White Tea, a minimally processed type of tea, is a unique and precious variety in Chinese teas. Because the finished product is mostly made from buds, it tastes fresh and mellow when brewed. To appreciate white tea, one should first smell its purity, observe the clarity of its infusion, taste its authentic freshness, and savor its smoothness and aftertaste.
How to Enjoy White Tea for the Best Taste
(1) Observe the Color: The fresher and fuller the white tea leaves are, the stronger their whitening degree, resulting in a more golden hue in the dried tea, indicating higher quality and greater nobility.
(2) Savor the Aroma: Fresh fragrance is one of the distinctive features of mountain white tea. Whether it's the dry tea or the infused tea, the stronger and longer-lasting the fresh aroma, the higher the quality.
(3) Appreciate the Uniqueness: Brew with water around 95°C (203°F), do not cover, and after about three minutes, watch as the white tea unfurls, returning to a jade-like white color. The leaves become translucent, the veins a vibrant green, and the overall appearance is complete and uniform, resembling dancing pieces of jade and resting pearls. The infusion is a tender greenish-yellow, showcasing the tea at its purest and most beautiful state.
(4) Taste and Evaluate: Once the tea has cooled enough to drink, savor it slowly. The taste should be fresh and lingering, elevating your experience to a sublime level.
(5) Refill with Water: When the Cup is about one-third empty, add boiling water and continue drinking. Three infusions are typically ideal.
Techniques for Drinking White Tea
To drink white tea, it shouldn't be too concentrated; generally, 5 grams of tea leaves for 150 milliliters of water is sufficient. The water temperature should be above 95°C (203°F). The first infusion should steep for about five minutes, then strain the tea into a Teacup for drinking. For the second infusion, only three minutes are needed. It's best to brew and drink as you go. Typically, a single serving of white tea can be infused four to five times.
The utensils used for drinking white tea don't require much fuss and can include cups, Teapots, and other vessels.
The amount of white tea to use is usually 5 grams per person per day, and less is recommended for seniors. Too much of any tea can lead to diminishing returns in terms of health benefits.
White tea, a minimally processed tea, is a special variety among Chinese teas. Because the finished product is mostly made from buds, it tastes fresh and mellow when brewed. It also possesses medicinal properties. White tea is cooling in nature and is known for its heat-clearing and fire-reducing effects.