White tea

About 1,100 years ago the Da Bai Hao (Big White Hair) bush was first mentioned in Chinese literature, but the entire crop went to making green tea. Not until somewhere between 1772 and 1782 was white tea produced. The process was developed by the Xiao family in Jiang Yang in northern Fujian and quickly spread to Fuding, Zheng He and Song Xi. Still, not until the early nineteenth century did the evolution of the Da Bai Hao bush produce enough buds to make Silver Needle as its own distinct tea. There are many white tea imitators; but true white tea only comes from the Da Bai Hao bush. While green tea is the most popular tea in China many of the world��s best-known tea experts consider white tea to be even finer that green tea.

In Chinese Medicine, white tea is thought to be a very effective cooling tea. It is popular for treating skin problems from acne to Chicken Pox. We also know from Western medicine that it is very rich in antioxidants. The leaf of this tea ages well and local people like to drink 4-6 year old white tea. Of the three types, Silver Needle doesn��t age as well and while it can be brewed with boiling water without damage, it is better to brew at cooler temperatures, between 160 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit (80 to 90 degrees Centigrade). Overall, white tea has a delicate appearance and delightful gentle aroma. It yields a pleasant, mellow taste that is both subtle and sweet.