White tea has a delicate, bright flavor. It’s also less processed than green, oolong, and black teas. The leaves are withered, rather than quickly heated like they are in other types of tea. As a result, white brewed tea has more antioxidants and polyphenols than the others—and is best enjoyed with honey and sugar or milk instead of ice cubes.
However, white tees aren’t always made from white (or yellow) tea leaves due to the way producers determine what counts as “white” versus “green”. One company may refer to a slightly yellowed cup as “white” iced green tea while another will call a lightly oxidized cup of dark brew “white”.
Some call it a slight variation in the processing, while others prefer to label it as a new style of tea.Most white teas are subtly sweet and lightly floral—athough top-selling brands like Yerba Buena tend to be more aromatic than that of their black counterparts.
Short History of White Tea
White tea is a variety of tea made from the buds, or florets, of the white spring green tea plant. The most well-known and produced type is Bai Hao Cha Xi in China which has been around for centuries.
It was first produced by Emperor Qianlong in 1752 for his personal use when he visited Japan and received a sample from the Japanese emperor.
He was so impressed he ordered large amounts of it as gifts to his subjects until it became very popular throughout Asia among all classes and eventually Europe.
Today this particular type of tea is mostly consumed during breakfast or as an alternative to black tea in afternoon teas because of its caffeine content that ranges between 3-5%.
Types of White Tea
White tea is an unfermented tea, meaning it has not been exposed to any kind of heat or oxidation. This type of tea is prized for its delicate flavor and aroma.
A majority of white teas are grown in China, with a few exceptions from Japan and countries in South America. The three most popular types of white tea are Silver Needle from Fujian province in China, White Peony from Hunan province in China, and Bai Hao Yin Zhen (or “Silver Needle”) from Anhui province in China. Silver Needle and White Peony are both made of the same leaf, but Silver Needle is not allowed to be blended, mixed or flavored with any other leaf.
White teas are more difficult to manufacture than black or oolong teas. The tea leaves that make white tea undergo an extra processing step known as “kill green.” This process stops the natural withering process while the leaves are still green. This allows the leaves to remain fresh and crisp when they otherwise would become brittle and brown.
The delicate flavor of white tea comes from its slow growth rate and shorter oxidation time before it is picked from the bush.
Benefits of White Tea
White tea is one of the most popular types of tea, but it’s often overlooked as a type. Its delicate flavor and light color make it a favorite for those who want something different from black, green, and oolong varieties.
White tea has a subtle sweetness that comes with strong notes full of antioxidants and minerals like calcium. It’s also said to reduce the risk of developing certain cancers such as colon cancer or lung cancer due to the presence of carcinogenic poisons in its leaves.
Here are the health benefits of white tea and how you can use it to improve your well-being.
Boosts Immunity
White tea is said to boost the immune system and seeks to fight off infections possible through its high levels of antioxidants. Antioxidants may also help control blood pressure by making blood vessels more flexible, which results in better circulation. They play a big role in promoting cell renewal, which is why white tea is believed to provide a youthful skin that looks young for a longer time. It’s also great for preventing certain types of cancer because of its potential to destroy pre-cancerous cells that may alter the DNA or cause mutations that lead to cancer.
Prevents Bad Breath
The antimicrobial properties of white tea are said to kill off the bacteria that cause foul breath. It’s often recommended by dentists to patients who have bad breath or gum problems. This is where the saying “a cup of white tea a day keeps bad breath away” comes from.
Prevents Constipation, Diarrhea, and Digestive Problems
White tea contains tannic acid which is believed to firm up loose stool, making it easier for you to pass. This makes it a great remedy when you’re suffering from constipation or diarrhea because it will help soothe the lining of your digestive tract and make your stool firmer and less watery. It can also be taken as tea during meal times to help prevent acid reflux, indigestion and gas.
Improves Health of Skin and Hair
Aside from the antioxidants that promote cell renewal, white tea is a rich source of minerals like calcium and zinc. The combination of the two helps maintain healthy skin, nails, and hair. It’s also believed to be good for preventing acne or eczema or reducing the appearance of scars you already have because it contains exfoliating properties. It’s often used in some skin care products as an ingredient because of this property, so it might not hurt to try drinking some every now and then if you’re looking for a natural way to improve your skin’s health.
Promotes Weight Loss
Studies have shown that white tea may help people lose a few pounds. This is because, as mentioned earlier, it helps your digestive system stay healthy and you’ll be more likely to eat less, which will help you shed some pounds. For those who want to keep the weight off, drinking white tea regularly serves as a natural appetite suppressant. It may also help with reducing weight by fighting off fat cells as well.
Reduces Stress and Tension
White tea is said to have calming effects on the nervous system, making it a great alternative for those that have trouble falling asleep. Many people also take it before going to bed because it relaxes their minds and relieves tension.
Reduces Depression
Scientists found that white tea may help those who are suffering from depression by reducing the amount of the stress hormone cortisol in their bodies. Cortisol is linked to depression for a good reason—it’s responsible for triggering symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, and moodiness. By decreasing its levels, you can fight off these symptoms. The success of white tea in this regard has led many people to use it as an antidepressant.
Prevents and Fights Cancer
You may be wondering if white tea can help prevent cancer. It’s been found that the polyphenols in white tea have the ability to hinder the growth of certain types of cancer cells and destroy them. This includes breast cancer, liver cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, mouth and esophageal cancers, bladder cancers, ovarian cancers and even skin cancers. Some studies have also found that chemicals in this variety of tea stop the development of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow.
Chemicals Used in White Tea
Teas such as green teas, oolong teas, and black tea are made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis. When these leaves are dried, the tea is called white tea. In addition to Chinese culture, white tea is also consumed in the United States. The chemicals used in white tea are polyphenols which have been found to have health benefits. The levels of polyphenols found in white teas range from 0.6 to 2.6 mg per cup and have been shown to act as antioxidants and may help prevent certain types of cancer such as colon cancer in humans and prostate cancer cells metastasis (Tsubakitani et al., 2004). White tea can be enjoyed by people of all age groups due to its overall health benefits.
Steeping White Tea
Tea lovers should not overlook the simple act of steeping white tea. Doing so will yield an amazing flavor and excellent health benefits for you!
White tea is best steeped at 180 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-3 minutes before it should be consumed or else it will become bitter and lose its delicious flavor.
Just 10 minutes before steeping, pour boiling water into a white tea infuser and allow the tea leaves to soak up the hot water. While you are waiting for your tea to steep, you may want to add in some honey or agave nectar. If you drink your tea plain, add a slice of lemon or an orange wedge for a fresh and flavorful twist!
