|
Article Directory
|
+ Authors
+ Articles
|
|
|
|
Tea: Quality White Tea
Copyright (c) 2007-2012 Jon M. Stout
Drinking white tea is the newest trend for many of today's tea drinkers. Drinking white tea, however, is not really new. The Chinese have been drinking white tea since at least the Tang Dynasty (618-907 A.D.). It gained greater popularity in China during the Song Dynasty when the emperor Hui Zhong declared white tea to be the most elegant form of tea.
However, even today, white tea is much rarer than black and green tea, which is part of the reason that fewer people know about it. In addition, because it's so rare, it's also the most expensive of teas. Growing white tea takes special care and a special kind of harvesting, so far less of it is grown than black and green tea.
White tea is different from black and green tea in two important ways; the maturity of the leaves at harvest and the actual tea processing. It's the ability to harvest white tea at exactly the right time and the ability to process the tea properly that makes a quality white tea. The best white tea gardens have this delicate harvesting and process down to a science, protecting the delicate flavor that is so important in white tea.
The Harvesting
White tea is harvested much earlier than other teas, before the leaves are fully open. At this point in the growing process, the tea buds are still covered by fine white hair, hence the name white tea. For the very best tea, only the completely unopened and undamaged buds, and sometimes the first two leaves, are used. It's critical that the buds remain undamaged as they're being plucked.
It is also critical that the weather be perfect when white tea is grown and harvested. The very best white tea buds are harvested in March and April. In fact these are typically the only months out of the year that tea farmers will harvest white tea, which is another reason it is so rare.
White tea must be harvested on a dry day, after the previous night's dew has dried and on a morning when there is no frost. If the buds appear purple, they are typically rejected.
The Processing
Next, the white tea leaves and buds must be processed. White tea actually goes through very little processing, but the processing must be performed correctly.
Different varieties of tea (black, white, green, oolong) are created based mostly upon the way they are fermented. Tea leaves have enzymes in their veins. When the leaf is broken, bruised, or crushed, the enzymes are exposed to the air resulting in oxidation. The amount of oxidation depends upon how much of the enzymes are exposed and for how long. This oxidation is what causes the fermentation. So, to make different varieties of tea, you allow oxidation to go on for different periods of time.
White tea is not fermented at all. For this reason, it's critical that the leaves not get bruised or broken in any way. This talent for harvesting the leaves without creating any bruising is one of the things that separates a very high quality tea garden from a mediocre one.
Once the leaves are harvested successfully, the tea leaves are left out to air dry and wither for a period of time. Next, they are fired or steamed to prevent the oxidation process from beginning. Often the steaming and drying of the tea leaves is performed right in the tea fields, to protect the delicate leaves.
It is this special care, along with the immaturity of the leaves that gives white tea its light sweet flavor and pale color.
Careful Attention
The best white tea gardens are those that pay special attention to the details required to make the most delicate white tea. This means examining each and every bud before plucking and only using the bud and the top two leaves.
Some lesser quality tea is graded as such because more than the top two leaves are harvested and used. This makes the tea less expensive, because it is bulkier, but it results in a sacrifice in the flavor of the tea.
Creating the lightest and most delicate of white teas also requires careful attention to the time of harvest. Watching the weather and ensuring that the conditions of dryness and temperature are met is crucial. Harvesting buds at the wrong time severely compromises the flavor of the tea.
Regional Flavors
White tea is grown in China, Japan, India and Sri Lanka, with the vast majority of it being grown in China. Each of these growing regions will produce a slightly different flavor because of the differences in the area's soil, climate and altitude. For example, Darjeeling white tea, grown in the Darjeeling region of India will retain the slightly muscatel flavor that is the most significant flavor of black Darjeeling tea. However, because Darjeeling white teas have been harvested and processed like other white teas, it will also have the mild sweet flavor and delicate aroma of other white teas.
High quality white tea will have a bit of a silver appearance, and the tea will feel light and a bit bulky. White tea is typically not as compact as black teas, which means you will need more tea leaves per cup to brew it to the proper strength.
When it comes to white tea, it is often true that you get what you pay for. If you find an extremely inexpensive white tea, it likely lacks the delicate flavor and aroma of a high quality white tea because it was harvested at the wrong time, grown during the wrong season or because more than the top two leaves were used.
So, choose carefully to ensure that the white tea you buy is of the best quality.
Follow "The Phantom Writers" on Twitter
(@phantomwriters)
to be notified when new articles are made available.
VOTE ON THIS ARTICLE
Needs Work >>
0 -
1 -
2 -
3 -
4 -
5
<< Excellent Article
Tell our authors what you think about their article.
|
Top-Level Category: Shopping Articles
10 Most Recent Articles Written by Jon M. Stout
Is the Plucking Time Important When Choosing White Licorice Tea?
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2008-05-27 |
Word Count: 863 |
Page Views: 1181
| Votes: 3 |
Rating: 2.67
White tea is the rarest tea in the world. Long praised in Asia,
it is just beginning to gain popularity in the Western world.
People everywhere are clamoring to get their hands on this rare
treat. White tea is used in many blends, and none is more
refreshing than White Licorice Tea. White Licorice tea is a
delicious blend of fine white tea and star anise to provide the
licorice flavor.
What is a Good White Licorice Blend?
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2008-05-27 |
Word Count: 863 |
Page Views: 1854
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 1.50
There are many white teas and white tea blends to choose from.
But, you won't find any more delicious than white licorice tea.
However, just as with other blends of white tea, to get the best
flavor from your white licorice tea, it's important to choose a
good quality blend. The difference between teas that have been
made using the best ingredients and those created using inferior
ingredients is significant, so it pays to know what you’re buying
when you purchase any white tea blend.
What is a Good White Persian Melon Blend?
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2008-05-23 |
Word Count: 847 |
Page Views: 1114
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 2.63
White teas are the rarest and most expensive of all teas. So,
it's important to buy good quality white tea so that you're
truly getting your money's worth. When you're purchasing a
white tea blend, like White Persian Melon tea, it's also
important that you choose a quality blend; so that the flavor of
the white tea is not compromised by the way it's been blended.
Tea, Sugar and Slavery
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2008-05-23 |
Word Count: 566 |
Page Views: 1193
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 2.20
Of all the evils that have affected mankind, slavery or human
bondage ranks among the worst. Slavery, in all its various forms
from ancient empires like Rome to the ante bellum American South
to the slave labor of Hitler's Third Reich and the Soviet Gulags
has ruined millions of lives and degraded many cultures
throughout history.
Tea and Alcoholism: A Long History
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2008-05-22 |
Word Count: 585 |
Page Views: 1170
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 2.71
Anyone who suffers from alcoholism knows that it is an incurable
disease that is as insidious as it is devastating. But with total
abstinence from drink and the use of support groups like
Alcoholics Anonymous recovery can be life long.
Recession Relief - Quality Loose Leaf Tea for Independent Coffee Shops
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2008-05-22 |
Word Count: 556 |
Page Views: 1171
| Votes: 11 |
Rating: 1.91
Make no doubt about it - the country is in a recession and
consumer spending is being cut back, High priced coffee is
affected and even Starbucks is suffering and cutting back.
Taxing Tea - A British Tradition
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2008-05-21 |
Word Count: 947 |
Page Views: 1245
| Votes: 10 |
Rating: 3.20
While British citizens likely saw the first importations of tea
from the Orient in the 1500 to 1600s as a sensation that added a
little spark to their traditional coffee houses, the government
saw something else - money. As this beverage quickly became the
favored choice of the lower classes, British nobility saw a way
to line the coffers of government.
Oolong Tea Is A Proven Fat Fighter
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2008-05-21 |
Word Count: 909 |
Page Views: 1131
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 2.56
As the detrimental health impacts of obesity become even clearer,
more people are searching for ways to gain an edge in the battle
of the bulge. With obesity in America an ever-present concern,
the fad, gadget and specialty food market is booming. Dropping
pounds for the sake of appearances and for the sake of health is
a very big trend indeed. Although some items simply do not work,
one very basic drink stands out as a powerful weapon to add to an
arsenal for fat fighting.
Impacts On China - Green Tea And The Global Trade
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2008-05-20 |
Word Count: 880 |
Page Views: 1298
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 2.71
5/19/2008 9:48PM China's love affair with green tea is believed
to have begun thousands of years ago. It took centuries for the
Chinese to share this secret with their neighbors in Japan and
even longer for the country to begin exporting this bountiful
crop to destinations all over the world.
History Of Green Tea
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2008-05-20 |
Word Count: 988 |
Page Views: 1420
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 3.00
Green tea has a history that dates back thousands of years.
Although this particular type of tea is only now gaining major
notoriety in the West, it has been known to the Chinese and
Japanese for centuries. This type of tea is less heavily
processed than its counterpart made from the same leaves, but
despite this fact, it has not been a heavy export from Asia until
the past few years.
All of Author's Articles on this site: Jon M. Stout Articles
Most Recent "Shopping" Articles
Choosing Rainwear
Written by: Rathi Niyogi |
Distributed: 2010-11-04 |
Word Count: 741 |
Page Views: 760
Rainwear does more than simply keep out rain or snow, it
protects from wind, cold, and chemical splashes. Your choice
of rainwear depends on the expected weather, the expected
temperatures, your planned activities, and your budget.
Rainwear materials and designs greatly affect the
performance you can expect. There are three major types of
rainwear:
Celebrity Perfume Gift Sets Are Always Welcome
Written by: Robert Moore |
Distributed: 2010-08-05 |
Word Count: 736 |
Page Views: 751
Perfume is one of the best gifts for your loved ones on
almost every occasion, whether it is Valentine's Day,
Birthday, Wedding Anniversary, or even Christmas Day.
Best Cologne Gift Sets Are A Great Idea For Men
Written by: Robert Moore |
Distributed: 2010-07-29 |
Word Count: 770 |
Page Views: 1121
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 2.50
Hair, clothing and looks are important, but the right
cologne transforms a man. Giving him the confidence to know
he smells good when approaching beautiful women in a club or
giving a presentation for work. When it comes to fragrances
for men companies now understand that men want to smell good
while attending parties, formal events, the office, on a
date or simply while relaxing at home.
Must-See 2010 Summer Music Festivals
Written by: Ryan Hogan |
Distributed: 2010-04-28 |
Word Count: 885 |
Page Views: 924
One of the best things about summer, at least for music
fans, is the plethora of music festivals held all across the
country and all though out the season. These festivals bring
together dozens of great bands usually for more than one day
and usually on more than one stage.
How Does A Blu-ray Disc Work?
Written by: Titus Hoskins |
Distributed: 2010-04-27 |
Word Count: 444 |
Page Views: 1095
| Votes: 2 |
Rating: 0.50
Blu-ray Players are all the rage in home entertainment, but
how exactly does a Blu-ray disc work and why is it so much
better than a regular DVD disc or system? Read this
informative article to discover how a Blu-ray disc works.
Understanding Personal Injury Law and Knowing When You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer
Written by: Keith Stachowiak |
Distributed: 2010-03-10 |
Word Count: 497 |
Page Views: 855
When in an accident caused by someone else's carelessness
or deliberate actions, one of the first thoughts that goes
through most people's minds after the panic and relief
subsides, is whether they should seek out a personal injury
lawyer. Before you make this decision, you should know what
personal injury law is, whether you even need a personal
injury lawyer, and when you should choose one.
Tattoos Have Transformed From Mom To Artwork Of The 21st Century
Written by: Bree Levine |
Distributed: 2010-02-25 |
Word Count: 554 |
Page Views: 1002
You could call it a 21st century art form: people use their
bodies as living displays of what they care about in the
form of pictorial art. Over time, tattoo artists have become
more and more sophisticated, able to create complex and
well-executed designs.
The Best Traditions And Advice For The Tattooing Experience
Written by: Eileen Howerton |
Distributed: 2010-02-24 |
Word Count: 566 |
Page Views: 720
The ritual of tattooing and adorning the body with ink and
color has been a tradition for centuries. Tattooing is
definitely not a fad, or a practice reserved to any
particular element of society. It is a tradition that has
been found in all parts of the world, in different sects of
society.
Shopping Online to Save Time and Money
Written by: Janet Davis |
Distributed: 2009-12-31 |
Word Count: 880 |
Page Views: 736
| Votes: 2 |
Rating: 2.50
There is a certain convenience in shopping from the comfort
of one's own home, a convenience that has been met in the
past through mail-order catalogs, shopping television
channels, and home-delivered grocery services. With the
advent of the Internet and the World Wide Web, this trend
has reached its culmination and most elegant expression yet.
Vacation Rental Advertising - The Good, The Bad and the Outright Scams
Written by: Scott Norris |
Distributed: 2009-12-22 |
Word Count: 553 |
Page Views: 814
| Votes: 3 |
Rating: 4.67
Advertising vacation rentals across the nation has changed
to the property owner's advantage. Five years ago, property
owners depended on their local newspaper to advertise their
vacation rentals. Compare that to today's global reach and
on-demand access to rental listings on the World Wide Web.
Travelers from around the world now have the ability to view
listings on thousands of advertising sites with relative
ease. There are risks, though: RENTER BEWARE!
Most Viewed "Shopping" Articles
Pearl Necklace Clasps
Written by: Norma Jones |
Distributed: 2006-08-04 |
Word Count: 1546 |
Page Views: 13355
| Votes: 41 |
Rating: 3.05
The clasp on a strand of pearls is both the frosting and sugar
sprinkles on a cake. In addition to keeping the necklace
fastened, the clasp should also complement you and your pearls.
As your necklace and bracelet are regularly restrung, you can
also update the clasps to meet your changing needs.
Be Prepared - The Pros And Cons of Non-Lethal Self-Defense Weapons
Written by: Brodie Abbot |
Distributed: 2006-11-14 |
Word Count: 938 |
Page Views: 10778
| Votes: 30 |
Rating: 2.50
In today's world, there are many means by which people can
protect themselves. When thinking about self-defense, many people
only consider martial arts or firearms. In truth, these are only
two options from an array of self-defense mechanisms available.
Through increased use in recent years, the advantages and
disadvantages of stun guns, tasers, and pepper spray have become
clear. All three items offer non-lethal means of protection, but
one of them may be more appropriate than the others in a given
situation.
Real and Imitation Pearls
Written by: Norma Jones |
Distributed: 2006-06-22 |
Word Count: 773 |
Page Views: 7694
| Votes: 28 |
Rating: 2.89
We are often asked how to tell if pearls are real or imitation.
To start, we'll need to look at pearl growth and different types
of imitation pearls. Then, we'll look at different pearl tests.
Emma Watson Is A Real Sweet Pea
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF |
Distributed: 2008-02-06 |
Word Count: 424 |
Page Views: 5580
| Votes: 18 |
Rating: 2.11
Harry Potter co-star Emma Watson, who plays super-smart Hermione
Granger, turned sweet sixteen on April 15, 2006. From all
accounts, she's as sweet as any sixteen-year-old can be. So
sweet, in fact, that her birth flower is the sweet pea!
Alberta Angling Tournaments: Spectacular Scenery, Big Purses
Written by: Travel Alberta |
Distributed: 2006-10-30 |
Word Count: 963 |
Page Views: 4483
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 2.83
Alberta's fishing tournaments pit angler against angler in a
quest for the biggest shimmering walleye and a slice of the
$60,600 (Cdn) in prize money.
Interior Window Shutters Can Be Affordable
Written by: Brian Wright |
Distributed: 2008-07-21 |
Word Count: 757 |
Page Views: 4325
| Votes: 14 |
Rating: 3.14
Avoid spending high dollar for custom-made interior window
shutters. You can obtain affordable interior shutter panels,
finish, and install them yourself. Find tips on measuring,
selecting, and ordering quality stock-size interior shutters.
Tea, High Tea And Afternoon Tea – What's The Difference?
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2007-04-16 |
Word Count: 791 |
Page Views: 3136
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 1.88
There are two forms of tea that often cause confusion in the tea
world: tea the drink and tea the meal. Tea the drink is made from
the Camellia Sinensis plant and from the processing of the plant
white, green, oolong, and black teas are produced. The basic teas
are also often blended with other plants like vanilla, mint and
melon as well as flavors like Oil of Bergamot to make Earl Grey
Tea.
Florist From Jessica Simpson's Home State Designs Ford's Funeral Flowers
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF |
Distributed: 2008-02-12 |
Word Count: 367 |
Page Views: 3113
| Votes: 10 |
Rating: 3.10
Pop star Jessica Simpson isn't the only talent to come out of
the state of Texas. One Texas florist is considered so talented
that she was tapped to provide flowers for President Gerald
Ford's California and Michigan funerals.
Finding The Best New York Plastic Surgeons
Written by: Arthur Melnik |
Distributed: 2006-07-17 |
Word Count: 365 |
Page Views: 3096
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 3.13
Finding a plastic surgeon in New York, NY might seem easy. But
with over 50 plastic surgeons In New York how do you choose the
right one for you?
Britney Spears Gets A New Mom Pick-Me-Up In The Form Of Flowers
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF |
Distributed: 2008-02-18 |
Word Count: 477 |
Page Views: 2764
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 2.25
Several sources of entertainment news recently reported that pop
star Britney Spears recently received flowers from her male nanny
Perry Taylor (dubbed a "manny" by the press). Although
there's some speculation among gossip columnists about just
what that gift of flowers means, its certainly a possibility
that they're simply a gift of flowers between friends meant to
lift the spirits of a tired and stressed new mom.
Highest Ranked "Shopping" Articles
How To Tell If Your Clothes Are Dirty
Written by: Theresa Bane |
Distributed: 2008-05-28 |
Word Count: 1984 |
Page Views: 2062
| Votes: 13 |
Rating: 4.08
If you are the type of person who wears clothes, like, t-shirts
for example, than this is an article for you. You may not be
aware of it, but your favorite t-shirt that has a clever or funny
saying emblazoned across it's width can actually reach a level
of funk that requires it to be laundered.
Private Label Bottled Water And School Fund Raising
Written by: Marcus Stout |
Distributed: 2007-04-24 |
Word Count: 1130 |
Page Views: 1868
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 3.89
Like most organizations, schools in the United States are subject
to constant budget stress. Important athletic and scholastic
programs are subject to budget cuts as demographics change and
taxpayers become increasingly budget aware. As a result, schools
include fund raising resources in their planning for programs.
Get Peace Of Mind With These 10 Questions For Your Jeweler
Written by: Marc Choyt |
Distributed: 2007-09-06 |
Word Count: 1039 |
Page Views: 1031
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 3.86
Many consumers want to purchase ethically sourced jewelry yet
they do not know enough about this emerging product category to
even begin to talk to their jewelry. This article provides
knowledge and the right questions to empower the consumer
interested in purchasing social responsible jewelry.
The Thrill of Motorcycling - 5 Ways to Get into Riding
Written by: Jay Gaulard |
Distributed: 2008-06-10 |
Word Count: 942 |
Page Views: 1131
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 3.86
Motorcycling is cool. Motorcycling is fast. Motorcycling gives
you a rush. There is no doubt about it. I don't think anyone can
dispute the fact that there is a certain breed of person out
there that just loves the feeling of being out in the fresh air,
cruising down the highway. I suspect there are a lot more people
who would like to ride than we know about. The question is, how
do they get going?
Paris Hilton's Family Understands The Relaxation Of Flowers
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF |
Distributed: 2008-04-23 |
Word Count: 389 |
Page Views: 1344
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 3.83
Ask Paris Hilton what she thinks of flowers and she's likely to
give her trademark response, "They're hot!" And, I'm certain
that if you walk into any hotel in the Hilton line and you're
very likely to see some beautiful flowers adorning the lobby and
other public areas. That's because people in the decorating and
design industry, such as those responsible for the interior
design of Hilton hotels, understand that flowers are an excellent
way to make people feel welcome and relaxed.
Tea: Ordering Green Tea Online
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2007-06-05 |
Word Count: 890 |
Page Views: 2171
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 3.83
If you've started to become a green tea enthusiast, no doubt
you've realized that there are an overwhelming number of green
teas from which to choose. Just the number of green teas
varieties in China are too many to list. You may have an interest
in trying them all – but that will take you quite a while!
Lindsay Lohan's Color Sense
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF |
Distributed: 2008-03-27 |
Word Count: 400 |
Page Views: 1660
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 3.75
Young movie starlet Lindsay Lohan has recently begun to be
noticed for her fashion sense, including her oft-changing hair
color. The use of color is certainly important in the fashion
industry, but there's another industry where it's perhaps even
more important-the floral industry.
Bosses Day: 25 Wallet-Friendly Gift Ideas
Written by: Darlene Arechederra |
Distributed: 2006-08-23 |
Word Count: 799 |
Page Views: 1838
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 3.67
Bosses Day is right around the corner again -- but no need to
panic! You still have plenty of time to find a great gift. The
good news is that finding the perfect gift for your boss doesn't
need to drain your wallet. Read on for some practical and
low-cost gift ideas, including gifts for bosses with special
circumstances.
Eco Friendly Home Accents Are in Demand
Written by: Kris Bond |
Distributed: 2009-03-03 |
Word Count: 632 |
Page Views: 1190
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 3.67
The Eco Friendly trend continues to grow.... not falling short of
entering the home. For the past several years manufacturers of
all the different industries and local retail stores have been in
search of ways to save the environment - or at least preserve
what can be.
Do It Yourself Mold Testing Kits
Written by: Daryl Watters |
Distributed: 2007-05-29 |
Word Count: 729 |
Page Views: 2193
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 3.63
If you feel that you have a mold problem, you can save money on a
mold inspection by buying a mold testing kit from your local
South Florida building supply store.
|
|
|
Article Reprint Rights
|

This work is licensed under a
Creative Commons License
You are not required to show the creative commons license notice when you reprint this work.
|
|
Article Statistics
|
Word Count: 960
Total Views: 1072
Views This Month: 6
Views Last Month: 25
Article Rating: 2.50 of 5
Votes Cast: 6
Author Overall Stats:
Times Viewed Overall: 210441
Author Rating: 2.46 of 5
Votes Cast Overall: 1365
More Articles By Author:
Articles On This Website
Article Title Search:
Widow Search
Right Blinker
Google
Yahoo!
Zuula
Bing
Cuil
Last Distribution Date:
2007-05-25 11:00:00
|
|
|