White Tea

White Tea became popular during the Ming's Dynasty in China.White Tea is produced mainly in the Fujian province of China and only consists of the most tender leaf buds from immature tea leaves that are picked shortly before the buds have fully opened, that are covered in silvery, down-covered hairs.These leaves can only be picked during 3 days of every year in early spring.

White tea is the least processed tea with a very delicate flavor and has the highest antioxidant levels.It is considered as the supreme Drink of Health.The leaf buds are not rolled and very slightly oxidized.

White tea has a very mild flavor with natural sweetness, velvet-like in smoothness with little of the grassy undertones similar to that of green tea.

                                       Pic Courtesy:IslandTeaShop

                           

Health Benefits of White Tea:

White tea protects against cancer, heart disease, and stroke.

It reduces blood sugar and help prevent and alleviate the symptoms of diabetes. It reduces stress and increases energy.

It eases the symptoms of illness and promotes recovery.

White tea strengthens the circulatory and immune systems.

White tea contains small amounts of fluoride and other nutrients which keeps the teeth strong and healthy

By thinning the blood, lowering blood pressure, and reducing cholesterol, white tea protects the heart and the entire circulatory system.

Researchers have also discovered that people who drink 2 or more cups of tea a day are almost 50% less likely to die after suffering a heart attack. White tea is truly a remarkable heart tonic.

How to Brew White Tea:

Like green tea, white tea is best brewed with pure water that is very hot, but not boiling. For stronger flavor, steep for a few minutes longer.Recommended time is 5 to 8 minutes for the first steeping is generally recommended, with another 2 to 3 minutes for each additional cup. Use 2 teaspoons of loose-leaf tea per cup.If the water is too hot, the tea will be scalded, causing it to become bitter and astringent.

White Tea vs Green Tea vs Black Tea:

In terms of medicinal and health properties, white tea is the best followed by green, Oolong and the least rated is black tea.

Black tea’s popularity is based on its wide acceptance and consumption in Europe, America and Africa, while green tea’s popularity stems from its medicinal and health benefits. green tea has twice the amount of antioxidants compared to black tea per serving.

The catechin content in green tea is three times higher than in black tea. This makes green tea superior to black tea in health and medicinal properties.

Since white tea is less processed, it retains a higher amount of antioxidants, compared to green.

Green tea contains around 20g of caffeine, compared to white that has around 15g. In comparison, black tea contains around 45mg.

Considering white tea contains more antioxidants and less caffeine, white tea would be an even healthier choice.