Tea Types
Before we delve further into the differing types of tea it is important, and frankly quite surprising, to understand that all the different types of tea we drink in fact all comes from the same plant, the Camellia Sinensis.
The differing types of tea solely relates to how the leaf is processed, in order to take the picked leaf and convert it into the loose leaf (to brew the delicious tea we all know and love) it needs to go through a series of processes which include; oxidising, drying, rolling. But not all teas go through the same process, which influences its appearance and taste.
The main types of tea are:
- White,
- Green
- Oolong
- Black
- Pu’reh
White Tea:
In this post we will discuss the the least processed type of tea, which is probably the least well known- White Tea.
White teas are predominantly produced in the Fujian province of China, as well as in Taiwan. White Tea’s are renowned for their fresh and delicate flavours.
The processing of white tea comprises the careful identifying and plucking of the best young buds, when at their fullest.
The plucking of these leaves usually occurs at the first harvest in the spring- if the picking of the buds is too early they will not have fully developed, however picking them too late, and the buds will have begun to turn into leaves. Either way the tea will lose flavour.
To complicate the process further, the picking cannot be undertaken on a wet or dewy day as this moisture makes it much harder to dry the buds in the right amount of time- to ensure the right level of oxidation.
Once plucked the leaves are gently withered, usually by a combination of the sun and indoor withering.
It is sometimes thought, and wrongly so, that White Tea does not go through Oxidisation, but this is not strictly true, the tea makers will neither actively encourage or prevent the oxidation process.
As the tea will continue to change after the drying period it has to be stored perfectly, away from excess humidity, so that the buds stay “young”.
There is a meticulous process of identifying the best buds, producing and preparing them. For this reason White Tea it is highly sought after and as such can be highly priced.
There are 4 Main Types of white tea:
- Silver Needle– this is the highest grade of White Tea and comes from the Fujian Provence. It has a thick, sweet liquor full of florals and cream. The shape of Silver Needle tea leaves must be uniform with no stems or leaves. This is my personal favourite!
- White peony– is the next grading of White tea, it is made by combining young tea buds and leaves. It is the second most expensive (behind Silver Needle), but although being cheaper it has a stronger flavour with an elegant sweetness that a Silver Needle delivers but with added herbaceous depth.
- Gongmei (Tribute Eyebrow White Tea) – This could be viewed as the 3rd grading of White tea, behind Silver Needle and White Peony. It is usually picked in Autumn which is later than the picking of Silver Needle. The result is an even deeper sweetness and warmth, with less florals and more fruit coming through into the taste.
- Shou Mei (Long Life Eyebrow White Tea)– Is the final grade of White Tea, it is made using the lower quality leaves that are not of a high enough quality to become either Silver Needle or White Peony. The tea, like Tribute Eyebrow is picked in the last Spring harvest and has a deep, sweet and almost alcoholic notes of red fruits, dried herbs and leaves on the forest floor, which are stronger tasting than Silver Needle and White Peony.
How to Brew White Tea:
Quantity: Take 1 tea spoon of tea (0.6g)
Temperature: 70-85oc
- White tea should not be brewed with boiling water, as this will ‘burn’ the leaves and make the tea taste bitter
Steeping Time: 180 seconds (3mins)
White Tea leaves can be Steeped/ brewed 2 or 3 times without losing flavour. The second brew can be more flavourful than the first. For this reason, some White Tea drinkers will discard the first steeping and then re-steep, drinking the second. I am less picky and will happily drink both. I find it quite enjoyable identifying the more prominent flavours in the second steeping to the first.
I have only recently discovered the joys of White Tea. I wouldn’t say it is my first choice of tea variety, however on the right circumstances, usually on a warm spring or summer day when I have thirst, I will usually opt for a White or Green Tea. They are subtle in flavour but have a nice sweetness (particularly the Silver Needle I am currently drinking). If you have not experienced a White Tea before I would highly recommend giving one a whirl!
Potential Health Benefits of white tea
White tea has been consumed for centuries for medical purposes.
In ancient China White Tea was used as a cure for many illnesses and afflictions and these health benefits are still, claimed, true to this day (please note that the below claimed benefits of White Tea have been proposed by other third parties, these are not the findings of nor been researched by the Author, it is for the reader to do their own research as to the validity of the health claims made) :
The health benefits of tea are widely known, and arguably the most fundamental important benefit, which has been claimed for some time is that tea contains anti-oxidants which can help to slow free radicals- which lead to aging, diabetes, cancer and more. As White Tea undergoes a more careful harvest and reduced processing, than other teas, it may contain higher levels of antioxidants.
Caffeine – Caffeine although providing benefits like stimulating the brain and increased alertness, caffeine is a diuretic which causes the body to lose water and encourages dehydration. However, as with the antioxidants, because White Tea goes through reduced processing (compared to some other teas) White Tea have lower levels of caffeine, so the benefits of the caffeine are gained whilst reducing the effects of dehydration. Generally, White Tea caffeine level ranges between 32 and 37 mg per serving (230ml) in comparison coffee contains around 95mg, so 1 cup of White Tea contains about one third of the caffeine of coffee.
Strong bones – Research has shown that people who drink White Tea on a regular basis have a greater bone density than those who do not. So White Tea may be able to offset osteoporosis as well as provide relief from arthritis.
Stress reduction– White Tea can also promote a state of relaxation and can reduce the stress levels in the drinker. This is again in part to the reduced levels of caffeine in the tea and thus reducing some of the stimulant effects.
Protect teeth– White Tea has been shown to contain levels of Floride, catechins, and tannins- which can strengthen teeth and fight against bacteria.
So, as well as being light, refreshing and delicious the added health benefits make White Tea a go to brew. And well worth trying should you have not tried it before.
