White tea

White tea is the least processed of all the tea types. It is delicate and subtle, nobally so. In China, this tea has been known as the “scholar’s tea” thanks to its ability to promote focus and a gentle state of wakefulness.

When infusing white tea, we’ll see a very light-colored liquid—the taste—delightfully floral and fruity, with a lingering sweetness. This is in part because farmers harvest the highest grades of white tea exclusively during spring, picking solely the most tender buds and some leaves. Taking a close look at the buds and leaves, you’ll surely notice their iconic silvery-white peach fuzz—a true testament to the work it takes to hand-pick and produce this fine tea.

Read more about white tea in our blog.

Something we love about white tea is that, despite its gentleness, it’s quite forgiving of water temperatures, especially when compared to green teas. The water temperature will greatly depend on the exact type of white tea you are brewing, so make sure to check first. Although a rule of thumb is that delicate white teas brew best at a temperature of 85°C.

As with all teas, steeping time, water temperature, and tea-to-water ratio can vary based on personal preference.

And as always, there is cold brewing, which can enhance sweetness and bring out fruity notes.

If you’re unsure about the brewing process, visit our website or the packaging for detailed tea guidance. Ultimately, we encourage everyone to experiment and discover the method that best suits their taste.

Learn more about how to brew a delicious cup of tea.

All teas originated in China, white tea included. This noble tea type dates back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279), however, it wasn’t until the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), that methods most similar to modern white tea processing emerged, with sun-drying becoming a pivotal element. During the Song Dynasty, white tea was the Emperor’s tea of choice and it was always given as tribute to the royal court. The earliest reference to white tea appeared in the “Treatise on Tea,” written by Emperor Huizong (1107-1110)—the text highlighted its rarity and exquisiteness.

Furthermore, back in the day, since white tea was minimally processed, it was difficult to store and transport, thus it could only be enjoyed in China’s Fujian Province. However, with time, white tea began gaining popularity worldwide and production spread to the West. Nowadays we can source some exceptional varieties from Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Malawi and be able to enjoy the sweet essence of this timeless brew.

White tea classification varies depending on the plucking standards and leaf composition. For example, the renowned White Hair Silver Needle (Bai Hao Yin Zhen) comprises solely the tips or single buds, adorned with trichomes that offer protection against pests and UV rays—known as bai hao (“white hair”) in Chinese. These trichomes not only contribute to a soft mouthfeel but also impart a honey-like sweetness to the brewed tea.

In contrast, White Peony (Bai Mu Dan) follows the “one or two leaves and a bud” picking standard.

At Tea Kulture, sustainability and fair trade are at the heart of everything we do. We partner directly with farmers in the world’s prominent tea-producing regions who cultivate tea using natural, eco-friendly practices.

By ensuring fair wages and ethical working conditions, we support both the people and the planet. Our direct trade approach allows us to bring you premium-quality tea leaves while maintaining a commitment to fairness and environmental responsibility.

Read more about our story.

As graceful as white tea is, it requires a processing method that matches its elegance. White tea undergoes a natural withering and drying process, completely omitting the fixation and rolling. Actually, it is quite akin to drying herbs. Thus, white tea retains its rich internal composition, including active enzymes and polyphenols.

The best white teas are always hand-harvested in the early days of spring. Then, over the 1-2 day withering period, the moisture within the tea leaves gradually evaporates, allowing the leaves to cure in their own juices and amplifying their inherent sweetness.

Read more about white tea in our blog.

One of the most debated topics about tea is its potential health benefits. Tea has long been associated with medicinal properties, and modern wellness trends have put these claims under the microscope.

For example, white tea has been a staple in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries, valued for its cooling properties and its ability to help reduce both inflammation and heat in the body. But can it truly cure cancer, heart disease, and arthritis? We approach such claims with caution.

While it’s true that tea contains beneficial compounds such as polyphenols (antioxidants), L-theanine (an amino acid), and alkaloids (which have significant physiological effects), the definitive health outcomes are still uncertain.

At Tea Kulture, we encourage tea enthusiasts to enjoy tea as a healthy habit with potential benefits, rather than viewing it as a medicinal cure.

White tea is not caffeine-free. In fact, it can actually have a relatively high caffeine content, naturally produced by the plant to protect young leaves from insects. However, the presence of L-theanine, an amino acid, moderates the stimulating effects of caffeine, providing a sustained and gentle awakening without the abrupt crash associated with other caffeinated beverages.

On average, a cup of white tea contains between 15 to 30 mg of caffeine per cup. In comparison, an average cup of coffee contains about 95 mg of caffeine.

Please note that several factors influence the caffeine levels in tea: the natural environment, fertilization, the part of the plant that was picked, seasonality, and, of course, brewing time. For example, Silver Tips white tea has a higher caffeine content compared to other white teas since it is made exclusively from tea buds.

Read more about caffeine in tea.

White tea, made from the Camellia Sinensis plant, contains a moderate amount of caffeine, which may interfere with sleep if consumed later in the day. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, it’s wise to avoid drinking white tea in the late afternoon or evening, as it might make falling asleep more difficult.

For a soothing, caffeine-free alternative, consider herbal infusions like chamomile or rooibos. These teas are naturally calming and promote relaxation without the stimulating effects of caffeine.

Properly storing tea is crucial to retain its freshness and flavor.

To preserve your white tea leaves, place them in an airtight, opaque container to shield them from oxygen, which may lead to oxidation and compromise their aroma. Store your tea in a cool, dark location, away from sunlight and heat sources.

Ensure the storage area remains dry to prevent moisture absorption, which can degrade the tea’s quality. Avoid placing your tea near strong odors to prevent flavor contamination.

By investing in high-quality tea leaves and storing them correctly, you can prolong the retention of their intricate flavors for extended periods.

Read more on how to store loose-leaf tea.