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White tea (白茶 in Chinese) comes from the Camellia sinensis, the same plant that gives rise to all the teas in the world, but what makes it unique is its minimal processing and the selection of the most prized parts of the plant.
This type of tea is obtained from the buds or the first leaves of the Camellia sinensis, which after being harvested are left to dry in natural sunlight, to prevent oxidation, before being processed. It is therefore a tea with a very light oxidation, processed little and mostly with manual techniques, making it one of the most prized teas in existence.
The name "white tea" comes from the thin white-silver fuzz that covers the young, still-closed buds, giving them an almost magical appearance, similar to silver needles covered in snow.
Born in the misty mountains of Fujian province, China, white tea boasts a history rooted in the Tang dynasty (618-907 AD). However, the true modern white tea was perfected between 1772 and 1782 by the Xiao family in Jiang Yang county, reaching the peak of its refinement in 1796 with the creation of the legendary Bai Hao Yin Zhen.
During the Song dynasty, this elixir became the favorite drink of Emperor Huizong, so much so that it was considered an "imperial tribute" served exclusively by virgins with white gloves, a symbol of purity and respect. Poets of the time described it as "white as clouds, green as a dream, pure as snow, and aromatic as an orchid."
Today, in addition to traditional Chinese cultivations, white tea is also produced in Taiwan, Nepal, and Northern Thailand, but Fujian remains the beating heart of this ancient art.
At Terzaluna, you can purchase the best white teas from China in loose format. Discover the world's finest teas.
Discover the Terza Luna White Tea Selection
The origins of white tea are uncertain and shrouded in legend; we know that its cultivation began in China, where even today, especially in the Fujian province, the most prized varieties of white tea are processed. However, scholars and tea experts disagree about the historical period when this noble tea was first produced. Many know that white tea is also known as the "Emperor's tea," referring to the prestige of this product. It is certain that the custom of tea spread during the era of the first imperial dynasties (600-1300 AD) throughout China: according to some accounts, citizens were required to pay an annual tribute to the emperors in the form of rare and noble teas, which were teas obtained from the youngest and most delicate tips of the tea plant. From this, the imperial tea gardens were born, where these prized tea varieties were cultivated. These tea tributes are considered the first white teas, although they were very different from white tea as we understand it today: during the era of the Chinese imperial dynasties, tea buds, after being harvested, were steamed, stripped of their outer leaves, rinsed, air-dried, and then ground to produce a whitish-silver powder that, like matcha tea, was emulsified in hot water. This preparation was considered the best tea available, intended only for those who could afford it, namely the emperor: hence the term "Emperor's tea" given to white tea. However, today, white tea is a very different product from what the legend tells: one of the first accounts of white tea as we understand it was found in an English publication dated 1876, where it was labeled as black tea because the leaves were not steamed — as is done for green tea — to stop the oxidation process.
The magic of white tea lies in its extreme simplicity of production, a process that respects the Taoist philosophy of wu wei - the art of non-action, allowing nature to follow its natural course. White tea is a partially oxidized tea, positioned halfway between green tea, which undergoes no oxidation, and black tea, which is completely oxidized, and this unique characteristic derives from its minimal processing.
The Manual Harvesting Process
The harvesting of white tea is a ritual that requires millimetric precision and perfect timing, occurring exclusively twice a year: in April and September, when the climatic conditions are optimal for obtaining buds of the highest quality. The process must be rigorous and meticulous to achieve a perfect "plucking" of the youngest and most delicate buds and leaves of the plant. Harvesters must work in the early hours of the morning, when the dew has evaporated but the sun is not yet too intense, selecting only the still-closed buds that are covered with a characteristic whitish fuzz. It is this silvery fuzz that gives the tea the name "white tea," even though paradoxically the resulting infusion has a delicate pale yellow color.
Each bud is selected with meticulous care: to produce one kilogram of Bai Hao Yin Zhen, about 40,000 buds are needed, picked one by one. It is a task that requires years of experience and delicate hands, capable of recognizing by touch the perfect ripeness of the tenderest buds.
Withering and Natural Oxidation
Once harvested, the buds are laid on bamboo mats and left to dry in natural sunlight for short intervals of 20 minutes, totaling 1-2 hours. This delicate sun-drying process primarily serves to prevent excessive oxidation, allowing for partial oxidation of 5-20%, much lower than black tea which reaches 80-100%. The next phase takes place in controlled environments with natural ventilation, where the leaves gradually lose their moisture over 2-3 days. It is here that the characteristic aromas and natural sweetness that distinguish white tea develop.
Unlike other teas, white tea does not require roasting, rolling, or fermentation stages as seen in Pu Erh teas, making its processing one of the purest and most natural in the world of tea.
Drying and Quality Control
The final stage involves gentle drying that brings the moisture content to 4-6%, ideal for preservation. Each leaf is manually inspected and selected with specialized tweezers, ensuring that only the perfect buds reach your cup. This artisanal process, passed down from generation to generation, preserves the nutritional properties intact and gives white tea its extraordinary richness in antioxidants, superior to any other type of tea. The minimal processing and the choice of the tenderest and most delicate leaves and buds are the key elements that give white tea its delicate taste and allow for the full retention of its beneficial properties.
White tea offers a unique sensory experience, as delicate as a caress and as complex as a symphony. At the first sip, you are enveloped by a natural sweetness reminiscent of acacia honey, followed by floral notes of jasmine and honeysuckle that dance on the palate.
The color of the infusion is a pale golden-yellow, almost transparent, with subtle silvery reflections due to the fuzz on the buds (not to be confused with yellow tea though!). The aroma is that of "freshly cut hay", with herbal fragrances that evoke mountain meadows at dawn.
But it is in the evolution of the taste that white tea reveals its true magic: the first infusion offers freshness and floral notes, while subsequent ones reveal fruity nuances of melon, peach, and white grape. The aftertaste is persistent and clean, with a subtle minerality that testifies to the purity of the mountain waters of Fujian.
This aromatic complexity, combined with its extreme delicacy, makes white tea perfect for those seeking a moment of contemplation and well-being, away from the daily chaos.
White tea is a concentrate of well-being in a cup. With only 2-4 calories per 100ml, it represents an exceptional source of precious nutrients for our body.
Vitamin content per 100ml:
Essential minerals:
The real treasure: the concentration of polyphenols (138-200 mg per 100ml) and catechins (50-150 mg per 100ml), superior to any other tea. These compounds are the key to the extraordinary benefits of white tea.
The caffeine content in white tea is moderate (15-20 mg per 100ml), significantly lower than green tea (30 mg) and black tea (40-50 mg), making it ideal even for those sensitive to stimulants.
The properties of white tea stem from its extraordinary richness in bioactive compounds, preserved by minimal processing. At the heart of this nutritional treasure are the catechins, particularly EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which accounts for 50-80% of the total content.
Let's look at the main properties associated with white tea:
The benefits of white tea are supported by a growing body of scientific evidence that confirms the millennia-old wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine.
Scientific research has shown that regular consumption of white tea can reduce systolic blood pressure by 3-5 mmHg and diastolic pressure by 2-3 mmHg, thanks to vasodilation mediated by nitric oxide. Flavonoids also improve endothelial function by 15-20%, reducing the risk of atherosclerosis.
White tea also contributes to reducing LDL cholesterol (5-10 mg/dL) and increasing HDL cholesterol (2-5 mg/dL), promoting a healthier lipid profile.
The methylxanthines present in white tea (caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine) stimulate thermogenesis, increasing basal metabolism by 4-5%. This effect, combined with the activation of the AMPK enzyme, promotes fat oxidation and can support the maintenance of a healthy body weight.
Studies also show an improvement in insulin sensitivity by 10-15% and a reduction in fasting blood glucose by 5-15%, making it a valuable ally in the prevention of type 2 diabetes.
Is white tea slimming? It is important to clarify that white tea is not a miraculous slimming product. While it may support metabolism and fat oxidation, weight loss always depends on a holistic approach that includes a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and a healthy lifestyle.
The synergy between caffeine and L-theanine creates a unique effect: mental stimulation without agitation. L-theanine promotes the production of alpha brain waves, associated with a state of alert relaxation, while caffeine maintains concentration.
Longitudinal Japanese studies have shown a 28% reduction in cognitive decline among regular tea consumers, thanks to the protection offered by catechins against amyloid protein aggregation typical of Alzheimer's.
White tea enhances the body's natural defenses, increasing the activity of natural killer cells and modulating the immune response. Its antiviral properties are particularly effective against influenza viruses, blocking viral replication.
Research from the University of Granada has highlighted that white tea offers the greatest protective effects on bone and cartilage tissues, with an increase in bone mineral density of 2-5% and a reduction in fracture risk of 13-22%.
For dental health, white tea reduces the incidence of cavities by 20-30% and combats periodontal disease thanks to its antibacterial properties.
Despite its numerous benefits, white tea has some contraindications that are important to know for informed consumption.
Excessive consumption of white tea (more than 3-4 cups a day) can cause various side effects mainly related to caffeine excess.
When to consult a doctor? If you experience chest pain, persistent palpitations, breathing difficulties, or prolonged sleep disturbances, it is important to consult a healthcare professional immediately.
The preparation of white tea is an art that requires delicacy and precision to preserve its subtle aromas and beneficial properties.
Ideal proportions:
Infusion times:
The Gong Fu method allows you to explore all the nuances of white tea through multiple short infusions. After an initial rinse of 5 seconds, proceed with the first infusion of 5-10 seconds, gradually increasing the time for each subsequent steeping. A quality white tea can offer up to 8-10 infusions, each with unique aromatic characteristics.
White tea is an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy the benefits of tea without overly intense stimulating effects. Thanks to its moderate caffeine content, white tea can be consumed in larger quantities than other types of tea, making it perfect for various moments of the day.
Its delicate nature also makes it ideal for those sensitive to caffeine but who do not want to miss out on the benefits and pleasure of a good cup of tea.
White tea perfectly suits different times of the day, providing energy without agitation.
Chinese tradition recognizes four main varieties of white tea, each with distinctive characteristics reflecting the level of leaf selection and processing technique used.
In addition to these traditional varieties, the modern market offers numerous blends and creative mixtures that combine white tea with flowers, fruits, and spices, creating unique aromatic profiles that maintain the characteristic delicacy combined with more complex and enveloping notes.
Let's explore together the different varieties of white tea available for sale in our e-commerce: their characteristics, origins, and peculiarities.
The Bai Hao Yin Zhen Yunnan from Terzaluna represents the excellence of white tea, coming from the village of Tang Te in Jinggu County. This extraordinary tea is produced from the Camellia Taliensis variety, cultivated at an altitude of 1300 meters, and presents a more intense and complex aromatic profile compared to the traditional Fujian variety.
The silver buds, harvested in spring 2024, offer a golden liquor with persistent honey notes and fresh floral hints. Its exceptional quality-price ratio makes it accessible even to newcomers who want to discover the excellence of white tea.
Discover the Bai Hao Yin Zhen Yunnan from Terzaluna - Premium Quality at an Exceptional Price
Yin Zhen, Yunnan Delicate notes of peach and yellow fruit Harvest 2024 Made exclusively from buds Less expensive version of white tea Yin Zhen 9,50€ Buy
The Ya Bao from Terzaluna is a unique white tea in the world, made from buds hand-picked from wild trees in Yunnan. These special buds, unlike traditional ones, would have grown into new trunks rather than leaves.
The flavor profile is surprisingly complex: a blend of floral and muscat notes with a slightly smoky finish. Its ability to improve with aging makes it an investment for the future, while its rarity transforms it into a unique experience for true connoisseurs.
Explore the Uniqueness of Ya Bao - The Rarest Wild White Tea
Bud of Ancient Trees Tea made from only hand-picked buds Floral and muscat taste, with a slightly smoky finish Very low caffeine content 7,50€ Buy
The White Pine Needles from Terzaluna, sourced from Zhejiang, offers an excellent entry point into the world of white tea. Composed solely of buds, it presents a fruity and delicate taste with an unbeatable quality-price ratio.
Harvested twice a year, this tea proves that excellence doesn't have to cost a fortune. Its fresh and delicate notes make it perfect for those new to white tea.
Start Your White Tea Journey with White Pine Needles Terzaluna
White Pine Needles Fresh and delicate white tea Excellent quality-price ratio Rich in antioxidants 5,00€ Buy
The Bai Mu Dan from Terzaluna is available both in the fresh version and the prestigious 100g pressed cake from 2019. The fresh version, sourced from Baise in Guangxi, offers a pleasantly delicate taste with floral and sweet notes.
The 2019 pressed cake from Fuding, on the other hand, represents an opportunity to discover how white tea evolves with aging, developing increasingly sweet notes that lean towards ripe fruit. It can be consumed immediately or stored for further aging.
Discover Terzaluna's Bai Mu Dan - Tradition and Innovation
White Peony Fuding 2019 Cake Hand-pressed white tea cakes Each cake weighs 100g Harvested in 2019 19,90€ Buy
Proper storage of white tea is essential to preserve its organoleptic properties and antioxidant benefits over time. The tea should be stored in airtight tin or ceramic containers, in a cool, dry place, protected from direct light and heat sources. Unlike other teas, white tea has the unique characteristic of improving with controlled aging: if stored correctly, it maintains its optimal qualities for 18-24 months, but premium varieties can be aged for years, developing increasing aromatic complexity and sweeter notes. During this process, the tea undergoes a slow natural fermentation that transforms the profile from fresh and floral to more mature and rounded.
To best preserve its characteristics, it is important to avoid the refrigerator and plastic containers, which could compromise aroma and flavor.
White tea is not only a refined beverage but also a versatile ingredient for unique sensory experiences and creative applications that go beyond traditional infusion.
Understanding the differences between white tea and other tea varieties helps to better appreciate its unique characteristics and make informed choices about when to prefer it. Although all teas come from the same plant, Camellia sinensis, the different processing methods create completely different profiles in terms of flavor, antioxidant content, caffeine, and health benefits.
White tea is steeped in charm and mystery. During the Song dynasty, Emperor Hui Zong was so obsessed with white tea that this passion contributed to the loss of his empire. The ceremonial methods were so elaborate that only skilled monks could prepare them.
White tea symbolizes purity, stability, and fertility in Chinese culture. In traditional wedding ceremonies, it is used to express respect and gratitude towards parents, a tradition dating back over 1000 years.
The poetic names of the varieties reflect Chinese aesthetics: "Silver Needle with White Hairs" for Bai Hao Yin Zhen, "White Peony" for Bai Mu Dan, "Longevity Eyebrow" for Shou Mei.
After exploring the fascinating world of white tea, it's time to turn knowledge into experience. Terzaluna offers you the unique opportunity to access an exclusive selection of fine white teas, selected directly from producers during trips to China, Taiwan, and Japan.
Each tea in the Terzaluna collection tells a story of passion, tradition, and pursuit of excellence. From tea masters in the Fujian mountains to innovators in Yunnan, each producer is chosen for their dedication to quality and respect for traditional techniques.
The selection ranges from the prestigious Bai Hao Yin Zhen Yunnan, with its unique aromatic profile, to the mysterious wild Ya Bao, to the delicate White Pine Needles and the complex Bai Mu Dan. Each variety represents an opportunity for discovery, a sensory journey that enriches knowledge and the pleasure of tasting.
Choosing Terzaluna means relying on experts who understand the importance of traceability, freshness, and authenticity. Each tea is accompanied by its story, information about the harvest, and tips for perfect preparation.
Explore the Entire Collection of Terzaluna's Fine White Teas: Where Tradition and Quality Meet
Discover the Terzaluna White Tea Selection
