White Tea: And Its Color of White (Part 2)

This is Part 2 of the previous article entitled  "White Tea: And Its Color of White"

What are the varieties of white teas?

Basically, there are 4 main varieties of white teas. They are:

1. Silver Needle or Baihao Yinzhen

2. White Peony or Bai Mudan

3. Long Life Eyebrow or Shou Mei

4. Tribute Eyebrow or Gong Mei

1. Silver Needle - is known as the finest and best white tea. This white tea is made up only silvery white buds and nothing more. It looks so beautiful and elegant yet it tastes even better. It is probably the most popular variety of white tea. It has a light, delicate and a bit of sweetness to touch flavor.

2. White Peony - is the second in line to silver needle in terms of quality. It consists of silver buds and young leaves of the white tea plant. It usually has a darker appearance and more pronounced taste than silver needle.

3. Long Life Eyebrow - is a lower in rank kind of white tea. Its leaves and buds come from the left over of the Silver needle and White peony.

4. Tribute Eyebrow - is also a lower rank kind of tea. It comes from a special tea bush different from the others and is produced and processed in a different way.

What are the health benefits of white tea?

Tea has been known for centuries for its medicinal properties. And here are some of the known health benefits of white teas.

1. Anti-oxidants - white teas contain nutrients that protect and prevent damage caused by free-radicals. These free radicals are those unwanted chemicals that damage the DNA in the body. It is also the major reason why certain people look and feel old. Therefore, white tea, with its anti-oxidant properties eliminate these nasty free radicals, making us energized and feel and look younger.

2. Reduces and lowers blood pressure - It is known that white teas have been proven to thin the blood and also enhance and improve the arteries and its function. Therefore, it not only lowers blood pressure, it also helps maintain a normal one.

3. Reduces cholesterol levels - due to anti-oxidants (specifically catechins), white teas also reduce cholesterol levels. What it does is inhibit the LDL (low density lipid) cholesterol a.k.a. the bad cholesterol while promoting the HDL (high density lipid) cholesterol.

4. Prevents cardiovascular diseases - such as: stroke, heart attacks, blood clots and atherosclerosis (or hardening of arteries). What it does is it not only prevents and lowers blood pressure as well as cholesterol, fat deposits and other substances from pooling into the surface of the arteries which causes strokes and heart attacks but it also prevents the hardening of the arteries. This not only prevents cardiovascular diseases but also improves the overall blood circulation.

5. Cancer preventing and fighter - it is very known that white teas have very powerful and potent substances that fight these cancer-causing cells. These substances are a group of anti-oxidants called flavonoid. They not only stop the growth of these malicious cells but also inhibit the growth of new ones. Some of the cancers it prevents include: stomach cancer, colon cancer and even prostate cancer. So think of it the same as a prescription drug, just eliminate the side effects.

6. Improves bone strength and density - not only will you develop strong bones, but studies also show white teas also prevent other diseases such as osteoporosis and even arthritis.

7. Improves immune function - white teas are known to be a natural anti-viral and anti-bacterial. They are feared by bacteria and viruses alike. Not only does white tea protect the body from unwanted foreign substances, but they also prevent other common diseases such as flu and common colds.

8. Keeps the teeth and gums healthy- white teas contain fluoride and other nutrients that allow the teeth and gums to be healthy and strong. Add the fact that they also inhibit the growth of bacteria that is responsible for tooth decays and bad breath.

9. Keeps the skin healthy and radiant - this is because white tea eliminates and gets rid of free-radicals, which are responsible for making the skin look ugly and unhealthy.

10. Promotes weight loss - this is because white tea allows faster burning of fat in the body as well as speeding up the body's metabolism to allow faster results in trimming and slimming out bodies.

How do you brew the perfect cup of white tea?

Here are some of the things to keep in mind while brewing that perfect cup of white tea.

1. Use new and fresh water - Do not use the water that has been stale and kept in the kettle for a long time. This may affect the tea's taste.

2. DO NOT use BOILING water - The ideal temperature of the water should be 170 degrees to 185 degrees Fareinheit. Tip: after bringing the water to its boiling point, let it cool for a minute, then that's the time you pour it on the tea leaves.

3. For best results, use the right amount of tea leaves - be generous in adding leaves if you arnt to achieve the best white tea. The reason for this is because not all tea leaves are the same. Some are less compact and dense, such as white tea leaves. The ideal amount should be about 2 teaspoons per 8 oz cup of water. Still, basing it your own taste and adding accordingly works wonders.

4. Be mindful for steeping times - Each brand of white tea has a specific steeping time. But as a general rule, 5 to 8 minutes on the first steeping is encouraged , with another 2 to 3 minutes for the next cups is recommended. The exemption to this is the silver needle, normally requiring steeping time of 15 minutes.

Additional tips to keep in mind:

1. But only the authentic, high quality white teas - It I known that the best white tea are those in loose leaf forms. They are known to contain and give out the far better taste and flavor than the ones in bag forms.

2. Drink about 2 to 4 cups of white tea every day. Make it a daily habit to drink the recommended amount of white tea to fully enjoy the health benefits it can offer.

3. It is okay to re-steep the leaves - No need to waste good tea leaves. Re-use it once or twice to drink all the nutrients in the tea leaves. Tip : Brew the used leaves for more minutes than the usual recommended first steeping time.

4. Be creative. Make your own Tea Ritual - There is no limit to the imagination. And it is up to you to find the most comfortable area and time to have that perfect cup of white tea. Find the place you are most comfortable. Play your favorite music. Sit in your favorite chair. Do whatever works for you. Make the most of it. Sit, relax and enjoy drinking one of the healthiest drinks known to mankind.

5. Be adventurous. Try different kinds and varieties of tea - Reading about white teas can only do so much. Try it yourself. Experiment. Find your own favorite brand and variety. Because each offers a different flavor and a different tea experience. Be patient. In time, you will find that perfect flavor and blend just for you.

6. Share your blessings - White teas are good for you. It tastes good and is very health beneficial. Why not share it with others? Share your experience to others. Encourage them to join the tea drinking wagon. And if you feel extra generous, give it as a gift to someone you think would appreciate and enjoy drinking it.

Huang Jiung,
Chinese Weight Loss Tea for BEGINNERS