White Tea, one of the six traditional Chinese teas, is favored for its unique production process and rich flavor. Each leaf of white Tea contains the essence of nature and the dedication of the tea maker, embodying the crystallization of time and craftsmanship.
Fuding white tea, carrying on a century-old tradition, goes through processes such as plucking, withering, and drying without being pan-fired or kneaded, preserving the natural taste of the leaves. Sun-withering is the essence of Fuding white tea, requiring the tea maker to check the aroma every hour to accurately judge the degree of sun exposure. Drying is a critical step in the making of white tea, where low temperature and slow drying allow the moisture to slowly evaporate while retaining rich nutrients.
The essence of drying lies in slowness, as the saying goes, “Slow work yields fine results.” Each type of white tea has its unique appearance characteristics, and to thoroughly dry them requires seasoned experience and exquisite skills. The importance of drying cannot be overstated, as it not only influences the taste and aroma of the white tea but also determines whether it can withstand long-term storage and aging.
Undried white tea is called raw tea, which, despite its moist taste and intense floral fragrance, has a high water content and cannot withstand long-term storage. On the other hand, white tea with appropriate water content has a rich aroma, smooth and full-bodied soup, becoming more fragrant over time. How can one determine if the water content of their purchased white tea meets the standard? This can be done through listening, observing, and touching. Dry white tea will produce a crisp “rustling” sound, and when brewed, a “sizzling” sound can also be heard; observe if there is an appropriate amount of breakage in the leaves, as overly “perfect” white tea may have higher water content; touch the white tea to feel its dryness and freshness; qualified white tea should be crisp, like a potato chip.
Tasting white tea is a dialogue with nature. Savor the fresh aroma as if you are standing in the tea garden; relish the rich flavor as if time is flowing in your mouth. White tea is not just a beverage, but also a way of life. In the hustle and bustle of daily life, brewing a cup of white tea allows the mind a moment of tranquility and relaxation.
White tea carries the memories of time and the gifts of nature. Let's savor this fragrant Brew together and feel the beauty of life.