White tea is wilted and unoxidized. In order to produce white tea the fresh tea leaves need to be withered and dried with air. This is why white tea is considered minimally processed. White tea leaves are usually not rolled or pressed. It is generally considered lighter than most green tea and black (red) tea types.
Examples for white tea types
- Bai Mudan (White Peony)
- Shou Mei tea (Sow Mee, Longevity Eyebrow)
- Baihao Yinzhen (White Hair Silver Needle, Silver Needle)
The name “white tea” itself, comes from the silvery white hairs on the dried leafs. When brewed, white tea leafs result in a light yellow color. The tea itself is not white at all once it’s ready to drink.
Where is white tea commonly farmed?
- Fujian province, China
- Eastern Nepal
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Galle (Southern Sri Lanka)
- Northeast India
Tea Horse Road 