The History of White Tea

White tea became revered in China during the country’s Song Dynasty.  It was so acclaimed that one of the emperor of the Song Dynasty, Emperor Hui Zong wrote about it in his book General Overview on Tea (1107-1110 AD).  In his writing, he described white tea as having buds white as jade and of unparalleled quality.  He proclaimed it to be the culmination of elegance.  Emperor Hui Zong even became so obsessed in his search to perfect and enhance the flavor of this tea that he lost much of his empire.

          Some of the earliest tea came in caked form.  They are compressed into different shapes and sizes.  During the Song Dynasty, making and preparation of tea changed.  The Song Dynasty tea came in a loose-leaf fashion.  This was done to preserve the leaves’ delicate taste - that special flavor most sought after by the Chinese Emperors and nobilities.  Later on, powdered variety of the tea emerged.  The resulting brew from this powdered leaves is a deep emerald or iridescent white tea.  Powdered tea was later on integrated with ceramics and incorporated with aesthetic rituals. This gave birth to the Song tea ceremony which has become extinct but is actually the inspiration of today’s Japanese tea ceremony.

          Producing white tea during these ancient days is extremely laborious.  Leaves were harvested during early spring.  This time of the year provides the best white teas.  Tea workers carefully handpicked the silver buds and select leaves.  These will then be steamed without delay.  Buds are sorted out and only their delicate interior was kept to be washed by spring water and then dried.  The result is small paper thin white teas!  This is rare and precious!  Today, modern white teas are not steamed anymore.  The processing technique now is careful hand selection, withering and bake drying.  The character of the modern-day white tea is created during its withering stage.  Weather conditions like temperature and humidity are very important factors in white tea production.  These will determine the withering and bake drying process.

         White tea has come a long way since its discovery.  It was mostly unknown outside China until just lately.  But from then on, white tea gained its reputation and has not only become a fashionable and lifestyle beverage, but is also now being used for making cosmetics.  Polyphenols found in white tea are powerful antioxidants.  It strengthens the immune system and cleanses the body.  So what are you waiting for?  Enjoy a cup of that healthy elegant white tea!

White Teas