White Teas

White tea is difficult to obtain, and produced on a very limited scale in China and Sri Lanka.  White tea undergoes almost no transformation once harvested, it is merely withered and dried.  The curled up buds have a silvery appearance and are also known as silver tips.  The subtle taste of White teas requires an experienced palate.  Very pale, straw coloured liquid.

Characteristics

A rare delicacy, white tea comes from China. Unlike all other teas, including black, oolong and green varieties, white tea is unprocessed. Once gathered, the leaves are simply dried.

Pai Mu Tan is affordable, Yin Zhen (Silver Needles) produced in limited quantity, is one of the most expensive teas. Its harvest lasts only two days of the year and can be cancelled in windy or rainy conditions.

The imperial gathering is done by hand, plucking only the new down covered leaf buds comparable in texture to edelweiss petals. The crystalline infusion is pale and highly refreshing.

Before investing in white tea, western drinkers should first train their palates with oolong and green tea. Price is no guarantee of satisfaction and those who enjoy a "strong brew" may be disappointed by the subtle white bouquet.

Handcrafted tea uses needle-shaped white tea and may take the shape of tiny balls called Pearls or larger Artistic flower balls.