White Tea Buying Guide

Much like, green, black, and oolong  tea, white tea  comes from the plant, camellia sinensis.  White teas are minimally oxidized like green tea, but white tea leaves  are picked when they are still young buds with fine white hair covering them (hence, the name white tea).  While most green teas have a grassy taste to them,  white tea is very mild and sweet.  Since white tea is scarce, expect to pay a premium to enjoy a quality cup of tea.

White Tea Varieties

Many Chinese white teas have poetic names to describe their characteristic shape or flavor. The English translation is in parenthesis.  In addition to these types, white tea is can be infused with fruit and spice flavors.

Bai Hao Yinzhen  (Silver Needle) Made only with young camellia sinensis buds. This tea is slightly viscous so that the tiny leaf bud hairs float to the top of the cup. The taste is light, fresh, and sweet.	Bai Mu Dan  (White Peony) This white tea is considered a step down from Silver Needle because it includes the leaves as well as the buds.	Gong Mei  (Tribute Eyebrow) Considered the third grade of white tea, because it consists completely of tea leaves and is more processed than the other two. Aged after oxidation, the Tribute Eyebrow offers a dark, full brew with a very earthy taste.	Shou Mei  (Noble, Long Life Eyebrow) A mix of tips and the upper leaf. Since it is further oxidized, it has a stronger flavor but is considered the fourth level of white tea.

International White Tea Varieties

Ceylon White Tea  This Sri Lankan tea is highly prized in the area and contributes to Sri Lanka's continued success on the international tea market. It is very delicate, with notes of pine & honey and a golden coppery infusion.	Darjeeling White  Grown in Darjeeling, India, this tea is mellow and sweet.	African White  Produced in Malawi and Kenya, a silver needles type of white tea, made of assamensis buds. This is very rare.

White Tea Makers

• Celestial Seasonings White Tea 
• Hempstead Organic Fair Trade White Tea 
• Legend of China White Tea 
• Tea of Life White Tea Series 
• Twinings White Tea 

Related Guides

Green Tea Guide	Tea Guide	Fair Trade Tea Guide	Coffee Guide