White tea is a lightly processed tea made from the unopened buds and young leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. These buds and leaves are hand-picked and then minimally processed, typically with only withering and drying. This results in a delicate, pale-coloured brew with a subtle, sweet, and floral flavour.
Key Characteristics:
Minimal Processing: White tea undergoes the least amount of processing compared to other types of tea like black or green tea. Harvested from young, unopened buds and leaves, often during the early spring when they're covered in fine white hairs.
Flavour Profile: Delicate, slightly sweet, and floral flavour, often with hints of peach or honey. It typically brews into a pale, almost champagne-coloured liquor.
Health Benefits: White tea contains antioxidants, including catechins, which are beneficial for overall health. Some studies suggest white tea may have potential benefits related to blood pressure, blood circulation, and heart health.
Caffeine: White tea contains caffeine, though the amount can vary.