White tea is the least processed true tea, made from young buds and leaves. It brews a delicate, subtly sweet cup with low caffeine.
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Oxidation | Minimal |
| Caffeine | Low |
| Water temp | 160 to 185F |
| Steep time | 2 to 3 min |
| Flavor | Delicate, sweet, light |
| Origin | China, Fujian |
Minimal processing
White tea is simply withered and air-dried, with no rolling or firing, which keeps it close to the fresh leaf. Classic types are Silver Needle, made of buds only, and White Peony.
Gentle and forgiving. Use cooler water and a short steep to keep white tea sweet and delicate. It is one of the easiest teas to brew well.
See the Tea Steeping Time Chart and the Green Tea Guide.