Exploring more white tea facts, we will now answer the question on why it is called white tea.
First, white tea like all other tea types comes from the same Camellia sinensis tea plant. It is called "white tea" not because the leaves are totally white in color, or that it even brews a milky white liquor, but simply because the premature leaves have these fuzzy little silver hairs on them which gives the leaves a whitish appearance.
More white tea facts state that this type of tea goes through no conventional processing. This is true! White tea buds are plucked early and then, depending on the tea farm, are either baked or steamed to prevent any leaf oxidation and finally dried either naturally in the sun or indoors.
Since white tea is not produced as much as other tea types it is usually more expensive. However, seasoned tea drinkers who know and enjoy their white tea do not let price stand between their cups!
Where is white tea grown?
White tea is grown and harvested mostly in China, with the Fujian Province producing some of the finest. But India too grows this tea type as well, and there is a likeness between them which you will read in a moment.
In the Fujian Province, we learn that the best white tea is born here. It is called "Yinzhen tea", also known as 'Silver Needle', the best variety of white and also my favorite.
Also, we have "White Peony" tea known as 'Bai Mu Dan', which is a grade below Silver Needle.
Other varieties of white tea are Gong Mei (Tribute Eyebrow) and Shou Mei (noble long life eyebrow), and are also grown in the Fujian Province.
Although not the only place in China which grows white tea, the Fujian province remains the most common.
Now traveling back to Indian white teas, we have two main varieties, Darjeeling and Assam, which are darker in color and a bit fuller in taste, and not as light as their Chinese cousins. There is even some debate if they are indeed "true" white teas. What I say to that is this...
Remember, Indian white tea too comes from a species of Camellia, so it is in fact a form of white tea...just not the original Chinese version where white tea production was born.
The most common white tea facts are also the most recent that have come out through the years which are health benefits. Research shows that white tea surpasses green tea on the health aspects charts and is the topic of another page. Click here to find out more.
