We know tea and its many benefits. Green tea, rooibos, black tea, Oolong... but white tea, what exactly is it? It's true that organic white tea isn't always part of our collection, and for good reason. Between its rarity, its unique composition, its very short harvest window and its delicate processing, white tea remains a premium tea, considerably more costly than traditional varieties. But what is white tea, exactly?
Unlike other teas, white tea is made primarily from still-closed buds, along with the two young leaves just beneath them. It follows that the number of buds on a Camellia sinensis (the tea plant) is far lower than the number of leaves that can be harvested for other teas. White tea is gathered from tea bushes that have reached at least five years of maturity. The harvest, carried out entirely by hand, takes place only once a year, during the first three days of spring. The name "white tea" comes from the silver-white down covering the bud at harvest time, which turns pale as it dries. Finally, compared to other teas, white tea undergoes only two processes: withering and desiccation (a drying process that halts oxidation). This minimal handling allows organic white tea to retain a high concentration of polyphenols, natural antioxidants.
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Where does white tea come from?
Rooted in pure Chinese tradition, white tea originates from the coastal province of Fujian, in the south-east of the People's Republic of China. Fuding, Zhenghe and Jianyang are the three regions most celebrated for their white tea production. Since then, Japan, India, Sri Lanka and several African countries have also become white tea producers, each with their own subtly different character. Climate plays an essential role in shaping the flavour profile of each tea. Low in caffeine, white tea is distinguished by its delicate, gently floral aroma and its remarkable thirst-quenching quality. Made essentially from closed buds and the two youngest leaves, white tea requires less handling than other loose-leaf teas. As a result, its purity remains intact, lending it undeniable medicinal properties. It is an excellent ally against viruses and bacteria, and is also ideal as a detox cure to support drainage and elimination. A powerful antioxidant, white tea is particularly rich in vitamins C and E, fluoride, polyphenols (which offer protection against cancer and cardiovascular disease) and flavanols (antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds).
The history of white tea
All teas, whatever their variety or colour, come from a single plant: Camellia sinensis. It is the work applied to the harvested leaves that determines the flavour and colour of the final tea. White tea stands apart from all others in two important ways. It is made from the unopened buds of the tea bush, and its transformation requires only two steps before packaging: withering, which involves naturally dehydrating the tea over several hours or days, and drying, once done over a wood fire and now carried out mechanically under close supervision. White tea is particularly delicate and highly prized among tea lovers. There are two main types of white tea:
- Silver Needles (unopened buds only)
- Bai Mu Dan (buds and the two youngest leaves of the stem)
It is the only tea that is handled so minimally, and that is steeped in gently warmed water to preserve all of its flavour and qualities.
"It is said that tea infusion has existed for more than 5,000 years. Legend has it that Emperor Shen Nong was waiting for boiled water to cool before drinking it, when tea leaves fell into the pot and began to steep. The Emperor tasted the brew, finding it delicious and wonderfully refreshing."
Jasmine white tea
Made primarily from Silver Needle buds, organic jasmine white tea owes its distinctive character to jasmine, through a careful and artisanal process. During jasmine's flowering season, the blossoms are meticulously picked at night, when their fragrance is at its most intense, and placed in direct contact with the buds for seven days. The flowers are then removed by hand, and the white tea is packaged, carrying with it all the depth and delicate fragrance of jasmine.
Pai Mu Tan white tea
Pai Mu Tan, or Bai Mu Dan, meaning "white peony", is the purest expression of traditional white tea. The buds and the first two leaves just below them are picked by hand, exclusively during the first three days of spring. The bud must be fully mature yet still closed, which means the harvest must happen with remarkable speed. Softly rounded in character, its gently floral and fruity scent gives way to a delicate woody finish on the palate.