White tea is something very special. Thanks to its weak fermentation and minimal processing, this unique drink has a delicate, exquisite taste and an exceptionally pleasant aroma. White tea, which grows on China's famous tea plantations, was very expensive for centuries and was part of the emperors' daily diet.
White tea is made from the most delicate and youngest buds and leaves of the Camellia sinensis tea plant, which are picked exclusively by hand and gently processed. First, the leaves are wilted in the sun and then dried in special ovens at a low temperature. This preserves all the valuable properties of the plant, including a large amount of vitamins and antioxidants.
To prepare a tasty drink, it is important to consider the temperature and quality of the water, as well as the steeping time of the white tea, and to choose a vessel made of suitable material.
Influence of water temperature and quality on the taste of white tea
A characteristic feature of white tea is its distinctive flavor palette. However, it sometimes happens that the quality of the tea is excellent and the aroma is pleasant, but the taste after brewing leaves something to be desired. There can be several reasons for this, but the most common are incorrect temperature and water hardness.
The optimal water temperature
The preparation of white tea has some special features. First and foremost is the optimal water temperature: for this type of tea, it is lower than for conventional varieties and is around 70–90 °C. For white tea made from leaves, you should aim for a temperature of 70–85 °C – under these conditions, its delicate and sweet notes unfold fully with each new infusion. If the tea consists of leaf buds, it is advisable to start with a temperature of around 90 °C and gradually increase it with subsequent infusions.
For a comfortable tea experience, we recommend purchasing a kettle with temperature control. The required brewing temperature for white tea can also be achieved by adding room temperature water to the kettle in portions after boiling, or by waiting a while until it has cooled down slightly (on average, water cools down by 20–30 °C in 2–3 minutes at room temperature).
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The importance of water hardness
White tea consists of 99% water, which means that its quality inevitably affects the taste and smell of the drink.
The ideal tea aroma is achieved with low-mineral water. It is best to prepare the drink with fresh, oxygen-rich water. Please note that each time the water is boiled, it loses oxygen.
The best flavor characteristics are achieved when using filtered or bottled mineral water. Hard tap water, on the other hand, is an unacceptable option if you want to achieve impeccable taste and perfect aroma.
Dosage and steeping time for white tea
When preparing white tea, manufacturers recommend paying attention to dosage and time. A traditional tea ceremony usually lasts about 1–2 hours. Of course, in our modern lifestyle, we simply don't have time for such long tea sessions. This makes it all the more important to know that you can get a tasty, aromatic, and healthy drink in just a few minutes if you know the basic rules of preparation.
The right dosage per cup
To calculate the approximate dosage of white tea, you should consider the preparation method.
There are several ways to prepare the drink, each of which offers you a unique experience and the opportunity to enjoy its unmatched taste characteristics:
- Gongfu method or the ritual of taste. This option is suitable for tasting the changing flavors of high-quality white teas during many short infusions. For this, you will need 5 grams of tea per 100 ml of water, a small clay pot or gaiwan, a small jug for pouring, and tasting bowls.
- Simmering method. Ideal for matured white teas in the form of cakes or bricks, or to extract all the beneficial substances from leaves that have already undergone several Gongfu infusions. Simmering is absolutely unsuitable for delicate leaves and buds. To prepare, you will need about 5 grams of tea per 500–700 ml of water and a glass or ceramic container that can be used on the stove. After boiling, let the tea steep for a while over low heat.
- “Grandpa” style. A simple way to continuously prepare drinks directly in the cup for consumption throughout the day. Dosage: about 1–2 teaspoons per cup or about 2–3 grams per 150 ml of water. Fill the container about two-thirds full with hot water. Let the leaves sink to the bottom and the water cool to a drinkable temperature, then enjoy the tea with its mild and pleasant taste. Add more water gradually throughout the day.
- Western style. A simple and familiar way to prepare a large portion of tea in a pot to drink from a classic cup. Use a large teapot with a volume of 400 ml or more with a tea strainer. Dosage: 3 teaspoons (about 4–5 grams) per 250 ml of water. Pour hot water over the leaves and let them steep. Once the drink has reached the desired strength and taste, remove the strainer and drink.
The specialists at ARTEAMONY will be happy to advise you on the best way to prepare white tea, depending on the variety and your preferences.
Recommended steeping time
White tea is one of the best types of tea for those who are just starting to consume this healing drink regularly. This is because it does not become bitter even when steeped for a long time. Nevertheless, white tea develops a tart aftertaste with increasing steeping time, which should be taken into account. A slight tartness in itself is not a disadvantage, especially if it is balanced and allows for a more complex and deeper flavor. The tea can be infused several times.
The recommended steeping time is always indicated on the packaging. Often, this is a preparation method that requires a longer duration. As a result, you cannot infuse the tea more than three times. With a faster preparation method (about 2–4 minutes the first time) and using a larger amount of tea leaves, the number of infusions increases to five or even eight.
If you use the infusion method, the first infusion is quick, and each subsequent infusion takes 10 seconds longer.
And most importantly, there is simply no right or wrong way to prepare white tea. Experiment with time, water temperature, and method—this is the only way to find the perfect taste of loose white tea and portioned white tea for you.
Choosing the variety and accessories for white tea
High-quality white tea undoubtedly belongs to the category of elite beverages. There are about 15 varieties, each with its own unique flavor characteristics. In the ARTEAMONY online store, you will find a huge assortment of teas, including all the popular varieties of white tea in the best quality.
Popular varieties and their differences
Four varieties of white tea are particularly popular:
- Bai Mu Dan or peony leaves. It is obtained from a specially bred selection tree. Only buds surrounded by two fluffy white leaves are collected. The production technology is kept secret by the pickers. In its finished form, Bai Mu Dan is characterized by a delicate floral aroma and a golden color, which is why it is incredibly popular with gourmets all over the world.
- Bai Hao Yin Zhen or Silver Needles. A rather rare and expensive variety. The reason for this is the short harvest season and the fact that the quality of the final product depends on weather conditions and the selection of tea leaves of the same color. Only large and juicy buds are collected for this purpose. Once you have tasted Bai Hao Yin Zhen, you will never forget its unmatched taste and aroma.
- Shou Mei or Old Man's Eyebrows. Larger and more expansive leaves left over after harvesting the first two varieties serve as the basis. Hence the name – Old Man's Eyebrows. After brewing, the drink takes on a rather dark and rich color, has a tart aftertaste and a pleasant aroma.
- Gong Mei or Eyebrows of Offering. The most affordable variety of white tea, made from mature, fully opened leaves and a small amount of buds. Its taste is reminiscent of oolong tea, but with more delicate notes.
Accessories for preparation and storage
The true flavor of white tea can only be revealed if the accessories for its preparation and storage are chosen correctly. Even the most exquisite variety loses its magic if it is brewed in a plastic cup or stored in the wrong conditions.
Tableware is not a trifle, but an essential part of the tea ritual. Which tableware and accessories you choose for preparing white tea depends on the situation and even your mood. Certain products are suitable for everyday tea enjoyment, while others are better for guests or a ceremony.
The first thing we recommend paying attention to when choosing tableware is the teapots. The material and even the shape of the product affect the final taste:
- Metal pots (with the exception of silver and stainless steel) can oxidize and distort the aroma.
- Porous Yixing clay retains heat excellently and enhances the flavor characteristics, but requires that only one type of tea be brewed in it.
- Glass, porcelain, and ceramics are a good, neutral option for all types of tea. Pots made of these materials are neutral, do not distort the taste, but cool down faster than clay pots.
Choose brewing equipment that suits the type of white tea and your preparation style.
When it comes to storing white tea, it is important to follow a few rules:
- Direct sunlight or strong artificial lighting can quickly spoil the taste of the tea leaves. UV radiation destroys chemical compounds, leading to a loss of color and flavor.
- Oxygen damages fresh tea because it causes oxidation, which in turn alters the flavor characteristics.
- Increased humidity leads to mold growth and bacterial growth. Even moderately humid air can cause a musty aftertaste.
- Tea leaves absorb not only moisture but also foreign odors. Do not store white tea next to coffee, spices, or other strong-smelling products. Otherwise, over time, it will take on a flavor similar to its surroundings.
The best containers for storing white tea are tins with tight-fitting lids made of opaque materials (e.g., stainless steel, ceramic) and reusable, airtight foil bags.
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Conclusion
The impeccable taste and aroma of white tea are a wonderful reason to pause and enjoy every moment of life. And when you consider the numerous beneficial properties of this drink, it is no exaggeration to call it a real treasure. If you have been wanting to try white tea for a long time, now is the perfect time! You will find the best varieties of white tea in the ARTEAMONY online store. Our specialists will help you choose the best variety and accessories for the tea ceremony and advise you on the correct preparation and storage methods.
