White teas are among the best teas and are highly sought after by enthusiasts of this beverage for their unique and delicate taste and characteristics. The white teas for sale online at Terza Luna are in fact low in caffeine and rich in polyphenols and methylxanthines, making them powerful antioxidants. A recurring question in tea lovers' forums and blogs is "White tea, where to buy it?" as these rare Chinese teas are highly appreciated by enthusiasts but equally difficult to find.
White Tea: General Characteristics
The white tea (白茶) is a variety of tea cultivated and processed mainly in China, specifically in the Fujian province in the southeast of the country, although it has spread to other parts of the world, and is now also produced in Nepal, Taiwan, and Sri Lanka. White tea is considered a very precious tea, as it is obtained from the collection of the very first buds and most tender top leaves, and every process, from harvesting to processing, is done manually. It is therefore a very rare and expensive tea, a refined tea also called the "emperor's tea". This tea is highly appreciated for its antioxidant properties and its effect on metabolism, and it is also an excellent energizer: a tea for connoisseurs who can appreciate the subtle nuances of taste and organoleptic properties.
Processing
White tea is a partially oxidized tea (unlike black tea which is completely oxidized and green tea which is not oxidized at all) and is obtained from the buds of the tea plant, the Camellia Sinensis. The green leaves and unopened buds of the plant are hand-picked, and before being processed, they are left to dry in the natural sunlight, a process that prevents oxidation. It is important to avoid leaf oxidation, which darkens them as in black tea. White tea, like other teas, does not require a roasting or rolling phase, nor fermentation, as in Pu Erh tea, for example. The most important processing phase of white tea is precisely the cultivation and harvesting of tea leaves, which occurs twice a year, in April and September, and must be rigorous and meticulous to obtain a harvest (also called plucking) of the youngest buds and leaves. These still closed buds are covered with a whitish fuzz that gives this tea the name "white tea". The color of the infusion is instead a pale yellow. It is precisely the minimal processing and the choice of the most tender and delicate leaves and buds that give white tea such a delicate taste and allow the preservation of its properties. This tea in China is also used for 'art tea', the tea flowers that bloom in the cup.
Preparation of White Tea
White tea is a very precious tea, therefore the correct preparation is crucial to obtain a perfect infusion that preserves the organoleptic properties and aromas of such precious leaves. The white tea infusion has a yellow, pale or darker color depending on the variety, a delicate aroma, a floral aftertaste. It is recommended to use a ceramic teapot to prepare it.
How to prepare white tea:
- 2/3 grams of white tea
- 200 ml of water at 80°C
- Infusion time: 2-4 minutes
It is preferable to drink white tea as it is, without adding milk, sugar, or other sweeteners, as its flavor is extremely delicate.
Properties and Benefits of White Tea
White tea is a tea with many properties, and minimal processing allows to preserve its nutritional values to a greater extent compared to other teas. White tea is, among all teas, the richest in antioxidants, nutrients that protect the body from the attack of free radicals, the main culprits of aging. The presence of flavonoids also has beneficial effects on the body in various ways. Studies have analyzed the effect of white tea on bone tissue, highlighting its remineralizing properties that make it an ally in combating osteoporosis. White tea is also hypoglycemic, beneficial for the liver and sugar metabolism, and therefore for blood sugar levels. Also very important is the toning property, as drinking white tea helps the body gain energy and improve concentration.
Contraindications
There are no particular contraindications for white tea, but it is advisable not to abuse it as it could have negative effects on the central nervous system due to caffeine levels.
Varieties of White Tea
There are several varieties and also combinations and blends with white tea and other plants or fruits are very common because they combine properties and flavors, creating special aromas, such as the Spring Snow with rosebuds and orange peels, or the Renaissance, with vanilla, jasmine, and freeze-dried strawberries.
However, there are four main varieties of white tea, each with different characteristics:
- Pai Hai Yin Zhen: it is the most precious and also the rarest, obtained from the youngest buds, very delicate.
- Pai Mu Tan: the most well-known and widespread, this white tea is obtained from buds and apical leaves, slightly more intense than Pai Hai Yin Zhen.
- Shou Mei: obtained from the less young leaves that are discarded from the previous two teas.
- Gong Mei: obtained from specific plants and undergoes different processing.
White Tea, When to Drink It?
White tea is very light and offers numerous properties. White tea contains theine, but in smaller amounts than black tea, so it can be drunk in larger quantities than other types of tea, still paying attention to the various contraindications. How much white tea to drink? You can also drink 2-3 cups of white tea a day, paying attention to possible side effects. Given the theine content, it is preferable to avoid drinking white tea in the evening.
Storage
White tea should be stored in an airtight jar, and placed in a cool, dry, dark place.
White Tea: Where to Buy It?
At Terza Luna, we have selected the best qualities of white tea, from white tea obtained only from the most precious buds to blends and mixtures of green tea and white tea flavored with flowers and fruits, creating a unique blend of flavors. Buy white tea on Terza Luna easily and quickly and take advantage of free shipping over €35.
White Tea: Price
The price of white tea varies depending on the type: on Terza Luna, you can find the most precious white teas but also blends of white tea and green tea at affordable prices.
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