Tea is one of the most famous beverages that people love having all around the world. Due to its popularity and taste, this beverage has been modified in flavor, color, and texture over the years. You can enjoy tea in numerous different blends and unique flavors. The most common tea has a strong taste and an amber color. Other famous flavors include green tea that has a grassy flavor with green color and chai tea that comes is prepared by adding some spices.
One of the most famous teas available is white tea. Discovered in China back in the 1700s, white tea is known to be the least processed of all types of teas. If you know about white tea, you might have an idea that this tea is among the most expensive teas. There could be numerous reasons behind its popularity like its delicate flavor as well as health benefits. Before discussing what white tea is like, let’s learn the details about white tea and the factors that make it so unique.
What is White Tea?
The origin of white tea goes back to the era of the 1700s when the people of China discovered the white tea plant varieties. From these plants, a loose-leaf version of white tea was made. Usually, white tea is harvested in Spring once every year. The fine and young buds and leaves are plucked from the white tea plant and are left in the sunlight to dry. As a result, we are able to enjoy the delicate flavor of this pale and golden beverage. As stated earlier, white is known to be the least processed teas of all types.
What does White Tea Taste Like?
White teas are still used for their rare, delicate, and pretty flavor and aroma, similar to ancient Chinese courtesans and emperors. In order to keep their delicacy pure, most white teas are hand processed and hand-picked to this day. In order to understand the taste, you cannot compare white tea with other typical forms of teas, such as green tea or black tea. It is an entirely different kind of tea with a unique aroma and taste. Nevertheless, this tea can be a great option for early afternoon brunch while reading your favorite book.
Some common attributes associated with this tea include grassy, floral, fruity, subtle, sweet, and delicate. It is considered to be one of the most refreshing teas available that can be enjoyed at any time. A vegetal light flavor with sweet honey notes can be expected from white tea.
The buds and leaves are plucked from the plant when they are quite young. Next, these leaves and buds are oxidized for turning the tea into a healthy and clean beverage. This tea is considered to be a natural source of antioxidants. It indicates that the tea is likely to have anti-aging properties. You will also find fruity and floral flavor in white tea. Some of the famous flavors include honeydew, apricot, lavender, grape, melon, chocolate, and citrus.
Types of White Tea:
Now that you have some idea about what white tea tastes like, here are some of the unique types of white teas that you can try out.
Silver Needle (Bai Hao Yinzhen)
Considered as the gold standard of white teas, Bai Hao Yinzhen is among the most common teas that are produced in one of the provinces of China namely, Fujian. However, it can also be found in Yunnan and numerous other parts of the world.
It can be prepared by using silver-colored buds 30 mm in length. Camellia sinensis plant has a Da Baj variety that is commonly used for preparing most silver needle white teas. When it comes to the flavor, silver needle white tea features a light and sweet flavor and golden color. Furthermore, it has an overall rich and woodsy body along with a floral aroma.
White Peony (Bai Mu Dan):
This type of tea is prepared by using young leaves and buds. The affordability of white Peony is a unique characteristic that might give it an edge over silver needles. However, there is no compromise on taste even after a lower price. White Peony is prepared by using only the top two leaves of every tea plant shoot, according to the rule of thumb
When it comes to the taste, this tea tastes stronger than the Silver Needle tea. Its color is also different from the silver needle as it features a pale green color. Moreover, white peony tea offers a little nutty aroma along with an aftertaste.
Tribute Eyebrow (Gong Mei)
Like the above-mentioned teas, Tribute Eyebrow is also produced in Fujian and Guangxi. It is also known to be the third-highest grade among white teas. Unlike Silver Needle, Tribute Eyebrow is harvested later and features a bold flavor. Furthermore, Gong Mei contains a fruity flavor that might feel just like oolong tea.
Long Life Eyebrow (Shou Mei):
Shou Mei is primarily produced in China. To make this tea, white peony harvests and low-quality leaves are considered as leftovers after the Silver Needles are used. It is also mainly cultivated in the Fujian and Guangxi provinces of China. The harvest of Long Life Eyebrow occurs later than Silver Needle and White Peony white teas. As a result, this tea is darker and stronger.
Benefits of White Tea:
White tea is not only famous for its soothing appearance and light taste, but it also has several health benefits. For instance, this tea is considered to be enriched with antioxidants. It contains plenty of catechins, a type of polyphenol. It is known to have antioxidant properties that keep cells safe from damage by compounds known as free radicals. According to some sources, polyphenols that are found in white teas can actually mitigate the risk of developing heart diseases. Moreover, the presence of catechins, fluoride, and tannins can be helpful in strengthening your teeth.
Final Words:
We hope that our guide regarding what white tea tastes like was helpful to you. Now that you have learned the best flavor of white tea, you know what to look for while trying out this unique beverage. Considering the health benefits, it might become your next favorite drink to have at any time.
