Delicate, refined, and minimally processed, white tea is the purest expression of the tea leaf. Picked, withered, and gently dried, these leaves retain their natural shape and colour, resulting in a soft, floral infusion with a beautifully smooth finish.
As the least processed of all teas, white tea is naturally high in antioxidants and offers a gentle caffeine lift—perfect for any time of day. While it contains more caffeine in its dried form, its large leaves, cooler brew temperatures, and shorter steep times result in a more subtle caffeine release in the cup, making it a great afternoon companion.
At the pinnacle of white tea sits Silver Needles —the highest grade, hand-picked in China every April before sunrise for an exquisitely delicate, nuanced brew. Whether you're discovering white tea for the first time or searching for the finest sip, explore the elegance of one of the world’s most treasured teas.
What is white tea?
Known for its delicate flavour profile and light colour, white tea is made from the leaves of the camellia sinensis plant — the same plant used to produce other types of tea like green, black and oolong tea. However, its unique processing method sets white tea apart from the rest.
To make white tea, the leaves and buds are carefully plucked in the early spring when they’re young and covered in fine white or silver-coloured hairs — these give white tea its name. The leaves are picked before fully opened and undergo minimal processing to preserve their natural shade and flavour characteristics.
The traditional method of making white tea usually involves the following steps:
- Withering - The freshly picked tea leaves and buds are dispersed onto trays or bamboo mats to wither. This allows the leaves to lose moisture so they become more pliable.
- Drying - Traditionally, the withered leaves are dried in natural sunlight or using low-temperature methods like air-drying. This step helps to halt oxidation and preserve the tea's delicate flavours and unique appearance.
- Sorting and grading - After the drying process is complete, the leaves are sorted and graded based on their quality. The sorting process separates the leaves and buds into different categories, with the youngest and most tender buds being the highest grade.
- Packing - Once sorted and graded, white tea is packed and prepared for distribution. It may be packaged as loose-leaf white tea or added to tea bags.
The minimal processing and careful handling of white tea help retain its delicate flavours and natural sweetness. The result? A mild and smooth flavour that lacks the strong bitterness or astringency of other teas.
While you may find brews that deliver a hint of sweetness — often described as akin to delicate honey or nectar — other varieties contain vegetal notes that add to their unique flavour profile.
FAQs
Does white tea have caffeine?
Yes, white tea contains caffeine, although the amount varies depending on the blend and brewing method. However, white tea generally contains a lower amount of this stimulant than coffee and other types of tea, like green or black tea.
Can you add milk to white tea?
While there’s no right or wrong way to enjoy white tea, adding milk may overpower the delicate flavours and delectable aroma. If you add milk, use a small amount and opt for a lighter, unsweetened variety to avoid masking the nuanced flavours of this unprocessed brew. Either way, you can experiment and find the best combination that suits your taste preferences.
