White tea is a real gem. The most common varieties of white tea

White tea- the drink is not cheap. To produce it, you need buds and young leaves of tea bushes of only certain varieties. They grow only in China in very poor conditions. large quantities. Previously, this drink could only be consumed by members of the imperial family and high-ranking persons as a sign of great favor from the ruler. White tea for ordinary people for a long time was not available at all.

The value of the drink is that the raw materials for it cannot be grown in other countries. Now there are white tea plantations only in the Fujian province in China in the mountains at an altitude of 1000 m above sea level. Attempts to grow tea in the mountainous areas of other countries each time ended in failure: the collected raw materials were several orders of magnitude inferior to the original. Despite this, in some areas of India and Sri Lanka, bushes of such varieties still continue to be grown, but Chinese tea still remains unrivaled.

Picking white tea is painstaking work, since only the top leaves and buds need to be picked. It is prohibited to use any equipment; collection is carried out only by hand. Workers are prohibited from eating foods with strong odors and smoking to prevent the tea leaves from absorbing foreign odors.

White tea contains many beneficial substances:

B vitamins;
ascorbic acid;
amino acids;
tannins;
essential oils;
a large number of micro- and macroelements.

The calorie content is very low - 100 g of product contains only 3-4 kcal. The amount of caffeine is minimal, for this reason it does not have a stimulating effect on the nervous system.

The taste is refreshing and light, with clearly visible floral notes, it does not leave a heavy aftertaste.

Health Benefits of White Tea

We can talk for a long time about the benefits of the drink. Many people know how useful green tea, but white is significantly superior to it in many respects. During the tea production process it is not allowed heat treatment, so that's it valuable substances are not lost, but remain in full force. Freshly harvested raw materials are only steamed for a minute and then dried in a natural way in the sun. The leaves are not crushed or twisted, this allows you to avoid a bitter taste in the finished drink. The rest of the production details are kept secret and not disclosed.

The list of beneficial properties of the drink is quite extensive.

It has a positive effect on the entire body:

helps in the fight against excess weight;
prevents the development of atherosclerosis;
improves complexion;
relieves fatigue;
calms the nervous system, neutralizes harmful effects stress;
strengthens the immune system;
enhances blood clotting;
has a beneficial effect on the heart and blood vessels;
removes waste and toxins;
neutralizes the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation;
strengthens the walls of blood vessels, preventing varicose veins;
inhibits the development of cancer cells.

It’s not for nothing that the Chinese call this drink the elixir of youth and immortality - it regular use helps maintain good spirits and healthy body even in old age.

The drink is very good in the heat, it perfectly refreshes and quenches thirst. It is advisable to drink it between meals, without eating anything. Cakes, buns and sweets are best left as an addition to other drinks. White tea does not tolerate any additions.

What is useful for women

The drink will be especially useful for women who want to lose weight. overweight. It activates metabolic processes, which entails rapid combustion internal fat. It helps you lose weight without special effort without changing your diet and just drinking a few cups a day. But if, in addition to this, you also follow a diet, the effect will be noticeable immediately. Not only will they leave body fat, and your health will also improve and your body will rejuvenate.

White tea extracts are often used as active component cosmetics. The antioxidants present in their composition effectively fight free radicals, which contribute to aging and metabolic disorders.

For men

For men, it gives strength and energy during physical and mental stress. A cup of tea at the end of the working day can relieve accumulated fatigue, and a person feels cheerful again.

What types of drink are there?

Tea is called white because only young leaves and buds with thick white fluff are used to prepare it.

The most common varieties:

Bai Hao Yin Zhen. Translated, this name sounds like “white silver needles.” Tea is made only from the buds. Dry tea leaves resemble small silver arrows. Ready drink has a light caramel color. The taste is delicate, with slight sourness.
Bai Mu Dan. The name can be translated as “white peony”. The composition contains both buds and young leaves. The dried raw materials resemble miniature peony flowers. After brewing it acquires a golden hue. Vanilla and caramel notes can be recognized in the taste.
Show May. Tea leaves are harvested later and undergo longer processing, so they have dark color. The drink is dark amber, with a characteristic herbal taste.
Gong Mei. This is a cheap option for white tea. It is made from damaged leaves and buds that remain after the production of premium varieties. The tea is sold in ground form, but still it also has an elegant taste and delicate aroma.

Even the Chinese themselves drink Bai Hao Yin Zhen tea very rarely, only on holidays and special occasions, since the prices for it are sky-high. White Peony tea is a little cheaper, so more people can afford it. The high price is fully justified: manual selection of each leaf and bud, careful storage and complex transportation require considerable investment.

White Oolong tea is considered semi-fermented. It has nothing to do with real varieties of white tea, since it is intermediate between black and green. It is often called milky, as it has a pleasant caramel taste with milky undertones.

White tea: instructions for use

To fully enjoy the taste of the drink, you need to know how to brew tea correctly. Even the container in which the drink is made plays an important role. Perfect option– porcelain teapot and cups. But you can also use glassware.

How to brew white tea

Under no circumstances should the water be boiled, it only needs to be brought to a temperature of 80 degrees, otherwise it will turn into a dead liquid that does not bring any benefit. Tea can be brewed 3-4 times, it does not lose its taste properties, but only reveals them from different sides.

For 150 ml of water, take 3-4 grams of dry tea leaves.

First, warm the dishes by rinsing them with boiling water. This will give the poured tea leaves the opportunity to “awaken”. Then the tea leaves are poured hot water and immediately pour it out. Zero brew is not intended for drinking, but for rinsing tea leaves. This helps to fully reveal their taste and aroma. After this, pour into the container hot water and insist. There is no need to brew tea for longer than 2-3 minutes; in some cases, 60 seconds is enough. A properly brewed drink is transparent and has a yellowish, greenish or beige color. There is no need to add sugar; in extreme cases, tea can be sweetened with honey.

Tea can also be brewed cold: to do this, pour water over the leaves in the evening. room temperature and leave until the morning. This method allows you to preserve maximum nutrients in the drink. The benefits of brewed tea last for a long time – 18-20 hours.

Use for various diseases

The Chinese consider white tea to be an effective preventative against ARVI, colds and flu. During the cold season, it is advisable to drink it regularly, or at least during the spread of cold viral diseases.

The drink relieves intoxication of the body well and removes toxic substances, so it is recommended to use it in case of various types of poisoning instead of water.

Drink white tea:

at risk of cancer;
when consumed large quantity sugar and the risk of caries;
if you are overweight;
with constant stress and chronic fatigue.

It is useful to drink tea during festive feasts. It will help the body cope with the abundance of food and digest it faster.

You should not drink more than 2-3 cups of white tea a day. This amount is quite enough to make a person feel healthier and stronger.

How to store

You should not store tea for a long time. It is better to use it immediately while it still retains its freshness and intense aroma.

If you still need to store it for a long time, put it in a hermetically sealed bag, placing it in a dry, dark place without strong odors.

To whom is the drink contraindicated, and what harm does it cause?

One of the most important advantages of white tea is that it has virtually no contraindications. Almost everyone can drink it, excluding people with individual intolerance to the product.

People with kidney disease, gastritis, stomach ulcers, insomnia and diabetes need to drink tea carefully, monitoring their well-being. Such people should not drink more than 0.5-1 cup per day. Tea can raise blood pressure, so it is better not to drink it for hypertensive patients.

You can buy tea in specialized tea stores that work directly with manufacturers. It is difficult to find quality products in ordinary departments, since white tea is considered an exclusive product.

White tea is valued above other varieties for its unique properties. In ancient China, a drink based on it was considered an elixir of immortality. Therefore, white tea was forbidden to be exported outside the country, otherwise the emperor would impose the death penalty.

Types of white tea

The popular variety in the form of silver needles with light hair is usually produced from young tea tips that have not had time to bloom. The product variety is considered one of the most expensive.
This type of tea is valued because it is hand-picked in the shortest possible time. The plantations are small and the tree is grown in limited suitable conditions.
The elite variety includes “White Peony”. The product is a young bud with two leaves. The variety is collected from the first harvest.
Other types of tea are removed as the leaves of the tree bloom. The product is cut in the same way as described earlier. The leaves vary in shade, but retain soft hair.
No matter how simple the production of white tea may seem, only varieties of Chinese tea trees are suitable for such purposes. Often on the shelves of specialized stores you can find products grown under similar conditions.
Low grade white tea is grown in Vietnam and India. The product is an order of magnitude inferior in taste and useful qualities Chinese composition. White tea leaves can easily absorb various odors and moisture.
Therefore, pickers who have bad smoking habits or like to eat spicy food, do not have the right to harvest on the day of abuse of harmful products.
It is customary to transport finished tea leaves in sealed containers. It is recommended to store the product at home in opaque glass containers. A different type of dishware may leave an unpleasant aftertaste in the tea.

The effect of white tea on the body

protects the immune system;
invigorates the body;
promotes mental clarity;
strengthens the vascular system;
gently lifts the mood;
tones the epidermis;
rejuvenates cells;
removes heavy metals from the body;
resists the formation of cancer;
copes with alcohol and food departures.

Many may think that almost any type of tea has similar effects. The fact is that white leaves contain a higher percentage of vitamins, tannin and catechin than any other product.

For this simple reason, white tea brings much more benefits and less harm. The product also contains a lot of caffeine, but the effect of the component is mitigated by many enzymes in the composition.

This is the product that contains maximum amount useful microelements:

tannins;
catechins;
phenolic compounds;
purine
caffeine;
complex of vitamins.

Many factors can affect chemical composition white tea. The leaves are most valuable when they bloom in early spring in the Fujian mountain plantations.
If the tea leaves are not fermented, but only dried in natural conditions, then the product will retain the maximum amount of catechins.
Tea also contains a powerful antioxidant of natural origin - epigallocatechin gallate. With the help of such microelements, the body easily absorbs vitamins P and C.
Thanks to this, it is normalized arterial pressure and the elasticity of the walls of blood vessels increases. Due to the content of sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium in the composition, all useful elements tea.
Catechins actively participate in the process of formation of the body; at the cellular level, the production of its own insulin begins and normalization of blood sugar. This factor remains important for diabetics.
Due to the high fluoride content in white tea, the trace element maintains tooth enamel at the proper level. The drink reduces the formation of thrombosis and removes harmful cholesterol.
White tea has significant benefits for nervous system due to high content glutamic acid and phosphorus compounds. The components nourish the tissues of the central nervous system.
Due to the content of theine (caffeine), the product has a tonic effect for the body. Thanks to a special tanate enzyme, the effect of caffeine is maintained throughout the day.
Keep in mind that this microelement smoothes out the harsh effects of caffeine and gives the tea a special aftertaste. It is not recommended to use the product later than 5 hours before rest. Otherwise, you are guaranteed insomnia.

Benefits of white tea for weight loss

Thanks to the presence of epigallocatechins, enzymes help normalize metabolism and burn old fat layers.
The trace element is widely used by athletes as a single supplement. With its help, weight loss occurs faster, and physical activity increases.
If you comply daily norm epigallocatechin (270-280 mg), the body will receive a signal to process fats at an intensive pace.
The amount of microelement contained in tea is equal to 1.2 liters. drink You will additionally flush your body of toxins and waste.
Keep in mind that in this case there is a colossal load on the kidneys. Also great content caffeine may have detrimental effects on your health.

It is prohibited to use the product if:

stomach ulcers;
disease of the duodenum;
problems with the urinary system and kidneys;
high blood pressure;
sleep disorders;
the presence of kidney stones.

Harm of white tea

If you consume the drink in large quantities, harm will definitely be done to the body. Subsequently, metabolic processes are disrupted.
If you follow the recommended dose, white tea healthy people will do no harm. Girls, breastfeeding and pregnant women should not drink it.
Due to the high content of theophylline and caffeine, the child may experience problems with the heart and nervous system.

Creating the perfect drink taste

The fruity-floral aroma is created thanks to a rich range of amino acids and essential oils.
If you experiment with brewing time and temperature, you will be surprised at how much different flavors your tea can develop.
The activity is so addictive that people have been experimenting with the taste of the product for many years. There is still no consensus on perfect recipe brewing white tea.
Against the background of black and long teas white variety may seem almost tasteless and weak in strength or astringency. If you have not tried a similar product, start with a simple and low-saturated composition.
It is also worth considering the fact that it is forbidden to consume foods with hot spices before going to bed. It is recommended to drink a freshly brewed drink in the morning after waking up.
This way you will feel all the notes gentle drink. After this you will be left with a pleasant aftertaste. White tea perfectly quenches thirst and can be drunk chilled.

Features of brewing elite tea

It is important to take into account those factors that will allow you to maintain best qualities composition and will not spoil them. Observe the following requirements when preparing tea:

temperature of the liquid for brewing the product;
proper storage of tea tree leaves;
the material from which the teapot is made.

It is worth considering that white tea is strictly prohibited from brewing with boiling water. Otherwise, vitamins, amino acids and tannin are destroyed in such an environment.
Boiling water reduces the value of tea, the taste and aroma are lost. Oily esters instantly evaporate, and a noticeable bitterness appears in the composition due to excess catechin.
To reap the benefits and get a drink with a pleasant aroma and taste, it is recommended to brew tea in a glass or ceramic container. It is prohibited to use metal components (sieve).
Such materials will spoil the taste range. Don't use plastic. Porcelain and clay products can absorb all the benefits and smell of the product. The teapot must always be clean.
Use a kettle with an additional strainer made of plastic or organic components. This way you can easily remove the tea leaves from the container and re-brew the product (2-3 times).
The tea reveals all its colors after the second brewing. Elite varieties can be heat treated about 4 times. To properly prepare the product, you need to boil water and wait until it cools to 75 degrees.
It is recommended to use bottled purified water. Pour boiling water over the teapot, place tea leaves in the container (2 pinches per person). Pour in the hot liquid, cover the container with a lid, leave a hole for steam to escape.
After a few minutes, you can begin the tea ceremony. Once the teapot is empty, pour hot water into it again. Don't rush, the second time you need to wait 10-12 minutes. Different types of tea reveal themselves individually.

The product is valued for its healing properties due to the fact that the leaves are not subjected to any treatment other than natural drying. If you want to extract maximum benefit from the product, it is necessary to follow a number of certain rules for brewing tea.

Video: brewing white tea bai hao yin zhen

To one of the varieties Chinese tea refers to white. There are six types in total:

yellow;
black;
red;
Oolong.

Your name this type I bought tea because of the white fluff- “Bai Hao” covering the tea leaves. Thanks to him, it acquires a silver color. White stands out for its subtle, fresh, floral scent, a unique subtle honey-melon flavor and clear infusion. In China, this type of tea occupied one of the first places among expensive varieties And it was called the "elixir of immortality". For ordinary people it was practically inaccessible.

Types and varieties

When brewed and consumed correctly it has benefits for human health.

Egyptian white tea.

Certain types of white tea are brought from Egypt, their extract is also produced there, and the brewing method has been known since ancient times.
Egyptian white tea rich in antioxidants, so it resists cancerous tumors, aging of the body and caries.

Egyptians value white tea not only for exquisite aroma and refined taste, but also for some clarity of mind and for saving the body from overheating in the heat.

Chinese white tea.

Its varieties depend on the conditions under which the tea leaves were collected. They have very poetic names:

"White-haired silver needles";
"White Peony";
“Eyebrows of an Elder”;
"Present".

Chinese white tea and the process of collecting it- real science non-compliance with the rules of which affects the quality of the product.

White tea “Silver needles”- one of the unique famous varieties of tea. To produce it, only the very first top leaf is plucked from the bush. After brewing it is characterized by a sweetish mild taste, the decoction is pale yellow in color.

To obtain the White Peony variety the second leaf of the bud is used, following the leaf from the top. Its production is quite labor-intensive and delicate process. Here, not only adherence to all technologies is taken into account, but the spiritual attitude of the person who is directly involved in the production of white tea is also very important.

This variety is endowed incomparable aroma A mixture of fruits and flowers, its infusion has a golden hue. The production of “White Peony” is kept a big secret and is passed on from generation to generation.

“Gift” tea is collected from the second and third leaves, but it is processed differently than other white teas.

Next to “Gift” is the variety “Elder’s Eyebrows”. It belongs to the second class of white teas because the leaves collected for it are less tender and larger.

Composition of white tea

Chemical composition of white tea looks like that:

Extractive substances include:

Protein substances and amino acids;
Carbohydrates;
Tannins;
Alkaloids;
Acids;
Enzymes (enzymes);
Pigments;

White tea is also rich in vitamins:

: thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), (B15).
Vitamin C. The percentage of its content in tea leaves is several times higher than in.
Provitamin A (carotene)- antioxidant and powerful antioxidant.
Vitamin PP ().
Helps strengthen the walls of blood vessels. Its content in white tea has a record amount of 85 units.

When purchasing white tea in factory packaging, you should know that no matter what is indicated on it, it is not high-end. Teas of this rank cannot withstand transportation and the packaging process. It does not even survive winter; it should be drunk until autumn. Consequently, we purchase low grade white tea.

Choosing the right tea

The tea salon should be saturated with clean and fresh air.
The production time should not exceed 11-12 months.
High quality dried tea leaves crumble when rubbed between your fingers. If they turn into dust, then the tea is overdried, and if lumps form, the tea is underdried.
The packaging must bear international markings that help determine the composition of the tea:

O (Orange)- tea contains leaves surrounding the flower bud, as well as whole young ones from the top.
OP (Orange Pekoe)- composition of unopened buds and the first 5-7 leaves.
T (Tippy)- a great rarity, since in this case the tea contains one hundred percent flower buds (tips).
P (Pekoe)- 50% of its content is young tea leaves, and the remaining 50% is tips.

Price and where to buy

High quality white tea can be purchased in specialized stores. In such stores you can examine the tea and compare the aromas different varieties. The tea harvest takes place in early spring, therefore, the purchase should be made in May-June. Last year's will not provide such a variety of taste and aroma. White tea loses its aroma very quickly, Therefore, it is recommended not to purchase too much of it.

Of course, for many this is not a cheap pleasure, since its price is measured in hundreds of dollars, but true pleasure should be expensive. The price of white tea varies depending on the place of purchase: from $100-$300

When brewing tea, you should adhere to the exact temperature and holding time, approximate data can be seen in the figure below:

The benefits of white tea and its properties

Among the beneficial properties of white tea are: which have a beneficial effect on human health, the following can be noted:

Slows down the development of bacteria, destroys microorganisms, suppresses viruses.
Stops bacterial mutations, removes free radicals, stops and inhibits the growth of cancer cells.
Leads blood pressure back to normal, improves the functioning of the heart and the functioning of the arteries.
Reduces blood cholesterol levels.
Strengthens the immune system.

Contraindications

Doctors found that White tea can be safely consumed in the absence of clinical contraindications. For example, when peptic ulcer duodenum and stomach, during exacerbation of gastritis with high acidity. It is also not recommended to get too carried away with a strong infusion of white tea at high temperatures, kidney diseases, hypertension during an exacerbation, or tachycardia.

Features of application

One of positive properties white tea - beneficial influence on smooth muscles, which means that it is able to regulate the tone of the uterus. Japanese scientists have found that with regular use of white or green tea before pregnancy, the resources of the mother's body are significantly strengthened, which leads to the appearance of healthier and larger children.

This is easily explained by the rich composition of white tea, because it contains the entire spectrum of vitamins and microelements. For example, fluorine, phosphorus and others, they are actively used to form the child’s musculoskeletal system. Most women during pregnancy have unpleasant disease - varicose veins. This disease is easy can be avoided by drinking white tea regularly.

But there is still one warning - do not drink too much. strong tea and no more than three cups a day.

White tea can also be used in the fight against excess weight. It should be included in any diet, as its composition is rich in caffeine. In addition, it is saturated with catechins, substances that cause the process of thermogenesis, that is promotes rapid and high-quality disposal of formed fat cells. Katekhin also stops the process of emergence of new fat cells and adipose tissue.

White tea is also a means of preventing cancer. Scientists from the universities of California and New Mexico came to this conclusion. It is able to prevent types such as prostate, stomach, and colon cancer.

How to brew and store correctly

The procedure for brewing tea is not inherently complicated, but minor deviations from its main stages can kill everything beneficial features tea and its incomparable aroma.

Basis in proper brewing white tea- water. It must be soft, clean, preferably settled and filtered through special filters.
Second element delicious tea - water temperature. It should be low; the use of boiling water is strictly prohibited, because it kills all the essential oils and the smell of tea.
Third component- brewing period. It should be as short as possible, no more than 5 minutes.

The combination of these three factors will provide white tea with that taste and aroma., for which he is considered elite.

The brewing process itself should look like this:

To boil water.
Warm up the kettle a little.
Pour in the tea leaves.
Add low boiling water while stirring.
Leave for 5 minutes.

The tea is ready to drink.

White tea should be stored in a dry place, in a ceramic container that closes well. It is contraindicated to be near strong-smelling products, because it absorbs all odors very quickly.

Experts tell you more about white tea in the video below:

White tea is also called Bai Hoa (white eyelashes) because of the fluffy fibers covering the bud. In the Celestial Empire, during the reign of emperors, only the ruler and his entourage drank white tea. It was believed that it cleanses the mind and has a beneficial effect on the body and soul. Receiving “white eyelashes” as a gift is a great generosity. In the world about this unusual drink learned through diplomatic relations with other countries.

How to make white tea

White tea is collected only early in the morning by hand (from 5 to 9 o'clock). People working on a tea plantation are not allowed to eat strong-smelling foods (for example, spices or garlic), apply perfumes and deodorants, or wear rings and bracelets before work. The raw material is a formed tea bud (tips) and two young unopened leaves (flesh). After harvesting, the harvest is kept over steam for 1 minute, then sent to dry. Once the buds are dry, they are sorted. Only the most selected buds without any defects will go on sale. Broken ones are used in tea blends, as they have lost their appearance, but not their beneficial properties. The harvest of tea with such collection and sorting is small, so white tea is not available to everyone. It is grown only in one province - Fujian.

Until recently, white tea was difficult to get in Russia, almost impossible. Today, China is the leader in the production of white tea, despite the fact that it is also grown in other places - the island of Ceylon, India, and Africa.

The beneficial properties of white tea have been tested for centuries. It is not for nothing that it is called the tea of youth, beauty and health. The raw materials undergo minimal heat treatment (compared to any type of tea) and retain a maximum of useful microelements and vitamins.

The drink helps maintain youth. It is often used in the manufacture of anti-aging cosmetics and homeopathic preparations. By cleansing the body of free radicals, the skin of the face and body becomes cleaner, tone and elasticity improve.

White tea buds are a powerful natural antioxidant. The polyphenols included in their composition purify the blood, internal organs from slags and heavy metals. In case of intoxication with alcohol, nicotine, drugs, food poisoning or allergic reaction It is useful to drink white tea so that the body recovers faster. Doctors recommend that patients use it cancer diseases, tumors that have undergone radiation therapy and treatment with powerful antibiotics.

As a preventive measure, the drink helps to cleanse and strengthen the walls of blood vessels, which has a positive effect on cardiovascular health. vascular system and diseased veins (relevant for varicose veins).

White tea is an assistant in losing weight and burning fat. Through several tests, scientists have proven that it contains chemical elements that burn fat cells and prevent the appearance of new ones. Under the influence of the drink, metabolism accelerates. Like any other tea, it is a good diuretic. By drinking 2 – 3 cups a day, toxins will be released naturally.

Tea buds contain fluoride - frequent use drink will have a positive effect on oral cavity and the condition of the teeth in general, preventing the formation of tartar.

Residents of China use tea as an anti-cold, hemostatic, and sedative.

White tea has no special contraindications. Pregnant and lactating women should use it with caution. In rare cases, individual intolerance is possible.

Which type of white tea to choose

Today there are 2 elite positions - Silver needles (Bai Hoa Yin Zhen) and White peony (Bai Mu Dan). They are slightly different in appearance: White peony consists of a tea bud and tender leaves, and Silver needles are made of young unblown leaves, which is why the tea got its name.

For people unfamiliar with this drink, it’s worth starting with the first tea, it has its own taste qualities a little like with its characteristic bitterness.

The infusion of Silver needles is translucent yellow-green in color, has sweetish taste and the aroma of fresh and dried herbs.

Elite tea of this class is not packaged in factory packaging; during transportation it loses its appearance. It is sold at retail and only by weight.

White tea of the class below has the funny name Gift Eyebrows and Longevity Eyebrows. The raw materials for its production are of low quality with deformed leaves and buds. Most often, white tea of this particular class is sold packaged in stores.

To preserve the tea bud, tea producers resort to in an interesting way- roll the raw material into balls, inside which flowers are placed - chrysanthemum, amaranth, jasmine. Under the influence warm water the ball opens into the teapot in an unusual bouquet. In such a drink it is difficult to discern the real subtle taste of “white eyelashes” - the flowers come to the fore.

Where to buy white tea

Real white tea of high quality is difficult to find and buy. Not all cities have specialized tea shops and associations that offer drinks of similar quality.

It is worth knowing that white tea is harvested in the spring (April - May), so you can buy it fresh and aromatic only at this time. There is no point in buying tea buds from last year's harvest - they no longer contain any beneficial properties, unique aroma or taste.

The average price for 100 grams of white tea is 900 rubles. High quality Silver Needles at a tea auction cost up to 2000 USD.

How to brew white tea

Tender leaves and buds with villi do not tolerate high temperatures. Having brewed such tea with boiling water, the subtle aroma of the drink disappears and the taste is lost. Tap water is not suitable for this. Worth purchasing for brewing tea soft water in bottles. The temperature should be 70 - 75 degrees. Infusion time is from 1 to 3 minutes, do not overexpose.

Another advantage of white tea is that it can be brewed many times. Clay, glass, and porcelain dishes are suitable for tea drinking. Important point– clay is a porous material, so this teapot should be used only for one type of tea.

The type of tea that undergoes slight oxidation (fermentation) is called “white” tea. It received this name due to the fact that the buds of this variety are densely covered with white fluff. According to the classification and degree of fermentation (5-7%), it is in second place after green.

The idea behind white tea technology is maximum conservation all its natural properties, so tea leaves undergo minimal processing.

For the first time, white tea began to be brewed at the court of the Chinese emperors, where it was valued for its refined taste and refined aroma.

White tea production is concentrated in the Chinese provinces of Fujian and Zhejiang, where it is harvested in the mountains at an altitude of 1600-2200 m. Harvesting occurs from mid-March to early April. Tea is harvested by hand from 5 to 9 am in clear sunny weather. Due to the delicate aroma of white tea, harvesters are prohibited from smoking or eating onions, garlic, hot spices and alcohol, so as not to transfer foreign odors to the collected raw materials.

Nowadays, tea is also grown in Taiwan, India, Thailand, Nepal, Kenya, Malawi and the highlands of Sri Lanka.

During the white tea harvest season in China, orchards bloom, which often border tea plantations. The aroma of flowers settles on the silvery fibers of the first tea leaves, which gives the drink a characteristic floral aroma.

For elite white tea, either one upper, soft and fragrant bud of a tea bush is collected - tips, or the same bud with one nearest leaf. For less expensive types tea is collected from the top two leaves of the bush. The collected raw materials are kept for approximately 1 minute over steam to stop the oxidation and fermentation process, then the leaves are dried in the sun or in special ovens. After these two stages, the tea is considered ready for drinking.

White tea leaves should not be broken or curled; properly picked and dried tea should look like a whole dried leaf, the color of which should be silvery green on the outside and whitish on the inside.

After brewing, high-quality white tea, according to reviews, should be pale yellow or greenish-yellow in color, have a subtle floral or herbal aroma and a sweet taste.

Tea reaches the world market in limited quantities due to difficult storage conditions and the labor-intensive harvesting process, so the cost of white tea is 10 times higher than the price of green or black tea.

White tea varieties

There are six types of white tea, the main ones being:

Bai Hao Yin Zhen;
Baimudan;
Show May;
Gong Mei.

Baimudan and Bai Hao Yin Zhen are teas of the highest quality, since only whole buds are used for them; Shou Mei and Gong Mei are inferior in quality to the first two, because they are brewed from leaves and residues.

Properties and benefits of white tea

Due to the fact that this type of tea undergoes minimal processing during production, it retains, compared to green or black tea, greatest number useful substances.

White tea is rich in:

Antioxidants – polyphenols, catechins and flavonoids;
Minerals;
Amino acids;
Vitamins C, PP and B;
Microelements;
Essential oils;
Caffeine.

According to reviews, white tea is an excellent antidepressant, quickly calms and relaxes, eliminates irritability and relieves fatigue.

The immunostimulating, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of white tea are known. It quenches thirst well and refreshes in the heat, and thanks to the essential oils contained in the white hair, it is a natural antioxidant, cleanses the body and improves mood.

White tea brings the greatest benefit to a person with a cold, as it quickly relieves symptoms and strengthens the immune system. It also promotes wound healing, increases blood clotting, and prevents the development cardiovascular diseases, cancerous tumors and caries.

Thanks to healing properties White tea is widely used in cosmetology, where it is one of the components in the production of shower gels and creams.

Research conducted at Kingston University in 2009 confirmed that white tea, with its high anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, may reduce the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, and also slow down the aging process of the skin.

Brewing white tea

In order to brew delicious and aromatic drink In order to retain all the beneficial properties of white tea, it is important to adhere to certain rules. Firstly, it is important to use glass, ceramic or porcelain teapots, gaiwans or glass glasses. Before cooking, the dishes must be heated with hot water and dried, only after that they are suitable for preparing the drink.

Secondly, the water with which the tea will be poured should not be hot - 60-85 °C, it is advisable to use Artesian or any other water from sources. For one 150 ml serving, take 3-5 g of tea, which is brewed for 2-3 minutes. Within 30 minutes, you can re-brew the same portion of the drink several times.

It is best to store tea in a new glass or clay container with a lid, away from spices, as it quickly absorbs all foreign odors.

White tea is a tasty and aromatic drink, rich in amino acids, essential oils, useful substances, vitamins and antioxidants. It not only invigorates, improves mood and relieves fatigue, but also strengthens the immune system and prevents the development of many diseases.

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