Do you love the taste of different types of tea but don’t know how to drink white tea? This guide is for you! In this article, I will cover everything from the types of white tea to how to prepare it. I’ll also give you some tips on what types of foods to pair with white tea. So, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced tea drinker, read on for all you need to know about drinking white tea.
You can brew and drink white tea as you do with any other tea, however, it needs lower temperatures and shorter brew times. You can hot brew, cold brew, or make sun tea. White tea is delicate and somewhat rare tea.
While white tea can be enjoyed any time of day, many people prefer it as an afternoon or evening tea. It’s the perfect way to wind down after a long day or relax before bedtime.
If you must add something to your tea, consider for a natural sweetener like agave nectar. Avoid using sugar as it will mask the delicate flavor of the tea.
But if you want to know all the different ways to enjoy this delicate tea, read on for my complete guide.
“You can brew and drink white tea as you do with any other tea, however, it needs lower temperatures and shorter brew times. You can hot brew, cold brew, or make sun tea. White tea is delicate and somewhat rare tea.”
TEA CROSSING
Various Ways to Enjoy White Tea
There are many different ways to prepare and enjoy white tea. While it is harvested from the Camelia Sensis tea plant like all true teas, white tea is the most delicate.
If you are hot brewing this gentle tea, here are some essential guidelines:
- Recommended Water Temperature: Maximum 77° C (177° F)
- Recommended Tea Amount (Weight): For silver needle, 2 teaspoons. For white peony, use 2 tablespoons.
- Recommended Steeping Time: 1 to 5 minutes depending on your personal preferences (sip at the one-minute mark and then sample at 30-second intervals until it tastes just right to you)
Pro Brewing Tips
Pre-heat your brewing vessel and serving cups before brewing and drinking to ensure maximum enjoyment of this delicate tea. Brewing water should never be poured directly over the leaves as that may damage them and produce a sub-par result.
For more details on all of my brewing tips, read this comprehensive guide.
Here are some of my additional tips:
- Cold brewing: Cold brewing is a great way to enjoy white tea if you don’t want to heat water or if you’re looking for a refreshing iced tea. To cold brew, simply add room temperature or cold water to your teacup or teapot and let it steep overnight in the fridge. In the morning, strain the tea and enjoy it over ice.
- Sun tea: This is a fun way to make iced white tea. Fill a glass jar with room temperature or cold water and add your desired amount of tea leaves. Place the jar in direct sunlight and let it steep for four to six hours. In the evening, strain the tea and enjoy it over ice.
- Flavored white tea: If you want to add a little something extra to your white tea, try adding a natural flavoring like fresh lemon or mint leaves. You can also experiment with different types of fruit juice or honey.
How To Make White Tea
If you’re like most people, you probably think of tea as a hot beverage. But did you know that there are four different types of tea? Black, white, green, and oolong teas all come from Camellia sinensis.
One difference between them is in how they’re processed.
White tea is the least processed of all the teas and is made from the young leaves and buds of the plant. This gives it a delicate flavor that many people find to be refreshing.
To make white tea, start by boiling some water and letting it cool for about two minutes. Then pour it over your tea leaves or bag and let it steep for three to five minutes. After that, simply remove the leaves or bag and enjoy your tea!
If you want to add a little sweetness to your white tea, try adding a teaspoon of honey.
You can also experiment with different types of white tea to find the one that you like best. When it comes to white tea, less is more. Too much leaf will result in a bitter taste.
If the water is too hot, it will scald the leaves and produce a harsh flavor. It is important to use fresh, filtered water when brewing white tea to avoid any off flavors.
The Different Types of White Tea
White tea is a type of tea that is made from the Camellia sinensis plant. Then, the leaves and buds are picked and then dried in the sun or an oven. White tea is less processed than other types of tea, such as green or black tea.
There are five main types of white tea: Silver Needle, White Peony, Snowbud, Golden Monkey, and Darjeeling White.
Silver Needle
Silver Needle is considered the highest quality white tea. It is made exclusively from the buds of the Camellia sinensis plant. After, the buds are picked when they are young and covered with fine silver-colored hairs. They are then dried in the sun or an oven.
White Peony
White Peony is made from a combination of buds and leaves. The leaves are picked when they are young and covered with white downy hairs. They are then dried in the sun or an oven.
Snowbud
Snowbud is a type of white tea that is made from young tea leaves that have been picked before they are fully open. The leaves are then dried in the sun or an oven.
Golden Monkey
Golden Monkey is a type of white tea that is made from young tea leaves that have been picked before they are fully open. The leaves are then dried in the sun or an oven.
Darjeeling White
Darjeeling White is a type of white tea that is grown in the Darjeeling region of India. The tea leaves are picked and then dried in the sun or an oven.
How to Store White Tea
White tea should be stored in a cool, dry place. The best way to store white tea is in an airtight container. If you are using loose leaf white tea, it is best to store it in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Teabags can be stored in a resealable bag or container.
How Often Should You Drink White Tea?
There is no set rule for how often you should drink white tea. However, many people recommend drinking it daily. White tea has numerous health benefits, so there is no harm in drinking it every day.
If you are new to drinking white tea, start by drinking one cup per day and increase your intake gradually over time.
Final Words
If you want to enjoy the delicate flavor of white tea, it is important to know how to properly prepare and steep it. By following these simple tips, you can make a cup of white tea that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are relaxing at home or enjoying a cup on the go, drinking white tea is an experience that should not be missed. Thanks for reading and I hope this guide was helpful. Cheers!
