White tea is the least processed variety of tea, traditionally grown in China. This tea is harvested after winter, when the first leaves of the tea plant are growing, and only the youngest shoots, which contain all the nutrients, are taken. They are left to dry naturally in the sun, and go through very little processing, so that oxidation is avoided. This is why the flavour is so mild and smooth.
¿WHERE IS WHITE TEA GROWN?
But is white tea only grown in China? The truth is that, in recent years, white tea has also started to be grown in other countries, such as Sri Lanka and India. However, the most authentic white tea variety is still grown in China, in particular in the Fujian province. The most exclusive and delicate varieties are found there, thanks to unique weather conditions combined with soil composition that are not found elsewhere on the planet.
WHITE TEA AND ITS PROPERTIES
We have already seen where white tea is grown. It’s worth nothing that, thanks to the purity of white tea, it has many benefits which outweigh those of other tea, such as green, red and black.
• It’s antioxidant: it’s 100% more antioxidant than green tea, as it contains more polyphenols.
• It’s mildly stimulating: it contains caffeine, although 15% less than green tea.
• It prevents premature ageing: its antioxidants act against free radicals, which are responsible for ageing and degenerative diseases.
• It’s diuretic: white tea and its properties help to combat fluid retention.
• It stimulates the fast burning of fats, thanks to its polyphenol and xanthine content
• It relieves stress: although it contains caffeine, its L-theanine promotes the production of happy and feel-good hormones, minimising the feeling of anxiety.
• It’s anti-inflammatory: it relieves pain and other effects of inflammation due to its catechin content.
HOW DO YOU MAKE AUTHENTIC WHITE TEA?
Heat the water until small bubbles appear (75º), just before it starts to boil. Turn off the heat and add the tea (one tablespoon). Cover and leave to steep for 3 minutes.
WHITE TEA RECIPES
White tea is delicious on its own. But, in what other ways can you use white tea in the kitchen? Here are some more ideas of how you can drink this healthy beverage.
COLD WHITE TEA
To make a cold white tea in the traditional way, add ice cubes after infusion. The result is a refreshing and antioxidant drink..
WHITE TEA WITH PINEAPPLE
These two flavours go very well together. Just blend together 200 ml of white tea, 2 slices of pineapple, half of a freshly squeezed lemon, 3 mint leaves or 1 teaspoon of grated ginger - it's as easy as that!
WHITE TEA JELLY
To enjoy spoonfuls of white tea jelly, the ingredients you must use are 300 ml of water, 200 ml of white tea and one sachet of lemon jelly. Mix the water and tea and proceed as indicated in the jelly instructions. It’s also possible to create other flavours by replacing the lemon jelly with neutral jelly and the water with the juice or infusion of your choice.
WHERE TO BUY WHITE TEA
At the moment, white tea is not easy to find since they don’t usually sell it in supermarkets or herbalist’s. Check out the Tea Shop’s white tea collection, the ideal place to buy white tea and shop online.
As you can see, pure white tea is still the healthiest and most authentic way to enjoy this drink, although you can also use it to create other original, tasty and healthy recipes and drinks.