White Tea, Types & Impressive Benefits?
What is White Tea?
White tea refers to several styles of tea made using similar processing techniques. These techniques involve processing the tea to a minimal level. In some types of white tea, the leaves are just dried, and there is no further processing involved. Some forms of it are also made from buds and young leaves that are steamed or fired before drying. There is, however, no oxidization or rolling involved in the preparation of any white tea. White tea is usually made from the Camellia sinensis plant, also known as the “tea plant” or “tea tree”. It is also made from other trees, such as Camellia taliensis. White tea made from this plant, sometimes called wild tea, is primarily found in a province southwest of the People’s Republic of China called Yunnan.
Health Benefits of White Tea
White tea works as an antioxidant. Antioxidants react with excess free radicals to stabilize them. They do so without becoming unstable themselves. Excess free radicals are formed due to various reasons such as environmental pollution, cigarette smoking, radiation, alcohol, fatty and sugary foods. Free radicals are also produced internally by the body when you exercise or due to inflammation. Apart from that, white tea is a great way to stay hydrated. Tea is especially popular in areas where drinking water is not of optimal quality as water is boiled in the tea-making process.
While both green tea and white tea work as antioxidants, the latter has a lighter flavour. White tea also has a lot less caffeine compared to black tea. As a result, white tea can help you lose weight and stay fit. If you struggle to keep hydrated, white tea is the way to go.
Types of White Tea
There are various types of white tea available, and most of them have originated in China. However, some styles of tea that are commonly accepted as white tea by those who drink it are not considered to be true forms of white tea by “tea experts”. This contestation in classification arises due to the nature of the definition of white tea. Nevertheless, here are most of the famous white tea varieties:
1: Silver Needle
2: White Peony
3: Tribute Eyebrow
4: Long-life Eyebrow
5: Ceylon White
6: African White
7: Darjeeling White
8: Imperial Himalayan White Tea
For those who need antioxidants, white tea is the best option as it is minimally processed. It is also easier to make as it is harder to over-steep. It’s a very healthy option for those who have acquired a taste for tea. Various styles of white tea are trendy in China as the concept of white tea originated there. White tea is also popular in Nepal, Northeast India, Taiwan, Thailand, and Southern Sri Lanka.
Why is white tea called the “champagne of teas”?
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