White tea is a lightly oxidized tea grown
and harvested primarily in China, mostly in the
Fujian and Zhejiang province. More recently it is grown in
Taiwan, India, Northern Thailand and Eastern
Nepal.
White tea comes from the buds and leaves of the
Camellia sinensis plant. The leaves and buds are allowed to
wither in natural sunlight before they are lightly processed to
prevent oxidation or further tea processing.
The name "white tea" derives from the fine
silvery-white hairs on the unopened buds of the tea plant, which
gives the plant a whitish appearance. The beverage itself is not
white or colourless but pale yellow.
Types of White Tea
There are four main varieties of white tea: Silver Needle, White Peony, Long Life Eyebrow, and Tribute Eyebrow.
Silver Needle (Baihao Yinzhen)
The finest white tea, made only of silvery white buds. Beautiful to behold and delightful to drink. It is the most famous white tea, with a delicate, light, and slightly sweet flavor. Our personal favorite.
White Peony (Bai Mudan)
Next highest in quality, White Peony consists of buds and leaves. The best White Peony Bai Mudan Tea has both bud and leaf covered in silvery white hair. It tends to have a stronger taste and darker color than Silver Needle.
Long Life Eyebrow (Shou Mei)
A lower rank white tea, Long Life Eyebrow is made from leaves left over after the Silver Needle and White Peony harvest.
