White tea, also known as Fuding white tea, is one of China's six major tea categories. It refers to tea that undergoes minimal processing after harvesting—without fermentation or rolling—only sun-drying or gentle baking. It is relatively uncommon in most regions. White tea production has a history of about 200 years, first created in Fuding County, hence the name Fuding White Tea. The county boasts a premium tea plant variety—Fuding Da Bai Cha—whose buds and leaves are covered with fine white hairs, making them excellent raw materials for tea production. Initially, this tea leaf was used to produce white tea.

The white color comes from harvesting tender buds and leaves with abundant white hairs on the back, processed without frying or rolling, and dried in the sun or with gentle heat to preserve the white hairs intact on the tea's surface. White tea is characterized by its visible white hairs. Notable varieties include Bai Hao Yin Zhen from northern Fujian and Ningbo, as well as Bai Mu Dan.

Green tea refers to tea made from fresh tea leaves without fermentation, using typical processes like fixation, rolling, and drying. The resulting tea and its brewed liquor largely retain the green hue of fresh tea leaves. Regular consumption of green tea can help prevent cancer, reduce blood lipids, and protect computer users from radiation. Smokers drinking green tea may alleviate harm from nicotine.

Benefits of White Tea

1. White tea prevents cancer, fights cancer, relieves heat, detoxifies, and treats toothache. Especially aged white tea can be used as a fever reducer for measles-infected children, with better effects than antibiotics.

2. Besides containing nutrients found in other teas, white tea includes essential active enzymes for the human body. Medical studies show long-term consumption significantly increases lipase activity, promotes fat breakdown, controls insulin secretion, delays intestinal glucose absorption, breaks down excess blood sugar, and maintains blood sugar balance. Rich in amino acids, its cold nature helps reduce heat and detoxify. In production areas, drinking a cup of Bai Mu Dan tea in summer rarely leads to heatstroke.

3. White tea is rich in vitamin A原, which converts quickly into vitamin A upon absorption. Vitamin A synthesizes rhodopsin, improving vision in dim light and preventing night blindness and dry eye syndrome. It also contains anti-radiation substances that protect hematopoietic function and reduce TV radiation harm. Drinking white tea while watching TV is beneficial, especially for children, protecting eyes and promoting health.

4. White tea flakes are rich in flavonoids like dihydromyricetin, which protect the liver by accelerating the breakdown of acetaldehyde (an ethanol metabolite) into non-toxic substances, reducing liver cell damage.

White Tea Drinking Taboos

1. White tea is cold in nature. Those with stomach "heat" can drink it in moderation on an empty stomach. Those with neutral stomachs can drink it anytime, while those with stomach "cold" should drink it after meals. Generally, white tea does not irritate the stomach lining.

2. Dosage: Generally, 5 grams per person per day is sufficient, especially for the elderly. Other teas follow the same principle—excessive consumption may lead to "adverse effects" and negate health benefits. Note: Those with kidney deficiency, tachycardia, severe hypertension, severe constipation, severe neurasthenia, or iron-deficiency anemia should avoid strong tea and drinking on an empty stomach to prevent "tea drunkenness".