11 November 2020Thé blanc

White Tea: Everything You Need to Know

Origin, history, benefits, and manufacturing: white tea is the world's most powerful antioxidant and is packed with benefits. In this article, we reveal all its secrets, from its history and origins to the manufacturing process and its health and skin benefits.

What are the differences between white tea, green tea and black tea?

Did you know that white tea, green tea, and black tea all come from the same tree? Camellia Sinensis , or Chinese Camellia, more commonly known as the tea plant. The difference between these varieties depends on the part of the tea plant picked (buds or leaves) as well as the processing and drying of the leaves : a process aimed at modifying the shade, taste, and appearance of each tea through different temperatures and infusion degrees .

What is white tea?

White tea is the purest. It remains in its natural state. Indeed , it has undergone the least transformation during the manufacturing process, hence its subtle and refined taste . It comes directly from the buds , unlike green and black tea, which come from the leaves of the tea plant.

This variety of tea is still very little known in the West because it is the rarest and most expensive . In the past, it was exported very little due to its low roasting which did not allow it to be preserved as long as black or green tea.

Due to its rarity, the care taken in picking, and the nobility of its aroma, white tea is considered the most prestigious and precious tea in the world. Indeed , to obtain 1 kg of raw material, it is necessary to harvest approximately 30,000 heads. For a long time, white tea was reserved for the Imperial Court of China, due to its laborious production and the delicacy of its aroma.

History and origin of white tea

There are many legends about tea. The best known is that of Emperor Chen Nung. About 5,000 years ago, he was boiling water in the shelter of a tree when a few leaves, carried by the breeze, fell into his brew. They gave the water a delicate color and a sweet aroma. Tea was born. In addition to this legend, and according to early writings, white tea was already known in the 16th century and was created in Fuding County in 1796.

Considered the elixir of immortality in Asia for centuries, white tea takes its name from the silvery white color of its leaves, still covered in a light white down. Grown in the high mountains, white tea is made from the unopened buds and young shoots of the Camellia Sinensis tea plant.

White tea originated in China, but in recent years its cultivation has expanded far beyond this region, and new producing countries are specializing in it. Today, this rare tea is grown in Vietnam, India, Sri Lanka, and Kenya. These regions are ideal for its harvest because they have ideal climatic conditions. Depending on its country of origin, white tea has different qualities and characteristics .

The process of making white tea

The white tea manufacturing process is unique. The harvest, carried out by hand, takes place only once a year, during the first days of spring. Its unopened buds and leaves are quickly picked, then withered and dried in the sun. This allows the white tea to retain all of its purity and properties.

Withering is the first step in making white tea. It's a process that removes water from the tea leaf to make it more malleable. In the past, this step was done outdoors, but nowadays it's increasingly done in a heated , well-ventilated room. If withering takes place indoors, three factors must be taken into account: leaf spreading, ventilation, and room temperature.

The final step in white tea production is drying. This involves subjecting the leaves to a stream of hot air to lower their moisture content. This makes them more suitable for storage. This is a very important step, as if the drying is too low, the tea leaves risk molding during storage due to the remaining moisture. If the drying is too high, it can also cause some of the aromas to disappear. Like withering, this drying step can be carried out indoors or outdoors when weather conditions permit.

What are the components of white tea?

White tea is made up of several components that provide our body and our skin with numerous benefits.

Tea minerals : we find in particular potassium which ensures several of our vital functions (acid-base balance, control of the pH of cells, proper functioning of the kidneys). Calcium is also present in white tea, it is the main constituent of our teeth and bones. Magnesium , on the other hand, contributes to nerve transmission and muscle relaxation (essential for cardiac function, regulation of sugar levels and blood pressure). We also find other minerals in minimal quantities such as zinc, copper, sodium or nickel.

Polyphenols : They're known to be the best natural antioxidants. And that's a good thing! White tea contains three times more than green tea, making it the world's most powerful antioxidant.

Tannins : These are part of the polyphenol family. In white tea, tannins are present in very small quantities. They are responsible for the stimulating effect of tea. They bind to caffeine and delay its diffusion into the blood. This is also why its duration of action is longer compared to coffee. Tannins give tea certain qualities, such as its color or bitterness.

Caffeine (or theine) : This component has a stimulating effect on the nervous system. Depending on the variety of white tea, the caffeine level can vary depending on many factors (fertilizers, buds, etc.). The more buds the white tea contains, the higher the caffeine content. In general, a cup of white tea contains 20 to 55 mg of caffeine.

Theanine : Often confused with theine, theanine, also known as L-theanine, has a real relaxing effect on the nervous system. Although present in minimal amounts in white tea, it helps reduce psychological stress. This component increases concentration and mood and helps reduce stress on the body.

Catechins (or flavonoids) : Also part of the polyphenol family, catechins play an important role in health. They protect natural defenses and boost the immune system. White tea contains the most of them.

Scientific studies have analyzed the anti-aging and anti-oxidant properties of white tea.

The anti-aging and antioxidant properties of 23 plant extracts were evaluated. White tea, which has a very high phenol content, exhibits very significant anti-collagenase or anti-elastase activities.

The health benefits of white tea

White tea has undeniable medicinal properties. Due to the few steps involved in the manufacturing process, it retains all of its properties and benefits. White tea is the most effective compared to other teas because it contains many active substances.

White Tea: Fat Burner

White tea is an excellent fat burner. Indeed , it stimulates and promotes energy production. As a result, it promotes the elimination of toxins in the body and quickly aids in weight loss. Due to its high catechin content, it allows you to space out meals and thus say goodbye to snacking: it has a real appetite suppressant effect. Among other things, it provides positive effects on metabolism, which contributes to the reduction of calories and fat.

White Tea for Oral Health

White tea is rich in fluoride, which prevents cavities and protects teeth from plaque and bad breath. Fluoride also makes tooth surfaces more resistant to sugar and acids. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, white tea helps reduce gum infections, for a healthier, more secure mouth.

White Tea for Reproductive Health

Several studies have demonstrated positive effects on male reproductive health. The antioxidants present in white tea are believed to help protect the male reproductive organs. It also acts as a barrier against oxidative stress. White tea contributes to sperm motility.

White Tea for Brain Health White tea has many positive effects on brain health. Thanks to theanine, it also improves concentration and mood while reducing stress. It has many benefits for morale. In addition, it can significantly improve memory. It fights Alzheimer's disease and boosts cognitive abilities.

White Tea for Heart Health and Cholesterol

It helps lower bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol. It has powerful effects on heart health, stroke prevention, blood sugar levels, and high blood pressure thanks to its catechins. The heart is protected.

White Tea: Good for the Immune System

White tea is often associated with the "Elixir of Immortality." Thanks to its many antioxidants, white tea helps the body defend itself against any possible external attack. It helps improve natural defenses. It also proves to be particularly effective during the winter by boosting the immune system. It prevents infections. In Chinese medicine, this beverage is often used to relieve high fevers. White tea acts directly on the bacteria responsible for illnesses by strengthening antibodies. As a compress, white tea also helps heal more easily.

everyday ailments. In conclusion, it is excellent for health and would, at the same time, have favorable effects on life expectancy.

The benefits of white tea on the skin in cosmetics

A true Swiss Army knife of beauty, white tea can also be used on the skin! Its powerful antioxidants have countless benefits. Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated the extremely high phenol content in white tea.

White Tea: an anti-aging active ingredient

White tea is one of the most powerful antioxidants in the world.

Its polyphenols, three times more present than in green tea, protect skin cells against free radicals responsible for aging and their degradation. The catechins in white tea also ensure the maintenance of collagen and elastin in the skin, for supple and firm skin for longer. In one study, scientists also discovered that white tea protects the skin against the harmful effects of the sun's ultraviolet rays. White tea is therefore an essential ally for delaying skin aging and protecting it from external aggressions.

White Tea: a moisturizing active ingredient

White tea helps hydrate and plump the skin without leaving a greasy finish. It is therefore perfect for application in the morning as a makeup base and in the evening to renew your skin overnight. With its high concentration of antioxidants, white tea helps maintain skin's hydration and youthfulness by preserving its elastic fibers. Ideal for supple and firm skin, it also brings radiance to dull skin. And soothes the most fragile skin. Applied to the rest of the body and décolleté, white tea helps to enhance and deeply nourish the skin, all while limiting the appearance of new signs of aging.

White tea promotes healthy levels of hyaluronic acid, a hydrating substance recognized in cosmetics. This acid is already present in many body tissues, such as the skin and joints. As we age, hyaluronic acid levels decrease, hence the importance of providing it to our skin.

White Tea: an antioxidant active ingredient

Antioxidants are also a powerful ally against acne. They help regulate excess toxins in the body and skin. Drinking white tea daily helps detoxify the body. Used in cosmetics, white tea helps regulate excess sebum and fade various scars and spots caused by acne. It also tightens enlarged pores on the face, resulting in softer skin and an even skin texture.

Choice, preparation: how to consume white tea as an infusion?

His taste

White tea is often associated with finesse. Its delicately sweet and floral taste is sometimes slightly fruity. It is low in theine and can therefore be infused for longer without developing bitterness. It is the mildest tea compared to green tea and black tea. The taste of tea can be influenced by the water used. Tap water is very rich in calcium. It may therefore be wise to use a filter to respect the quality and taste of white tea. It is advisable to choose spring water with a low pH (for example, natural spring water) that is low in minerals.

How to choose your white tea?

To begin, it may be interesting to try plain white tea. It's a good alternative to discover its finesse and delicate aroma. Opt for loose-leaf tea rather than tea bags for a true explosion of flavors and complete preservation of aromas.

Later, you can move towards a more fragrant tea to vary the pleasures and discover new aromas and new flavors.

How to measure your tea correctly?

Generally, 2 grams of tea are used for 10 to 15 cl of water (about 1 cup). If you use loose tea, 2 grams of tea corresponds to a small teaspoon. There are other ways to measure your tea, including using an electric scale or a teaspoon designed exclusively for this purpose.

Tips for preparing white tea

In order not to alter its aromas, it is recommended not to exceed an infusion of 75 degrees. The infusion time does not a f ect its flavor and bitterness, however it is recommended to infuse it for a maximum of 5 minutes.

Our recipe :

Bring the water to a boil.
Place a few loose white tea leaves at the bottom of a teapot. Pour hot water over them.
Directly pour the water into a bowl.
Pour water over the leaves again, let it infuse for a few minutes (2-3 minutes ideally, without exceeding the recommended 5 minutes)
Enjoy!

When tasting it, it is not recommended to sweeten it or add milk, as this could reduce its therapeutic qualities.

Note that white tea can be brewed multiple times, allowing you to discover new flavors with each infusion. It can also be enjoyed with citrus fruits! It can be enjoyed as a hot infusion in winter or iced in summer.

Is White Tea Bad for Your Health?

There are no restrictions on when to drink this tea: in the morning for breakfast, at lunchtime, as a snack, or even in the evening. Contrary to popular belief, this beverage can be consumed throughout the day due to its low caffeine content. No need to worry about nervous excitement before going to bed; white tea can also be drunk in the evening. However, it is recommended not to consume more than 4 cups per day.

White tea can, however, have an influence on the iron levels present in the body. Iron is indeed an essential element for the body, but the body does not produce it. It is therefore found in food. It is therefore recommended to avoid consuming white tea in the middle of a meal and prefer to drink it after the meal, for better digestion (approximately 20 minutes after eating, for example). If you wish to enjoy white tea before the meal, you can do so approximately 1 hour before sitting down to eat.

Regarding age, white tea can be consumed from the age of 4. However, it is recommended to lower the theine level by discarding the first infusion of tea in order to limit the exciting effect . For an adult, drinking tea regularly proves to be truly beneficial for the body. For older people, white tea also brings its share of virtues: it helps fight against the deterioration of the cognitive system, and has positive effects on memory. As you will have understood, white tea can be drunk at any age, without any restrictions!

White tea and pregnancy: is it possible?

When you're pregnant, you need to hydrate more than average to eliminate toxins. It is therefore recommended to drink at least one and a half liters of water per day. Tea is also recommended. It helps make the skin more elastic, improves transit, and protects the probiotics of the intestinal flora. It also diffuses a good number of nutrients and vitamins necessary for the body and provides essential nutrients to the baby. As mentioned previously, it is important not to drink white tea with meals to avoid iron absorption. In conclusion, white tea is neither harmful to the baby nor to the mother, quite the contrary!

Where to buy white tea?

You can easily find white tea in specialty stores, online, or in supermarkets. It's important to choose loose-leaf white tea from organic sources. Conventional tea bags often contain only "leftover" tea leaves, making them less flavorful and lacking in its benefits. To optimize its preservation, always store your tea in a cool, dark place, away from heat, light, and humidity, in an opaque, airtight container.

Premium Organic White Tea

19.00€

If you want to buy your tea online, we offer Léonia white tea . This white tea is particularly delicious. It highlights different aromas such as cocoa and orange zest, relayed by gourmet notes of vanilla biscuit. An explosion of woody flavors for a relaxing and delicate moment.