Tea is a hot, aromatic beverage produced by infusing the leaves of the carmellia sinansis plant in hot or boiling water for a specific period of time. Tea can be categorized as being white, green, oolong or black, despite being made from the same plant, depending on the curing and oxidation process its leaves have undergone prior to brewing.
White tea is the rarest of teas because it is made from the youngest of tea leaves. In fact, the very best white teas are produced from leaf buds that are picked within a two day period before they begin to transform. Unlike other kinds of teas, white tea leaves are neither cured (dried with hot air) nor oxidized (fermented by exposing the crushed leaves), but merely steamed. This all results in a tea that lacks the "grassy" flavor often associated with its cousin green tea not to mention the stronger, caffeinated taste of oolong and black. The flavor of white tea is, instead, typically described as sweet, silky, subtle and smooth. Organic white tea is tea that has been produced using ecologically friendly techniques. In order for it to meet the requirements to be labeled as organic it must have been grown and produced using no conventional pesticides, no chemical fertilizers and using renewable resources. It may not necessarily be of better quality or have a higher nutritional value than non - organically produced tea (though there is much to be said for the lack of pesticides), but it is at worst environmentally friendly.
Tea has been consumed for thousands of years in China where it is also a part of medical culture due to its numerous medicinal properties. The benefits of consuming white tea, thus, are very well known. Among its most popular we can find the following:
White tea is a tremendous source of antioxidants, promoting the elimination of free radicals and minimizing the non natural breakdown of the body's cells.
White tea is rich in catechin, which helps increase the metabolic rate and thus the elimination of calories.
White tea has proven to be effective in treating certain bacterial infections including pneumonia and dental cavities.
White tea has been found to boost the immune system, making it a great supplement for fighting infection.
White tea can help lower the stress hormone levels in the short and long term.
White tea has been found to contain the antioxidant epigallocatechin gallate, which doctors have studied due to its potentially anticarcinogenic properties, particularly when relating to lung, prostate and breast cancer.
White tea is a very mild sedative, as it contains calming and relaxing properties due to the amino acid theanine.
Because white tea is produced from the youngest leaves, high quality brews can be allowed to infuse for upwards of ten minutes in very hot (not boiling or the leaves will wither and the taste will become bitter) water. The tea leaves themselves are also reusable for up to three or sometimes four high quality infusions.
To learn more about the equipment needed to brew Loose Leaf Tea and how to use it, see out Tea Equipment section
Shop for Loose Tea, Teapots, and Accessories in our Loose Tea Shop
Tea is a hot, aromatic beverage produced by infusing the leaves of the carmellia sinansis plant in hot or boiling water for a specific period of time. Tea can be categorized as being white, green, oolong or black, despite being made from the same plant, depending on the curing and oxidation process its leaves have undergone prior to brewing.
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