What is white tea? Does it belong to green tea or oolong tea? The six major tea types in China are green tea, yellow tea, white tea, oolong tea, black tea, and dark tea. Therefore, white tea is not classified as either green tea or oolong tea; it stands alone as its own category. The distinctive feature of white tea is that after harvesting, it does not undergo withering (Panning, i.e., frying the leaves) or rolling, but is directly dried after being left to rest for 48 to 72 hours.
What is White Tea? What Are the Differences from Green Tea and Oolong Tea?
Compared to green tea, white tea does not undergo Panning (the process of withering or pan-firing the leaves) or rolling. In contrast to oolong tea, white tea is neither Panned nor rolled. After picking, white tea is simply left to rest and then dried directly, resulting in a very low degree of oxidation. Because it is not rolled, white tea can better maintain its original shape compared to other teas, and its flavor is more gentle and natural.
How to Define White Tea and Why Is It Called White Tea?
Like green tea, white tea has an extremely low fermentation level, so it is often mistaken for green tea. The difference is that white tea does not undergo Panning (the process of withering or pan-firing the leaves) and is not rolled (wherein the tea leaves are pressed to release their internal components), allowing it to maintain its original state better than green tea. The name “white tea” comes from the fact that it is primarily made from young buds, which have fine silver hairs. When dried, these buds appear silvery-white, hence the name.
Where is White Tea Produced?
White tea is primarily produced in the northeastern part of Fujian Province, China, with the largest production areas located in Fuding and Zhenghe counties. There is also a small amount produced in Yunnan and Guangdong provinces.
What is the Flavor Profile?
White tea is known for its light and gentle flavor. It is typically milder than both green tea and black tea, making it suitable for tea enthusiasts who prefer a softer taste. High-quality white tea has a fresh taste with natural sweetness, stemming from the tea leaves’ natural sugars and amino acids. Some varieties of white tea emit subtle floral or fruity aromas, such as jasmine, peach, or honey. The tea infusion is usually clear and bright, which is due to the minimal oxidation during the production process, preserving the natural flavors of the tea leaves.