When it comes to choosing the right tea, there is such a thing as black and white... as well as green, oolong, and herbal. If you're searching for a more subtle cup of tea, however, look no further than white tea. White teas (or teas that are not rolled and have little to no oxidation) are typically dried under the Sun and have a very natural taste unencumbered by the smoking and heating processes used in the production of other teas. It truly is tea in one of its purest forms, but which kind of White Tea should you try first? Well, put the kettle on and prepare to discover the world of White Tea!

Silver Needle

Silver Needle (also known as Bai Hao Yin Zhen) is one of the most prized white teas. It comes from the Fujian Province in China, where it is made from first flush tea buds (generally harvested in late March or early April). Identified by its long buds adorned with small, white hairs, it is a lightly oxidized tea, producing a delicate, sweet brew with vegetal tones. While it is brewed with the same water temperature as other white teas (167 to 176 degrees Fahrenheit), it should be brewed longer than other white teas at around five minutes. Some varieties of Silver Needle come jasmine scented, providing an additional floral tone that is very pleasing. Whether you prefer the jasmine scented blend or the classic tea, Silver Needle is a very smooth and delicate tea sure to delight anyone.

White Peony

Similar to Silver Needle is White Peony (or Bai Mudan). Like its cousin, it comes from the Fujian province in China, is slightly oxidized, and is made from tea leaves harvested in early spring. However, White Peony is made up of one tea bud and an additional two young leaves just below the bud, providing a stronger flavor than Silver Needle with fruity tones. White Peony is simple to brew: 167 to 176 degrees Fahrenheit for about 2-3 minutes. This accessible white tea is perfect for the novice tea connoisseur looking to explore the world of white teas.

White Darjeeling

Hailing from the Darjeeling District of India, Darjeeling is normally thought of as black tea, however it comes in black, oolong, green, and white varieties. The leaves used in White Darjeeling are grown at a high altitude with a rainy, cold climate, producing a mellow, sweet brew with a floral aroma. Because its leaves are light and fluffy, more tea is required to brew the perfect cup of White Darjeeling. To enjoy this pleasantly light tea, brew it for 3 to 5 minutes at 167 to 176 degrees Fahrenheit.

Flavored White Tea

Because of its naturally subtle flavor, white tea is often blended with fruit (such as strawberries and blueberries), flowers (such as jasmine and hibiscus), or other flavors (such as vanilla) to enhance the flavor of the tea. Each purveyor of tea will have a variety of flavored white teas to choose from for every taste imaginable: sweet, tangy, spicy, sour, you name it! While brewing time and temperature can vary from blend to blend, a good rule of thumb is to keep the water temperature between 167 to 190 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid burning the tea. If you love the variety of flavored teas, there is sure to be an exciting blend destined to find a place in your pantry!

Enjoy some white tea today!