Types of White Tea

White tea is a delicate tea with a sweet mellow flavor. Like all teas, white tea comes from the tea plant camellia sinensis. The difference in white, green and black teas is in the processing. White tea is the least processed of the three, undergoing only sorting, steaming and drying. Because white tea is the least processed of the teas it is considered very healthy. It contains very little caffeine, approximately 1 percent of the caffeine of a cup of coffee, and is very high in anti-oxidants.

About

Most white tea is produced in China, with the remainder produced in the Darjeeling region of India and in Sri Lanka. White tea is considered rare because it is only picked a few days every spring. Only the tender young leaves and the tips of the buds are used. White tea brews to a pale yellow, straw-colored tea. The flavor is more subtle than green tea, mostly lacking the more herbaceous flavors of green tea.

Silver Needle Tea

Silver needle tea is also known as yin zhen. Silver needle is the most rare and expensive of the teas. It is made entirely of bud tips, containing no developed leaves. Silver needle buds are covered with fine silver hairs, giving it the name. Silver needle tea is highly regarded for its natural sweetness and delicate flavors. It is slightly savory with herbaceous notes.

White Peony Tea

White peony is also called bai mu dan. It is less rare than silver needle because the first two uppermost leaves are used along with the bud tips. These two leaves add a delicate nutty flavor and more herbaceous notes. Like all whites, it has a mild delicate flavor and is a good introductory tea for those unaccustomed to white teas. White peony is less expensive than silver needle and more available.

Snow Bud Tea

Snow bud is also known as xue ya. It is sweet and savory like other whites but has a greener flavor than more expensive whites. Snow bud is a good white tea for those who prefer the flavor of green tea, but want the health benefits of white.

White Tea Blends

White tea is also available blended with fruits, citrus, spices, herbs and flowers. Since white teas have a delicate flavor, they provide a light background for these added ingredients. These blends are enjoyed by those who like a more robust flavor but want the health benefits of the white tea.

Blooming White Teas

Blooming white teas are tea leaves that have been hand tied into a flower shape and usually folded into a ball. On brewing the flower will "bloom" or open revealing the enchanting flower in the bottom of the cup or pot. Blooming teas are beautiful brewed in clear glass for best viewing. Blooming white teas make a romantic gift, coupled with a clear glass pot. Blooming teas are available in blended flavors as well. They are an elegant alternative to the common tea bag.