Rooted in ancient Chinese culture, organic white tea is among the rarest, most refreshing and most refined teas in the history of tea. Yet, just like green tea, rooibos or black tea, white tea is harvested from the Camellia Sinensis plant. What sets it apart is that white tea is picked just once a year in China's Yunnan province, using only buds and young shoots. These undergo minimal processing, keeping oxidation levels extremely low. That is why the benefits of white tea are so widely recognized. Steeping white tea releases its tannins and reveals a unique, subtle flavour that earns it a place as one of the finest teas to enjoy throughout the day. That said, like all good things, moderation matters. Three to four cups a day is more than enough to enjoy everything this tea has to offer.
The powerful antioxidants found in white tea's flavonoids and catechins are, even more so than in green tea, genuinely good for you. Valued in Chinese medicine as a natural remedy and supported by scientific research, regular consumption of white tea has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, help manage cholesterol levels and support blood sugar balance. It also helps eliminate cancer cells, offering some protection against cancers such as lung and prostate cancer, while reducing the risk of degenerative diseases. Drinking white tea can also support weight management and slow cellular ageing. In short, the health benefits of white tea are plentiful, and we will look at when to drink white tea throughout your day to make the most of all its properties.
White tea in the morning or white tea in the evening?
When thinking about when to drink white tea, is it better in the morning or the evening? Start by enjoying white tea first thing in the morning. For the best experience, it is worth choosing a high-quality organic loose-leaf white tea. White tea is a wonderful natural detoxifier, helping to cleanse the body by flushing out the waste and toxins processed overnight. Another reason to drink white tea in the morning is that it acts not as a stimulant in the sharp sense, but as a gentle energiser. It softly activates the central nervous system, sharpening alertness without causing the jittery feeling associated with coffee. Finally, because theine is absorbed more slowly than caffeine, its active compounds and energising effects are felt gradually and steadily throughout the day.
Can you drink white tea in the evening?
Many people wonder when to drink white tea and assume evenings are off-limits. In fact, while theine and caffeine come from the same molecule, they behave differently in the body. The theine content in white tea is minimal, and thanks to its polyphenols, a portion of the theine is not even absorbed. Since around 60% of white tea's theine is released within the first 20 seconds of steeping, you can simply discard that first water to reduce it further. Drinking white tea in the evening is therefore perfectly fine before bed. Much like an herbal infusion, a warm cup in the evening can bring a sense of calm and comfort, setting you up for a restful night's sleep.
Can you drink white tea with meals?
If you find yourself at an Asian restaurant, you will likely enjoy a fine white tea alongside your meal. However, it is not generally recommended to drink white tea habitually with meals, as tea and iron do not always get along. Iron is essential to the body, and since we cannot produce it ourselves, we rely entirely on food sources. Tea has the effect of reducing iron absorption by up to 70%. So, when asked when to drink white tea, the honest answer is: any time of day, with one caveat. People with iron deficiency, as well as vegetarians and vegans, are advised to avoid drinking white tea with meals. In those cases, enjoy your cup at least an hour before eating or an hour after.
Drinking white tea between meals helps curb hunger
Most of us feel a dip in energy around 10 in the morning and again at 4 in the afternoon. This mid-morning or mid-afternoon slump often comes down to the fact that a previous meal has been fully digested and the body is looking for a boost to carry it through to the next one. That is usually when snacking temptation strikes. A cup of white tea makes an excellent appetite suppressant. So do not hold back: it can help you manage your weight naturally and pleasantly. What's more, the afternoon tea break is one of the finest moments to fully appreciate the delicate flavours of white tea and take a quiet, well-deserved pause.
Explore our range of organic white teas: Pai Mu Tan, Yin Zhen Silver Needles, Anji Bai Cha and our flavoured blends. Certified organic, direct sourcing.