it’s a lower quality. It will cost less to keep this white tea on hand. It’s also a good tea to drink cold as well as hot. The flavor tends to be nutty with a hint of vanilla, so this is a good tea to mix with fruit flavors or drink straight.

Silver Needle white tea, also called Bai Hao Yinzhen, is the highest grade of white tea available. In fact, this is often considered a delicacy and can be expensive and hard to find. The buds used create a sweet, floral taste. Silver needle white tea needs to be consumed with in just a few months of processing to keep the freshness.

Blends

White tea can also be blended with other elements to change the flavor. It’s not uncommon to find fruits and flowers blended with this. Apricot white tea, rose white tea, and lavender white tea are all common and easy to find. Many different tea brands offer blends in bags that are easy to use. You can also find loose tea and blend your own white tea varieties.