White tea is not commonly seen in our daily lives and may feel unfamiliar to many. This type of tea is one of the most precious varieties among the many types of tea in our country. White tea is mainly produced in the Fujian region and has a history of over 800 years. It belongs to lightly fermented tea. Because the raw materials selected for white tea are mostly tender buds, with silver-white hair covering the branches, it appears snow white at first glance, hence the name white tea. According to the picking standards, white tea can be divided into two types: Silver Needle and White Peony. Silver Needle is made from the single bud of the white tea plant and has a shape similar to a white embroidery needle. White Peony is made from tender buds and leaves and has a shape resembling a peony flower. White tea can also be further categorized into three types based on different tea trees: Da Bai (Big White), Xiao Bai (Small White), and Shui Xian Bai (Narcissus White).
The picking standards for white tea are very strict, and the production process is very delicate, making white tea a treasure among tea leaves. The picking of white tea follows the "Three Whites" principle, which means that the two leaves and a bud picked must be covered with silver-white hair. During the processing, it is important not to rub or roll the leaves forcefully and avoid high-temperature baking, in order to maintain the natural and original state of the final product. The most precious types of white tea are Bai Mu Dan (White Peony), Bai Hao Yin Zhen (Silver Needle), and Gong Mei. Let's now introduce their characteristics and health benefits.
1. Silver Needle (Bai Hao Yin Zhen)
With a long history, it is considered the finest tea. Its main characteristics are: fine and compact leaves, shaped like silver needles, with a transparent and full white color. The tea soup is also translucent and apricot yellow in color. Its aroma...
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