What is White Tea?

Like black tea and green tea, white tea also originates from the Camellia sinensis plant. However, the leaves for making white tea are handled in a far gentler manner; from the time the leaves are handpicked until they are brewed.

Real white tea is made from the tender buds of a special cultivar of the Camellia sinensis, and these unfurled leaves are treated with the utmost care and are minimally processed. The leaves are handpicked before sunrise and placed in small pouches, then air dried in the shade. The leaves remain unoxidised which is why white tea has a pale-yellow colour and subtle flavour. Dilmah’s White Tea is packed where it’s grown to ensure freshness and goodness.

Intrigued? Check out our guide to white tea to understand it’s handcrafting process and more.

Fun Fact: White tea also known as Silver tips tea, gets its name from the fine silver, almost white, hairs which cover the unfurled buds of a special cultivar with purple leaves. In the early morning light, they look like dew drops clinging on to the tiny green buds!

Health Benefits of White Tea

White tea benefits the skin, aids in weight management, and many more. White tea has a similar chemical composition to green tea as the leaves of the two brews are left unfermented. Since only the buds are used for production, the total polyphenol content could be relatively higher than in other types of tea as the bud contains higher amounts than the first and second leaves. Here are some of the health benefits you can get from drinking white tea.

White Tea Benefits for the Skin

As we age, our skin changes as well. Over time our skin becomes more sensitive and drier, it loses its elasticity which causes wrinkles, and is affected by the harmful UV rays from the sun. Also, ageing increases the potential damage of free radicals and reactive oxygen species, highly reactive molecules that are harmful to other molecules in the body. However, a study shows how white tea is good for your skin as the flavonoids present in the tea are able to fight off free radicals and enzymes like elastase that damage the skin’s fibre network.  

White Tea Benefits for Weight Loss and Weight Management

Although green tea is widely perceived as a beverage for weight loss and weight management, white tea is just as good a beverage to consume if you’re maintaining your weight. Not only do teas contain zero calories, green and white teas also have a similar level of caffeine and catechins like epigallocatechin gallate, a compound in tea linked to burning fat. The best part is tea is a vegan, plant-based goodness that’s great for your overall health.

A study shows that drinking white tea can help boost metabolism and stimulates lipolysis-activity. However, please keep in mind that to fully benefit from this low-caloric beverage, avoid any additives like sugar, milk, or honey as that can change the calorie count of the tea.

White Tea Benefits for Teeth

A Pace University study presented at the 104th General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology found that white tea eliminated disease causing organisms, having anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. White tea is also a source for fluoride which can help prevent the formation of dental cavities and is more resistant to acid attacks on teeth caused by bacteria.

White Tea Benefits for Heart Health

White tea can also help reduce the risk of cardiac diseases like cholesterol and strokes. Tea contains very low levels of sodium, making it a suitable beverage for protection against developing high blood pressure, thus reducing the risk of heart disease. These diseases are linked to chronic inflammation which can be caused by several factors from diet to smoking. The anti-inflammatory properties of the polyphenols in tea, may help relax blood vessels and boost immunity. However, while consuming white tea can help reduce the risk of heart disease, it is important to make changes in your lifestyle and diet to reap the long-term benefits.

How to brew White Tea

• Add 2 - 2.5g (01 standard teaspoon) or 1 teabag into a cup
• Boil 220ml of fresh water, until it reaches 100°C
• Add the water to the cup when it reaches 70 - 80°C
• Brew the tea for 2 - 3 mins

There are certainly several health benefits that can be gained from consuming organic white tea. Get your own pack of this Dilmah Ceylon Silver Tips Real White Tea or the t-Series VSRT Ceylon Silver Tips White Tea. Enjoy the tea’s delicate flavour and reap its many benefits!