White Tea, one of the six major types of Chinese Tea, is named for its silvery-white down-covered buds and shoots, which yield a bright white liquor when brewed. With a long history dating back to the Tang Dynasty, it has been known as the “king of teas.” So, which province in China produces white tea?
The Homeland of White Tea: Fujian Province
White tea, a name that sounds poetic, originates from areas such as Fuding, Zhenghe, Songxi, and Jianyang in Fujian Province, China. These regions boast exceptional natural conditions ideal for growing white tea. Although records of white tea date back to the Tang Dynasty, its popularity surged during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
What Makes Fujian White Tea Unique
The international acclaim of Fujian white tea is due to its unique natural environment and meticulous processing techniques.
- Natural Environment with Unique Advantages: The Fujian white tea production area is located in hilly and mountainous terrain at higher altitudes, with abundant cloud cover, ample sunshine, sufficient rainfall, and fertile soil, providing optimal natural conditions for the growth of white tea plants.
- Meticulous Processing Techniques: The processing of Fujian white tea is highly refined, involving key steps such as withering, baking, sorting out stems, and separating the downy tips. Withering, in particular, is a critical step in the processing of white tea, directly impacting its aroma and flavor.
Types of Fujian White Tea
Fujian white tea can be classified into several categories based on picking standards and processing methods:
- Silver Needle (Bai Hao Yin Zhen): Silver Needle is a rare delicacy among white teas, made from the first tender bud of the tea plant. The plump buds are covered with fine white down and shaped like silver needles, hence the name. Silver Needle boasts a delicate and distant aroma and a fresh, sweet taste, making it a premium white tea.
- White Peony (Bai Mudan): White Peony is made from the first and second leaves of the tea plant, which are plump and covered with white down, resembling peony flower buds, thus the name. It has a rich aroma and a mellow, sweet aftertaste, ranking it among the finest white teas.
- Longevity Eyebrow (Shou Mei): Longevity Eyebrow is made from the open-faced buds and leaves of the tea plant, which are smaller and have less white down but feature a yellowish-brown color and a shape resembling eyebrows, hence the name. It has a strong aroma and a full, sweet taste, making it a popular choice among white teas.
How to Brew White Tea
The brewing method for white tea is quite particular; water that is too hot can spoil the aroma and flavor. Generally, the water temperature for brewing white tea should be around 80-90 degrees Celsius.
- Place an appropriate amount of white tea in a gaiwan or teacup.
- Pour a small amount of hot water to moisten the tea before adding boiling water.
- Wait for 3-5 minutes before drinking.
Conclusion
White tea, this precious tea from Fujian Province, China, is captivating tea lovers worldwide with its unique charm. Whether during a busy workday or a leisurely afternoon, a cup of refreshing white tea can bring a sense of tranquility and comfort to your life.