As is widely known, Fuding White Tea enjoys the reputation of being “a one-year Tea, a three-year treasure, and a seven-year gem.” Besides enjoying its freshness, it's also delightful to anticipate the remarkable changes that occur as the tea ages over time.
Drinking fresh white tea allows you to savor its vibrant and refreshing qualities, capturing it at its most tender stage. After 3, 5, 7, 10, or even 20 years of transformation, the appearance, aroma, taste, and color of the tea undergo significant changes. It sheds its youthful characteristics and develops a rich, full-bodied flavor with a lingering aftertaste. At this point, the white tea bears the marks of time and presents a unique character distinct from its fresh state, with a myriad of evolving flavors and pleasant surprises.
I. What is the “Transformation” of White Tea?
The transformation of white tea refers to the ongoing post-Fermentation that occurs during storage, primarily driven by microorganisms. Under suitable conditions, this process continues indefinitely without stopping.
II. Why Can White Tea Transform?
The transformation of any tea involves three key factors: oxidation, the participation of beneficial microorganisms, and the internal substances within the tea leaves. The simple processing method of white tea, which does not involve kneading or stir-frying, preserves a wealth of active enzymes. This makes white tea active and alive, capable of further transformation under suitable conditions in the future, giving it the potential to become “aged white tea.”
III. Is There a Connection Between “Aging” and “Transformation?”
The term “aging” seems to address the question from a temporal perspective, implying “storage or aging” over time. As time passes, changes occur both inside and outside the tea leaves. The term “transformation” places more emphasis on the changes in the tea itself. Here, we focus on the changes that occur during storage, with an emphasis on the state of the tea.
Aging and transformation may appear to focus on external and internal changes, respectively, but they are interconnected and support each other in a complementary manner.
From new tea to aged tea, white tea undergoes gradual changes. When selecting aged white tea, do not blindly rely on age as a reference; instead, consider factors such as the quality of the raw materials, the tea-making process, storage methods, taste, and the vitality of the leaf base as indicators of its transformation.
White Peony, as a harmonious blend in the world of white teas, has always been highly favored. Its plump buds and delicate leaves bring a rich taste and aroma. Over time, the color of the tea deepens, and the aroma evolves into a mature scent, while the taste becomes richer and smoother.