White Tea: A Delicate and Refreshing Beverage

Bai Mudan (White Peony) White Tea

White tea is a type of tea that has been consumed for centuries in China and other parts of Asia. It is made from the leaves and buds of the Camellia Sinensis plant, which are picked and then processed in a unique way to create a delicate and flavorful tea.

In this blog article, we will explore what white tea is, its history, the health benefits of white tea, the different types of white tea available, and how to brew and enjoy it with the Qi Aerista Smart Tea Brewer. 

What is White Tea? 

White tea is a type of tea mainly made from tea leaves and buds of the Camellia Sinensis plant. The pickings are then withered and dried before being packaged and sold.

It is characterized by its delicate flavor, pale color, and high levels of antioxidants.  It is often enjoyed for its subtle, floral taste and is sometimes blended with other herbs or fruit flavors to create unique tea blends. White tea is one of the five main types of tea, along with green, black, oolong and dark (Pu’er) tea.

History of White Tea 

White tea has a long history that dates back to the Song Dynasty in China about 1000 years ago. It was originally enjoyed by royalty and was considered a luxury item. Today, white tea is enjoyed all over the world and is becoming increasingly popular due to its numerous health benefits.

Types of White Tea 

There are 3 main types of white tea, each with its own unique flavor and characteristics. Here is the rundown: 

1. Silver Needle - Also known as Baihao Yinzhen, this type of white tea is made from the buds of the tea plant. It has a delicate and refined flavor that is both sweet and savory. 
2. White Peony - Also known as Bai Mudan, this type of white tea is made from the leaves and buds of the tea plant, but is slightly more mature than Silver Needle. It has a fuller and slightly earthy flavor with floral notes.
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3. Tribute Eyebrow - Also known as Gong Mei, this type of white tea is made from the leaves and buds of the tea plant, but is slightly darker and more mature than White Peony. It has a stronger and slightly woody flavor, with notes of honey.

Processing of White Tea 

The processing of white tea is relatively simple and involves minimal processing, which helps to preserve the delicate and subtle flavors and aromas of the tea. Here are the basic steps in white tea processing:

1. Withering: Freshly picked tea leaves are spread out and allowed to wilt in the sun or in a shaded area for several hours. This step helps to reduce the moisture content in the leaves and make them more pliable.
2. Drying: The wilted leaves are then dried using a variety of methods, including air-drying, sun-drying, or mechanical drying. This step is critical to preserve the natural flavors and aromas of the tea.
3. Sorting: The dried leaves are sorted by size and shape to ensure consistency in the final product. This step may also involve removing any impurities.
4. Packaging: The sorted leaves are then packaged and shipped to market for consumption.

Unlike other types of tea, white tea is not rolled or shaped, which gives it its distinctive appearance and flavor. White tea is not intentionally oxidized, but some minimal oxidation may occur naturally during the withering and drying stages of processing. 

The minimal processing involved in white tea production means that it retains many of the natural antioxidants and other beneficial compounds found in the tea leaves. The result is a light, delicate tea with subtle floral notes and a sweet, refreshing taste that is prized by tea enthusiasts around the world.

Why is White Tea So Special?

White tea is special for a number of reasons. One of the main reasons is its delicate flavor, which is light and subtle. This makes it perfect for those who prefer a more nuanced tea. White tea is also known for its numerous health benefits, which we will explore in more detail later in this article. Additionally, white tea is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed plain or with a variety of flavors such as lemon, mint, or ginger.

Health Benefits of White Tea 

White tea is not just a delicious beverage, it also has numerous health benefits. Research has shown that drinking white tea can help boost your immune system, lower your risk of heart disease, and reduce your risk of certain types of cancer. White tea is also a great source of antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage. Additionally, white tea has been shown to improve mental alertness and may even help with weight loss. 

How to Brew Perfect White Tea with Qi Aerista

Brew White Tea with Qi Aerista Smart Tea Brewer 

Brewing the perfect cup of white tea with Qi Aerista Smart Tea Brewer is easy and straightforward. Here are some simple steps to follow: 

1. Start by adding 1 to 3 cups of water to the brewer’s pot. 

2. Place your white tea leaves in the infuser basket. One teaspoon of tea leaves per cup of water added is a good starting point, but feel free to adjust to your liking. 

3. Place the infuser basket onto the pot and close the lid. 

4. Place the pot onto the base. Turn on the brewer. 

5. Select the White tea type and press BREW. The preset brewing temperature is 85°C/185°F. The preset brewing time is 3 minutes. You can adjust the settings on your Qi Aerista app. 

6. Qi Aerista completes the brewing process automatically. It first heats the water to the target brewing temperature. Then the patented infusion system kicks in and brews the tea within the preset brewing time.

7. Once the brewing is done, tea leaves and finished tea will separate automatically. The tea will enter the keep warm mode for up to 60 minutes.

8. When ready, just pour out the tea and serve. Sit back and enjoy your perfect cup of white tea with Qi Aerista.

White tea is a delicate and refreshing beverage that offers a range of potential health benefits. It is a great choice for those who enjoy the taste of tea but prefer a milder flavor. If you haven't tried white tea yet, it's worth giving it a try and seeing if it's the right tea for you.