Friday, 16 December 2011

White Tea

From the mist-shrouded mountains of China comes a new and exciting tea - white tea. The Chinese have enjoyed white tea for over a thousand years, but only recently has the rest of the world become aware of this secret brew.It has been the privilege of the rich, and the downfall of an emperor.

     

Journey with us as we explore the beauty and mystery that is white tea.What makes it so special? Simply put, white tea is the least processed form of tea, made of beautiful silver buds and select leaves which have been steamed and dried.Because of its minimal processing, white tea contains more nutrients than its black or green cousins, making it the mightiest of the teas, the ultimate Health Tea.
    
    
Rare, striking in appearance, and pleasant tasting, white tea gets its name from the fine silvery white hairs on the unopened buds of the tea plant. The highest quality white tea, Silver Needle, consists only of these buds and is beautiful to behold.The brew has a light, delicate, slightly sweet flavor that sharpens the senses without overwhelming the tongue.

   
White tea became revered during China's Song Dynasty (960-1279). It was the choice of the royal court and was given as tribute to the emperor. White tea leaves and buds were ground into a silvery powder, which was then whisked in bowls during the Song Tea Ceremony. This was the inspiration for the famous Japanese Tea Ceremony.