Benefits of Drinking White Tea

Regardless of what some folks may think, white tea is not black tea with too much milk added to it. Instead, the name refers to leaves that are picked from the same plant as green tea, but which undergo a very different process. It begins with the rolled buds of the Camellia Sinensis plant, but suffers no oxidation.

That oxidation process, often called fermentation, is what produces the distinctive color and taste of other teas. Though the word is the same, fermentation in tea circles does not mean the same as when it is used in relation to wine. No sugars are altered to produce alcohol.

Instead of oxidation, steaming dries the buds, which are then air dried. No rolling or crushing occurs. This leaves the enzymes in the leaves intact, unexposed to air. Water evaporates more slowly and up to forty percent of the original weight is lost. Then the leaves are slow-roasted to remove about ninety five percent of their moisture content.

The result is a tea with very little caffeine and a very light color and delicate taste. The final product has a very fresh taste, rather like real leaves or grass, which is preferred by some tea enthusiasts. Leaves gathered in the early spring provide a clean cup with a fragrance that has a hint of outdoors.

A type called Silver Needle that hails from the Fujian province in China is an especial treat. The Darjeeling province in India makes a fine white tea as well. In addition, there is a variety called Ceylon White that hails from Sri Lanka. However, there is more to white tea than just good taste as it also has many health benefits.

Though still an area of active research, there are studies that suggest white tea is even healthier than the already great green tea. Green tea stimulates the immune system to fight infection and according to a recent study at the Pace University, that property may be even more pronounced in white tea. It has an anti-viral and anti-bacterial effect.

With its lower caffeine content (15 mg per serving, compared to 40 mg for black tea, and 20 mg for green tea) white teas will be a great addition to the 'decaf' section of your tea tin.

Brew about 2.5 grams (1,5 teaspoons) for every 200 ml (6 oz). Heat the water to 82°C (180°F), and then steep the leaves for a few minutes. Cool to taste and enjoy this ancient delight as a new experience.