White tea, what kind of tea is it? Why has it emerged prominently among the many tea varieties? As the most reclusive category among China's six major tea classes, why is it now increasingly recognized, and what makes it so special?

White tea, one of China's six major tea categories. Tea is classified based on production techniques and fermentation levels into: green tea, black tea, oolong tea, yellow tea, dark tea, and white tea. Among these, white tea has the simplest production process, involving only sun-withering and drying, without frying or rolling. This natural approach retains the tea's original freshness, and the finished product is covered with white hairs, hence the name 'white tea.' This also becomes a unique characteristic of white tea.

Although white tea is unique to China, it has long been 'more appreciated abroad than at home.' Since ancient times, white tea has been exported overseas, mainly to Europe, the United States, and other developed regions, where it is highly favored by international friends. Domestically, however, few people were familiar with white tea. In recent years, as the pursuit of healthy living has grown, numerous research institutions have delved into the benefits of white tea. Naturally healthy, white tea has gradually become known and loved by more Chinese. Consequently, its domestic 'value' has risen accordingly.

White Tea Grades

White Hair Silver Needle (pure buds): Abbreviated as Silver Needle or White Hair. When brewed, the buds stand upright, interlacing like stalactites floating in water.

White Peony (buds and leaves): Named for its green leaves with silvery-white buds, resembling flowers. After brewing, the leaves cradle the buds like blooming peonies.

Tribute Eyebrow (leaves and buds): Intermediate between White Peony and Longevity Eyebrow.

Longevity Eyebrow (leaves): The highest-yielding variety of white tea, accounting for over half of total white tea production.

Benefits

1. White tea prevents cancer, fights tumors, relieves heat, detoxifies, and treats toothaches. Aged white tea, in particular, can be used as a fever reducer for children with measles, outperforming antibiotics.

2. Besides containing nutrients common to other teas, white tea includes essential active enzymes that significantly boost lipase activity, promote fat breakdown, regulate insulin secretion, delay glucose absorption, and balance blood sugar.

3. Rich in amino acids, white tea's cool nature helps reduce heat and detoxify. Qing Dynasty scholar Zhou Liangong noted in 'Min Xiao Ji' that White Hair Silver Needle, from Taimu Mountain's Hongxue Cave, is as cooling as rhinoceros horn and a holy remedy for measles.

4. White tea is also rich in vitamin A precursors, which convert quickly into vitamin A, aiding night vision and preventing night blindness and dry eye syndrome. Additionally, its anti-radiation properties protect hematopoietic functions and reduce harm from electronic devices.

5. Dihydromyricetin and other flavonoids in white tea protect the liver by accelerating alcohol metabolism, breaking down acetaldehyde into non-toxic substances and reducing liver damage.

Storage

As a tea with high collectible value, how should white tea be stored at home?

White tea storage methods closely resemble those for Pu-erh tea. Simply put, airtight packaging in an odor-free environment suffices. For more meticulous storage, there are additional considerations.

Northern China's distinct seasons and dry climate make basic storage sufficient. Southern China is more complex, especially during the rainy season (March-May). Keep tea cabinets at least 20 cm from walls and 40-50 cm off the ground. Open storage only on sunny days for ventilation; dehumidifiers can enhance dryness.

White tea is unique—unfried and unrolled, it retains green tea's freshness but can be stored at room temperature, allowing post-fermentation. Over time, the tea darkens, and its flavor mellows.

Key storage guidelines:

1. Store at room temperature (4°C-25°C); refrigeration is unnecessary. Seal tightly.

2. Use non-toxic, odor-free, moisture-proof containers or bags.

3. Ensure the storage environment is free of odors and toxins.

One Year Tea, Three Years Medicine, Seven Years Treasure

Aged white tea refers to tea stored for years, during which its internal composition slowly changes. The brew turns reddish, the aroma evolves, and the taste becomes smoother.

One Year Tea: As a lightly fermented tea, new white tea resembles green tea in taste and is cooling. It's not recommended for those with cold constitutions, and its flavor may seem thin.

Three Years Medicine: Properly stored for 2-3 years, white tea's aroma mellows, the liquor shifts from apricot-green to yellow, and its nature warms. It soothes inflammation, reduces heat, protects the liver, and uplifts the mind—ideal for summer.

Seven Years Treasure: After 5-6 years, white tea is considered aged. Its compounds mature, yielding a rich, honey-like liquor with a lingering aroma. Health benefits like cancer prevention, detoxification, and allergy relief intensify. A few cups of hot aged white tea can ease early cold symptoms.