- Special edition
White tea : Our range of natural and flavoured white teas
Appreciated for its particularly delicate taste, white tea does not need to be fermented during its production. As its name suggests, it has leaves of a beautiful silvery white color.
When the traditions are respected, white tea is produced with a maximum oxidation rate of 12%. Although, it originates from China, this subtle tea is also produced in other countries such as Sri Lanka, Overseas France (Reunion Island) or Nepal.
What are the origins of white tea?
Teas have been part of the tradition for centuries in China. As far as white tea is concerned, we know that it already existed during the Qing dynasty, around the 18th century. In 1857, a new cultivar called "Dabai" was developed. The aim here is to obtain longer and fluffier buds, in order to have a better quality white tea. A few years later, in 1885, all the manufacturing rules for this low-oxidized tea were established.
More and more experts began to demand white tea, not only in Asia but also in our western countries. In the 1920's, the demand became so great that new productions were set up in Jiyanyang and Zhenghe. Later, around the 1960's, new regions such as Songxi and Fuding became producers of white tea. At the same time, new manufacturing methods were developed, sometimes using leaves harvested later in the year.
Today, the focus is always on using cultivars with the thickest, largest leaves and biggest buds.
What are the benefits of white tea?
We often hear about green tea and black tea, but have you heard about white tea?
This type of tea is very rich in antioxidants, polyphenols to be exact. It contains much more than green tea for example. These antioxidants allow to slow down the ageing of cells and to prevent some diseases like cancer.
Tea is also very effective in promoting oral health and thus limiting the formation of cavities.
Tea is also a great ally to improve blood circulation. Its flavonol and catechin content helps reduce the risk cardiovascular accidents diseases. It is also ideal for overweight people or those who fight against obesity because it helps to lose fat mass. White tea is also recommended to fight against diabetes : it stimulates the liver and the stomach, boots the metabolism and of course participates in your daily hydration.
What is the difference between white tea and green tea?
But then, what differentiates white tea from other teas?
White tea is made up mainly of buds and young shoots of the tea plant. Unlike green and black tea, white tea leaves are not processed. They are hand-picked only during a short period, in early spring when the buds are barely opened, and still surrounded by a white down...hence the color! Then, they are directly dried in the sun which allows them to keep all their virtues and flavours!
