White Tea
What is White Tea?
100% white tea is a rare tea that was introduced to the West in 2002 by The Republic of Tea. Like black, oolong and green tea, white tea is made from the leaves of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis plant). So, what makes this varietal so highly prized?
It all begins with the harvest. The young tea leaves and buds are plucked before they are fully opened, while they are still covered in fine white hairs (hence the name "white tea"). Additionally, white tea is the most minimally-processed of all tea varietals: the buds are neither rolled nor oxidized, and must be carefully monitored as they are dried. This precise technique produces a subtle, low-caffeine cup with mellow, sweet notes.
Pure 100% white teas have become a crown jewel of high-end tea collections and as a new favorite flavor for connoisseurs to buy and savor with many health benefits. Our Chinese white tea is the purest product on the market, grown only in the Fujian Province.
White Tea Bags vs. Loose Leaf White Tea
The Republic of Tea is delighted to offer Citizens both high quality white tea bags and full-leaf loose white teas to buy. Both types of packaging have their own benefits, depending on your steeping preferences.
Our 100% white tea bags deliver the renowned flavor and wellness benefits of white tea in an easy-to-steep unbleached round tea bag. We also stock premium full-leaf loose white teas. While these teas do require the use of an infuser basket, many tea drinkers love watching the delicate leaves unfurl as they steep.
Types of White Tea
White tea has a deliciously delicate flavor that makes it a pure joy to sip and savor. Tea drinkers can also enjoy a number of different white tea flavors. Explore our full collection of flavorful white tea blends available to purchase, such as exotic Ginger Peach White Tea, sweet Honey Mango White Tea and hydrating Cucumber Mint White Tea.
Silver Rain White Tea is our premium full-leaf silver needle white tea, grown in the majestic mountains of China's Fujian Province. These delicate silver needles are plucked in spring just before the leaf opens, yielding a crisp and refreshing cup with hints of honey and toasty sweetness.
What Does White Tea Taste Like?
Because white tea is made from the young leaves and buds of the tea plant, it typically has a mellow, fresh and refined flavor that many tea drinkers simply love. Depending on the types of white tea you choose to sip, you may notice different aromas and tasting notes such as floral, honey, grassy, fruity, melon, peach, woody, citrus or herbaceous. Noticing the color of the tea liquid is also a part of the traditional tasting experience; in the case of white tea, the liquid will usually be a very pale yellow. Experiment with different types of white tea (as well as various steeping times and methods) to discover the tasting notes and aromas you enjoy the most.
Health Benefits of White Tea
White tea is the most minimally processed of all true teas, allowing the tea buds and leaves to retain a high concentration of antioxidants — specifically, a type of polyphenols known as catechins (source). Studies have shown that antioxidants from tea leaves and other plants may help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are linked with aging and disease (source). The antioxidants in white tea leaves may help to fight inflammation, boost heart health and keep teeth clean and healthy (source).
FAQ
What are the origins of white tea?
Like other teas, white tea originated in China and has been sipped for thousands of years for its flavor and medicinal benefits. Although the specific history of white tea compared to black and green tea is murky, we do know that white tea as we know it today can be traced back to the 1700s. It is traditionally grown in the Fujian province of China. While some other tea growing regions have begun producing white tea, The Republic of Tea is proud to offer 100% white tea that is still grown in the beautiful Fujian province.
Does white tea have caffeine?
Curious about the caffeine content of white tea? Because it is made from Camellia sinensis tea leaves, white tea does contain caffeine — though generally a lesser amount compared to green, oolong or black tea. Part of the reason why white tea often contains less caffeine than other teas is because of the steeping method used. White tea is usually steeped at a lower temperature and for a shorter amount of time than black tea or oolong tea, resulting in a lower caffeine content.
How to steep white tea?
Preparing white tea is simple and straightforward, whether you are using tea bags or full-leaf loose tea. It begins with heating the water to just short of boiling (around 180 degrees Fahrenheit). Pour the hot water over the tea, steeping for 30-60 seconds if using white tea bags or 2-3 minutes if using full-leaf loose white tea. Learn more here: How to Steep White Tea.
How to store white tea?
It is important to store white tea properly in order to protect the delicate tea buds and leaves from external contaminants, such as natural sunlight, oxygen, heat, moisture and odors. We always recommend keeping your white tea in its original steel tin from The Republic of Tea, which is airtight and designed to protect the tea leaves. Additionally, you should store white teas away from moisture or heat-emitting appliances such as the dishwasher or oven.
Does white tea have tannins?
Yes, like all teas derived from the Camellia sinensis tea plant, white teas do contain tannins. That said, white tea generally contains a lower quantity of tannins compared to black tea and other varietals. This is because roasting or firing the tea leaves actually elevates their tannin levels, and white tea is the least processed tea type. White tea's minimal processing offers many other benefits such as the high antioxidant concentration and subtle flavor profile.
