Tea: How Do You Drink White Tea?

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Article Title:

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Tea: How Do You Drink White Tea?

Article Description:

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Tea is the world's most popular beverage, next to water. But,

some people are still fairly new to tea drinking, and are still

learning the popular varieties and deciding which ones are they

like best.

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875 Words; formatted to 65 Characters per Line

Distribution Date and Time: 2007-05-21 10:36:00

Written By: Jon M. Stout

Copyright: 2007

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Tea: How Do You Drink White Tea?

Copyright © 2007 Jon M. Stout

Golden Moon Tea

http://www.GoldenMoonTea.com

Tea is the world's most popular beverage, next to water. But,

some people are still fairly new to tea drinking, and are still

learning the popular varieties and deciding which ones are they

like best.

One of the tea varieties that's most popular today is white tea.

White tea comes from the same plant as black and green teas, the

camellia sinensis. What makes white tea different is when it is

harvested and how it's processed. White tea is harvested much

earlier than other teas, before the leaves are fully open.

At this point in the growing process, the tea buds are still

covered by fine white hair, which is why it's referred to as

white tea. Unlike other types of tea, both buds and leaves are

used in white tea. White tea undergoes very little processing,

and is not fermented. The leaves are simply steamed (or

occasionally fired) and then dried. Sometimes, tea harvesters

will even steam the leaves right in the field, and then let them

dry in the sun.

Fewer people are familiar with white tea in part because over the

years there's been far less white tea grown and processed than

other teas. In fact, many years ago white tea was reserved for

use at the highest tea ceremonies, and was considered tea for the

elite.

Even today, less white tea is grown in the world than other types

of tea. However, as it gains popularity, it's likely that more

of a tea garden's harvest may be devoted to white tea. However,

at least for now, white tea is rarer than black and green teas,

and therefore more expensive.

White tea is a very healthy beverage. Because it undergoes very

little processing, white tea retains its anti-oxidants. In fact,

it's estimated that white tea contains an even higher and more

effective anti-oxidant level than green tea. There have been very

few studies on white tea's ability to prevent and help treat

disease.

However, since white tea's anti-oxidants are similar to those of

green tea, about which much research exists to suggest health

benefits, it's assumed that white tea carries those same

benefits. Green tea's anti-oxidants have been shown to fight

diseases like cancer, heart disease and high cholesterol. In

addition, white tea has been shown to boost your immune system,

improving your body's ability to fight diseases, particularly

infections.

So, What Does It Taste Like?

White tea is paler in color and has less aroma than black and

green tea. Its flavor is light and slightly sweet. You won't

find a white tea with the bold flavors you can find in black and

green teas. If brewed properly, it has no bitterness and no after

taste. In addition, it lacks the grassy flavor that you often

find in green tea.

How to Brew

You'll brew white tea in much the same way as black or green

tea. Use fresh, cold tap water, or filtered water. Put the water

in a clean tea kettle and put it on the stove to heat. While the

water is heating, put hot tap water into your teapot to warm it

up. Bring the water to a boil and then remove it from the heat

for sixty seconds.

White tea should be brewed with water that is somewhere between

170 and 185° F. By bringing the water to a boil and then letting

it sit for one minute, you should ensure just the right

temperature for white tea.

During this sixty second lull, remove the hot tap water from your

teapot and add the white tea leaves. White tea is less dense and

compact than black and green tea, so you'll need to use more.

Begin with two teaspoons per cup as a starting point, adjusting

to your taste.

White tea should be steeped for about 5-8 minutes, depending upon

your taste. It will be pale; don't expect it to gain the color

you're used to seeing with black tea. Read the steeping

directions carefully, white tea's steeping recommendations can

vary greatly. There are even some white teas that should be

steeped for up to 15 minutes.

Because of its slightly sweet flavor, it's recommended that you

not sweeten white tea. In fact, tea connoisseurs suggest that

white tea be consumed without any additives for best flavor. In

addition to being delicious hot, white tea is also very good

iced.

As you experiment with white tea, you'll find varieties you

particularly enjoy. Some will have a bit more of a flower flavor

and some will be fuller bodied than others, though none will

match the body of a black or green tea.

As you get to know white tea, buy just a little of a variety

until you decide whether or not it's right for you. Since white

tea (particularly in loose form) is so expensive, it's not wise

to buy a large quantity until you know whether or not you'll

like it.

White tea is available today in bag form and ready to drink

bottles, as well. However, nothing matches the flavor of brewing

a cup of white tea at home from loose tea leaves and drinking it

while it's still steaming. Give white tea a try; you're sure to

love its sweet and refreshing flavor.

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Jon M. Stout is Chairman of the Golden Moon

Tea Company. For more information about tea,

(http://www.goldenmoontea.com/greentea)

green tea (http://www.goldenmoontea.com/blacktea)

and black tea go to http://www.goldenmoontea.com