White Tea, what kind of tea is it? Why has it managed to capture people's attention among so many other types of tea? As one of the six major categories of Chinese Tea, often characterized by its reclusive nature, White Tea is becoming increasingly well-known. What makes it so special?

White tea is one of the six major categories of Chinese tea. Tea leaves are classified based on their processing methods and degree of fermentation into: green tea, Black Tea, oolong tea, Yellow Tea, dark tea, and white tea. Among these, the production process for white tea is the simplest, involving sun-drying and drying without undergoing the processes of fixation or rolling. This allows white tea to remain close to its natural state, preserving the original fragrance of the tea leaves. The finished product is covered with fine white hairs, hence the name “white tea.” This simplicity in processing is a unique characteristic of white tea.

Despite being a unique Chinese tea, white tea has always been more popular overseas. Historically, white tea has been primarily an export tea, mainly sold in developed countries such as Europe and the United States, where it has been highly favored. In China, however, few people were familiar with white tea. In recent years, as people have become more health-conscious, research institutions have conducted in-depth studies on the benefits of white tea. As a result, this healthy and natural tea has become increasingly known and loved by more and more Chinese people. Consequently, the value of white tea within China has also risen.

Grades of White Tea

White Silver Needle (pure buds): Also known simply as silver needle or white hair, when brewed, the tea buds stand upright, creating a floating effect similar to stalactites.

White Peony (buds and leaves): Named after the flower because its green leaves are interspersed with silver-white hairs, resembling a blooming peony when brewed.

Gongmei (leaves and buds): A grade between White Peony and Shoumei.

Shoumei (leaves): The most abundant type of white tea, accounting for over half of the total production of white tea.

Benefits

1. White tea can help prevent and fight cancer, cool fevers, detoxify, and treat toothaches. In particular, aged white tea can be used as a fever-reducing medicine for children with measles, proving even more effective than antibiotics.

2. Apart from the usual nutrients found in other teas, white tea contains essential active enzymes that can significantly increase lipase activity in the body, promoting the metabolism of fat. It can effectively control insulin secretion, delay the absorption of glucose in the intestines, and decompose excess sugar in the blood, helping to balance blood sugar levels.

3. White tea is rich in various amino acids. Its cool nature makes it effective in reducing heat, quenching thirst, and detoxifying. As recorded by the Qing Dynasty scholar Zhou Lianggong in his book “Min Xiao Ji,” white silver needle, produced in Hongxue Cave on Mount Taomu, is cool in nature and has effects similar to those of rhinoceros horn, making it a holy medicine for treating measles.

4. White tea is also rich in vitamin A precursors, which are rapidly converted to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A can synthesize rhodopsin, enabling clearer vision in dim light and preventing night blindness and dry eye disease. Additionally, white tea contains substances that protect against radiation, significantly protecting the body's hematopoietic function and reducing the harm caused by computer and television radiation.

5. White tea leaves are rich in dihydromyricetin and other flavonoids, which can protect the liver and accelerate the rapid breakdown of acetaldehyde, a metabolite of ethanol (alcohol), into non-toxic substances, reducing damage to liver cells.

Storage

As a tea with great collection value, how should white tea be stored properly at home?

The storage method for white tea is very similar to that of Pu'er tea. Simply put, white tea needs to be stored in a sealed package in an environment free of odors. If we delve deeper, there are many details to consider.

In the north, with distinct seasons and relatively dry climates, storing white tea only requires following the basic principles of storage. However, in the south, things get more complicated. During the rainy season from March to May, it is crucial to ensure that the cabinet holding the white tea is at least 20 cm away from the wall and 40-50 cm above the ground. Do not open the tea during rainy days; only do so on sunny days to allow natural ventilation. If possible, use dehumidifiers to enhance the dryness of the storage environment.

White tea is a unique type of tea, neither stir-fried nor rolled, giving it the freshness of green tea while allowing it to age at room temperature, providing space for post-fermentation. The longer it is stored, the darker the color of the tea becomes, and the richer and smoother the taste of the infusion.

The storage requirements for white tea can generally be summarized as follows:

1. Store at room temperature. The ideal temperature for storing white tea ranges from 4°C to 25°C, meaning it does not need to be refrigerated. Ensure it is sealed.

2. The containers or bags used for storing tea must be non-toxic, odorless, and moisture-proof.

3. The storage environment must be free of odors, smells, and toxins.

One-Year Tea, Three-Year Medicine, Seven-Year Treasure

Aged white tea refers to white tea that has been stored for many years. During this period, internal changes occur within the tea, gradually transforming its infusion color to a reddish hue, while the aroma and flavor become increasingly mellow.

One-Year Tea: Since white tea is a slightly fermented tea, the first year's white tea has a taste similar to green tea, with a rather cool nature. Therefore, it is not recommended for those with a cold constitution, and the flavor may seem somewhat thin and lack complexity.

Three-Year Medicine: However, white tea is quite remarkable. If stored properly for two to three years, the internal components of the tea slowly change, the aroma matures, and the infusion color gradually transforms from a yellow-green to a deeper yellow. When tasted, the aroma is smooth, and the flavor becomes softer. The tea's nature shifts from cool to warm, making it effective in reducing inflammation, relieving summer heat, lowering fever, cooling the body, protecting the liver, and soothing the mind. Especially in the summer, having white tea as a companion is truly a fortunate thing.

Seven-Year Treasure: Technically speaking, white tea that has been stored for five to six years can be considered aged white tea. Over time, the internal components of the tea become increasingly rich, with a lingering natural aroma alongside the distinctive white tea hairiness. The flavor is rich, and the infusion color is amber, bright and transparent. At this age, the effects of preventing and fighting cancer, cooling fevers, detoxifying, and preventing allergies are more pronounced. During the early stages of a cold, drinking a few cups of hot aged white tea can provide significant relief.