Chances are, whether you're a tea lover or not, you've at least heard of white tea. In this article, I'm going to explain the different types/grades of white tea, the health benefits it has to offer, as well as some suggestions for things to consider when selecting the best white tea to buy.
But before all that- what exactly is it and where did it come from? Let's start there...
The Best White Tea- What Is It?
White tea is made from the youngest leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. These Leaves are picked before they are fully open and are then quickly dried to maintain their delicate structure, color, and nutritional contents. It gets its name from the tiny white hairs that are found on the unopened buds of the plant.
While all tea comes from the same Camellia Sinensis plant, what sets white tea apart from the others is both its harvesting phase and the amount of processing it undergoes.
White tea is the least processed of all teas, which helps to preserve its delicate flavor and health benefits in comparison to green tea, black tea, and oolong tea.
Where Did White Tea Make Its First Debut?
White tea originated in the Fujian province of China over 1,000 years ago and was initially reserved for only the most elite members of society and very special occasions.
In fact, during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 A.D.), white tea was so valuable that it was often used as currency because it was so difficult to produce. However, over time, the popularity of white tea spread throughout China and into other parts of the world.
Today, white tea is more accessible than ever and able to be enjoyed by many a tea lover for its delicate flavor and abundance of health benefits.
So what ARE these health benefits I speak of? The answer to that question is up next!
What Are The Health Benefits Of White Tea?
White tea is a delicate and under-appreciated tea that packs quite the punch when it comes to health benefits. Unlike black or green tea, white tea is fairly unprocessed, which means that it retains more of its antioxidants (tannins, flavanoids, polyphenols) and other vitamins, minerals, and essential oils.
Here is a list of the MANY potential health benefits of white tea that one may experience, according to HealthLine, should they decide to drink white tea on a regular basis:
#1) May Help Prevent Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Diseases
Some chemicals in white tea have been shown to help prevent Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. This is because they inhibit proteins from clumping together and interrupting normal physiological function, which is characteristic of both of these diseases.
#2) May Reduce Risk Of Cancer
According to WebMD, "Several test tube studies have shown that white tea has anti-cancer effects. One study found that it could destroy different types of lung cancer cells. Another found that white tea could stop the growth and spread of colon cancer cells."
#3) May Slow Signs of Skin Aging
The antioxidants present in white tea may also help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. This, in turn, could help to slow the signs of aging, such as wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots.
#4) May Assist With Weight Loss
The polyphenols in white tea not only help boost metabolism, but they also help with fat cell function and prevent the formation of new fat cells. This makes white tea a helpful tool for those looking to lose weight or maintain their current weight.
#5) May Help Prevent Osteoporosis
The catechins present in white tea may also help to prevent bone loss and the development of osteoporosis and other degenerative diseases.
#6) May Strengthen Teeth and Inhibit Plaque Accumulation
The fluoride present in white tea can help to strengthen teeth and prevent the formation of cavities. Additionally, the catechins in white tea have been shown to inhibit the growth of plaque-forming bacteria, which can lead to gum disease.
#7) May Reduce Risk Of Insulin Resistance
The catechins in white tea may also help to reduce the risk of insulin resistance, which is a precursor to type 2 diabetes by making insulin more effective and helping to keep blood sugar levels in check.
#8) May Lower Risk Of Heart Disease & Lower Bad Cholesterol Levels
The catechins in white tea can also help to lower cholesterol levels and improve the function of the lining of the arteries, two things that are correlated with heart disease.
The list goes on but I'm sure you're probably sold by now and ready to start sipping on some white tea ASAP! But before you move into the buying phase, it's important to know: not all white teas are created equal...
4 Different Types Of White Tea
When it comes to Chinese white tea types, they are generally distinguished from each other by 2 main factors:
- The point in the growth process at which the tea buds/ leaves are harvested.
- The contents of the end-product tea; Is it all buds, buds and leaves, all leaves no buds?
#1) Silver Needle White Tea
The most expensive of the white teas-as it should only contain buds and no tea leaves or stems- this type is harvested when the buds are super young and still covered in downy fuzz. The silver color given by this fuzz plus its needle-like shape are what lend to this tea type's name.
Silver needle tea is also the most delicate of the four types, so it's perfect for those who are new to white tea or looking for a soft, sweet, non-bitter option. While it may be on the pricier side, this white tea is definitely worth trying at least once!
#2) Peony White Tea
Peony is the next best high-quality white tea with mostly young buds and only a few tea leaves. This tea also gets its name from the shape of its leaves, which resemble peony flowers. It's slightly less delicate than silver needle white tea with more of a full, rich flavor described by some as "floral with a nutty aftertaste".
White Peony tea is also a good choice for those who are new to white tea since it's not as expensive as Silver Needle but the quality remains high with it consisting of mostly buds and only a few leaves.
#3) Tribute Eyebrow White Tea
Third best in quality with a taste similar to oolong tea. This type of white tea gets its name from its eyebrow-shaped leaves. It's more oxidized than Silver Needle or Peony White Teas, which gives it a darker color and bolder flavor similar to that of oolong tea.
If you're looking for a white tea with a little more depth of flavor and/or slightly cheaper than the previous 2 options, Tribute Eyebrow White Tea may be the way to go.
#4) Longevity Eyebrow White Tea (AKA "Shou Mei")
The lowest quality white tea with mostly leaves and no buds, this white tea is sure to be the most pocketbook friendly but still has a taste many people still enjoy- fruity, floral, and slightly vegetal all at the same time!
As you might've guessed, there is meaning behind this tea's name as well- "shou" means longevity, and "mei" is how you say "eyebrow" in Chinese, which is descriptive of what Longevity Eyebrow tea leaves look like.
This type of white tea is lower in quality because it contains mostly leaves and rarely any buds (which contain higher levels of antioxidants). However, it still has a smooth flavor that many people enjoy drinking on a daily basis.
So there you have it—a brief overview of the four different types of white teas and what sets them apart from each other. No matter what your budget or taste preferences are, there's definitely a type of white tea out there that's perfect for you. So let's pick one already, yeah!?
The Picking Process
As you now know, when it comes to picking a white tea (or any type of tea for that matter!), there seems to be an endless variety of types, flavors, and brands to choose from. Do you want tea bags or loose-leaf tea? Organic or non? It's enough to make your head spin!
And once overwhelm sets in, it can become even HARDER to know where to begin. But don't worry, cuz I am here to help!
I've done the brand research for you, read a TON of reviews to gather up that social proof we all rely on these days, and curated a list of 7 of the best white teas available on Amazon. You ARE welcome! Now let's dive in...
The Goods
7 Best White Teas
Full Disclosure: WholisticHealthJunkie.com is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate programs, meaning that any links you click below may result in commissions at no extra cost to you. And now that THAT'S out of the way...Happy Scrolling! ;)
Officially "Hooked"
"LOVE This Tea: I'm a die-hard green & black tea fan. I've never fallen in love with a white tea until I tried this great seasonal tea from Harney & Sons. I like it best when I heat my water almost to boiling & I let it brew for 3 minutes. I add just a tiny splash of agave (and I never sweeten any of my teas but this tea does taste best, to me, with just a little bit of agave). I do make sure to drink it hot since once it's cooled too much, it can turn slightly bitter.
But I absolutely LOVE this tea--in fact, I ordered a 2nd tin to give to my mother-in-law and I decided to keep it for myself. I can drink this tea well into the night since it has minimal caffeine. All in all, I love the mix of spices--it's very refreshing & delicious. I plan to make sure to stock up on it before it sells out for the season. ;-)" -Amazon Reviewer
Officially "Hooked"
"It's A Darker & Richer White Tea Than Others: I've been drinking this tea for a couple years. It is a darker and richer white tea thanothers but I love that fact. It's very flavorful. I also believe that it helps to control weight gain." -Amazon Reviewer
Silver Pine Needle White Tea
VAHDAM, Loose Leaf (25 Cups) | HEALTHIEST TEA, 100% NATURAL White Tea Leaves
Officially "Hooked"
"Pure & Fresh. Well Worth The Money: Well, I have long enjoyed Silver Needle White Tea and have not been able to find it locally since teavana closed up shop. I decided to take a chance on Vahdam Teas. I love it!! I suspect it is fresher than I ever got from teavana. The box has a picking date of January 2019 and expiration date of 2022. It was vacuum-packed and included a bag for storage. Silver Needle White has a subtle sweet grassy scent. I don’t add anything to it..no sugar..nothing else. I’m interested now to try Vahdam’s other white teas." -Amazon Reviewer
Officially "Hooked"
"Least Caffeine Most Antioxidants: The aroma as you open the box of tea is wonderful. The flavor of the brewed tea is as the aroma promised, wonderful. I have read comparisons of black, green and white teas for caffeine content and antioxidant properties and discovered that white tea has the least amount of caffeine and the most antioxidants of the three tea types." -Amazon Reviewer
Handcrafted From China
The Tao of Tea, Imperial White Tea, Loose Leaf, 1.5 Ounce Tins
Officially "Hooked"
"High Quality Tea! Tastes Great: I love white tea now after trying it. This is the best brand I've come across so far. You can tell it's highquality from the taste, which isn't frail, but gentle. I like that this tea comes with an exact temperature and steep time, which I do my best to match. I steep a little longer because I like to add milk to white tea. Very subtle flavor notes, but heartwarming. It doesn't need much sugar at all. It tastes fantastic on its own with its delicate flavors. I really recommend this tea." -Amazon Reviewer
Eco-Conscious Tea Bags in Kraft Bag
FGO Organic White Tea Bags | 100 Tea Bags | Raw from China
Officially "Hooked"
"A Perfect Tea, Hot Or Cold: I have purchased several bags of the White, Green, and Ginger tea from FGO and the White is my favorite. Whether drinking it hot, or brewing up a double batch to refrigerate and drink as iced tea, the flavor is smooth without being overbearing and can be enjoyed any time of the day. I use a French press to brew my tea, and if I use 3 tea bags in the 32oz carafe I can make a double-batch without losing potency. Highly recommend." -Amazon Reviewer
100% Compostable
Teatulia Organic White Tea Bags (50 Pyramid Tea Bags) | 100% Compostable | Sustainably Grown In Bangladesh
Officially "Hooked"
"Best Tea EVER: This is the BEST organic tea! I switched to this brand several months ago because I really like the company story and their mission for sustainability... I particularly love the pyramid tea bags. They have full leaf tea in them rather than “tea dust” like you get from many other tea bags. I use a small teapot to brew each tea bag and end up getting about 3 cups of tea per bag. The white tea is delicious and has become my new favorite." -Amazon Reviewer
Final Thoughts
I hope this article has helped to introduce you to the wonderful world of white tea and given you a better understanding of what sets each type apart.
Whether you're looking for a delicate, sweet tea or something with more depth of flavor, there's definitely a white tea out there that's perfect for you and hopefully you were able to find it amongst my list of the 7 best white teas above. Thanks for reading! Cheers!
FAQ's
Why is white tea the best tea?
White tea contains more antioxidants than any other type of tea, making it the healthiest choice. White tea is also lower in caffeine than many other teas, so it's a good choice for those who are sensitive to caffeine or looking for a more gentle energy boost.
What is the most expensive white tea?
The most expensive white teas are Silver Needle loose leaf teas, which are made from only the buds of the tea plant. This makes for a very delicate and rare tea, which explains the high price tag.
What is the difference between white tea and green tea?
The main difference between white tea and green tea is that white tea is less processed than green tea. White tea leaves are picked and then dried, while green tea leaves are picked and then heated to stop the oxidation process. This gives white tea a more delicate flavor and higher antioxidant content than green tea.
How do you brew white tea?
White tea should be brewed with cooler water than other teas, around 180 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also important not to over-brew white tea, as it can become bitter. White tea should be brewed for 1-2 minutes for the perfect cup.
Is white tea better as a loose-leaf tea or in tea bags?
While both loose-leaf and bagged teas can be of high quality, in general, loose-leaf tea will provide a more flavor cup as there is more room for the tea buds to open, the leaves to uncurl, and more surface area for the water to come in contact with.
Can you drink white tea all day?
Yes! White tea is one of the healthiest teas available due to its high antioxidant content. It is also lower in caffeine than many other teas, so it's a good choice for those who are sensitive to caffeine. Enjoy away!
Is white tea healthier than black tea?
Like all teas, white tea contains antioxidants that can provide health benefits it does have a higher concentration of these antioxidants than black tea. That being said, black tea also has health benefits, so the best choice for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Which is healthier, white tea or green tea?
Due to the antioxidant content in white tea, it is often considered to be the healthier choice. Green tea also contains antioxidants, but white tea has a higher concentration of them due to it being even less processed.
