Kenya White Tea is made from the young leaves and buds of the camellia sinensis plant. White tea is a delicate and less processed type of tea that is known for its subtle flavor, light color, and numerous potential health benefits. What sets white tea apart from other types of tea is its minimal processing and gentle oxidation.
Key Features include:
- Minimal Processing: White tea is the least processed among all major tea types. The minimal processing involves withering the freshly plucked tea leaves and buds, allowing them to naturally dry in the sun or under controlled conditions, and then gently heating to prevent oxidation.
- Appearance: White tea is characterized by its pale and light-colored liquor, often with a subtle, slightly sweet taste. The leaves and buds retain their natural silver or white fuzz, which contributes to the name white-tea.
- Flavor Profile: White tea offers a delicate and nuanced flavor profile. The taste can range from floral and sweet to fruity, with notes of honey, melon, and sometimes a slight earthiness or grassiness.
- Health Benefits: Some potential health benefits of white tea include improved heart health, weight management, and enhanced skin health due to its antioxidant properties. The antioxidants in white tea may also help combat oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Caffeine Content: White tea generally contains less caffeine than green tea and significantly less than black tea.
- Preparation: White tea is brewed with water that is just below boiling temperature (around 175-185°F or 80-85°C). It is steeped for a short period, usually 2-4 minutes, to allow the delicate flavors to emerge without becoming overly strong or bitter.