White tea  : Our range of natural and flavoured white teas

Appreciated for its particularly delicate taste, white tea does not need to be fermented during its production. As its name suggests, it has leaves of a beautiful silvery white color.

When the traditions are respected, white tea is produced with a maximum oxidation rate of 12%. Although, it originates from China, this subtle tea is also produced in other countries such as Sri Lanka, Overseas France (Reunion Island) or Nepal.

What are the origins of white tea?

Teas have been part of the tradition for centuries in China. As far as white tea is concerned, we know that it already existed during the Qing dynasty, around the 18th century. In 1857, a new cultivar called "Dabai" was developed. The aim here is to obtain longer and fluffier buds, in order to have a better quality white tea. A few years later, in 1885, all the manufacturing rules for this low-oxidized tea were established. 

More and more experts began to demand white tea, not only in Asia but also in our western countries. In the 1920's, the demand became so great that new productions were set up in Jiyanyang and Zhenghe. Later, around the 1960's, new regions such as Songxi and Fuding became producers of white tea. At the same time, new manufacturing methods were developed, sometimes using leaves harvested later in the year.

Today, the focus is always on using cultivars with the thickest, largest leaves and biggest buds.

What are the benefits of white tea?

We often hear about green tea and black tea, but have you heard about white tea?

This type of tea is very rich in antioxidants, polyphenols to be exact. It contains much more than green tea for example. These antioxidants allow to slow down the ageing of cells and to prevent some diseases like cancer.

Tea is also very effective in promoting oral health and thus limiting the formation of cavities.

Tea is also a great ally to improve blood circulation. Its flavonol and catechin content helps reduce the risk cardiovascular accidents diseases. It is also ideal for overweight people or those who fight against obesity because it helps to lose fat mass. White tea is also recommended to fight against diabetes : it stimulates the liver and the stomach, boots the metabolism and of course participates in your daily hydration.

What is the difference between white tea and green tea? 

But then, what differentiates white tea from other teas?

White tea is made up mainly of buds and young shoots of the tea plant. Unlike green and black tea, white tea leaves are not processed. They are hand-picked only during a short period, in early spring when the buds are barely opened, and still surrounded by a white down...hence the color! Then, they are directly dried in the sun which allows them to keep all their virtues and flavours!

It is quite clear, white tea is rare since its picking is limited, but in addition it is a great quality!

For many, this tea is very prestigious! If you are a tea lover or simply you want to discover all the subtely of natural white tea, fall for our Pai Mu Tan. This tea gives a bright and light liquor with soft, refreshing and delicate aromas.

For lovers of flavored teas, with gourmet flavours, our 170 ans anniversary tea will make you happy! And of course, when winter approaches and the cold snowy days, give yourself a moment of pleasure and comfort with our famous Thé des Neiges®.

When to drink white tea?

White tea comes from the same plant as all other teas : the Camellia Sinensis.

Like all other teas, it is rich in theine, a natural stimulant!

Unlike caffeine, which causes a peak of energy and then the famous "fatigue", theine provides a more diffuse energy, which accompanies you throughout the day.

Therefore, we advise you to drink your white tea in the morning or early afternoon to take advantage of all its stimulating effects without impacting your sleep.

How to brew white tea?

White tea leaves are very sensitive, you must be careful not to burn them with other hot water!

We advise you to use a simmering water not exceeding 80°C. You can let your white tea brew for more than 3 minutes.

But we can never repart it enough, the secret of a good tea is to enjoy it first! If you prefer a more subtle result, you can shorten the brewing time. On the other hand, if you like a strong tea, you can increase the brewing time!

How to choose the right white tea?

White tea is usually prepared in water that is less hot than other teas, between 80 and 85°C. Indeed, it is with this lower temperature that the amino acids are better released and the drink is more tasty. At the same time, the tea needs to steep longer for its flavors to be pronounced. There is a wide variety of white teas : you can naturally opt for Pai Mu Tan, a white tea from China. This light emperor's drink reveals particularly delicate aromas, provided that it is steeped for at least 5 minutes. If you like tasty and fruity teas, try the 170 ans Anniversary Tea. This one is elaborated with a mix of green and white teas, flavoured with red fruits, with almond and honey for more greediness. Reminiscent of the taste of a delicious birthday cake, this drink is a source of pleasure that you can't get enough of! Extremely refined, Thé des Neiges® is also worth your attention if you are interested in white tea. Available only during part of the year, this product that echoes winter blends green and white teas, while being enhanced by the fruity aromas of baked apple and red fruits.