White tea is a special type of tea with no strong taste and is almost caffeine-free. It is named White tea due to the white downy hairs present on the young leaves and stems, which prevent insects from attacking the newly-grown tea plants.
It is harvested in the early months of spring and is made up of buds and young leaves. Due to its limited availability, white tea is more expensive than other types.
How to Brew White Tea?
The preparation of white tea is easy, but the following steps will keep its color, taste, and aroma intact.
Step 1- Measure the Tea
Take 2 teaspoons of loose-leaf white tea or a 3g tea bag per cup of water. Because white tea leaves are not as compact as other teas, you should use a little more than with other teas.
Step 2- Heat the Water
Boil fresh water, but do not use it immediately. Allow it to cool to around 76-85°C. Heat can burn the tea leaves, and boiling water destroys the taste of the tea.
Step 3- Warm the Teapot
While the water is boiling, wash your teapot with hot water and then empty it.
Step 4- Pour Tea Leaves
Pour your weighed tea into the warmed teapot. When it is the right temperature, pour the hot water over the tea leaves in the teapot.
Step 5- Steep the Tea
Add hot water to the tea leaves and allow them to steep for 3-5 minutes. To achieve a more concentrated flavor, you can steep the tea for up to 8 minutes, but it is very important to avoid over-cooking the tea.
Step 6- Strain and Serve
Once steeped, strain the leaves and enjoy. You can drink it plain or add honey or lemon.
What Is Special About White Tea?
Now you know the basics about “What is white tea?” let’s dive a little deeper and see what makes it so special.;
Rich in Antioxidants
White Tea has antioxidants to act against free radicals that cause negative aging and other diseases, including Alzheimer’s, diabetes and cancer. So, white tea is a powerful kind of tea in helping to fight such radicals.
Skin Health
One of the main causes of skin issues is UV rays from the sun. White tea's antioxidants are more powerful than those in other types, so they protect your skin from harmful rays that can otherwise cause skin cancer.
It not only protects from sunlight but also keeps your skin healthy and young for a long period, reducing the signs of aging, such as wrinkles and pigmentation.
Low Caffeine
All tea types act as energy boosters, but you shouldn’t exceed the suggested daily limits. White tea has a low caffeine level, so it provides energy without giving you any jittery effects.
Natural Processing Method
White tea is a pure and natural drink. Other tea types undergo many processing methods and contain chemicals, but white tea is available in its pure form because its source is young leaves and buds.
How Do You Store White Tea?
We recommend the following important points for storing white tea at home
Always keep your white tea in an airtight container.
- Keep it away from sunlight, as it can affect its quality
- White tea must be kept away from fragrances, perfumes, cleaning, and cooking smells because it can absorb them.
- Store in a cool, dry place like a cupboard.
- Use within 24 months for the best flavor.