What is so fantastic about white tea? What is it, what are its characteristics, and how is it made?

Tea has been a popular beverage in both the east and the west for centuries. Europeans have generally enjoyed black tea. Green and Oolong teas have been making strides in popularity in the past few years.

All tea comes from the plant camellia silensis. While there are variations in this plant depending on where it is grown, tea differs mainly it the way it is processed. White tea is picked before the leaves of the plant have opened fully. At this stage the buds are covered with fine white hair, giving the tea its name.

It is largely unfermented. The leaves are picked and allowed to wither, rather than being cooked dry. The proportion of buds to leaves determines the type of tea. White Peony tea, for example, contains one bud for every two leaves. Silver Needles, the most prized leaf style, is made entirely from blossom buds.

It differs from its black and green cousins in that it is not rolled. The fresh leaves are left to wither for a few days, which results in slight. Because it is "uncooked", the antioxidant levels may be more potent than in other types of tea.

While there have been relatively few studies on the health benefits, it is starting to be recognized as a potentially great health aid. It contains high levels of catechins, which are known to help lower both cholesterol and blood pressure.

Its delicate sweet flavor is far less stringent than black tea. It does not have the fresh grassy tones of green tea. It has been prized for centuries as the most gourmet of teas, and because it is made from the immature buds, it is one of the more expensive kinds of tea available.

The buds that comprise the majority of this tea are sturdy and robust. To brew a good cup, start with high quality loose tea and clear filtered water. Bring the water to just below the boiling point, then pour over the leaves. Steep for three to five minutes. Drink up! It is a healthful alternative to just about any other beverage.

Ready to explode common myths about this amazing tea? Visit White Tea Information – Six Myths Debunked in my White Tea guide to learn about its breakthrough health benefits and more.

Article written by Julian Tai. To view the original post, click here.

White tea has not gained much popularity until recently, but it is now exploding as the new fad diet of the year. What makes white tea so special, and what is the difference between white tea and other teas?

White tea is the newest form of dieting with tea, and may soon become the most popular after seeing the amazing benefits. The name White Tea comes from the fluffy white hairs that cover the leaves when they are first picked. White tea is fermented a little different then most teas. It is dried out and when brewed it has a pale yellow color to it.

Recent studies have shown that white tea has the most health benefits of any of the Chinese teas. This includes both black and green tea which was previously thought to be the best. White tea did not really receive much attention until it was featured on Oprah as one of her "amazing weight loss secrets".

There are three different types of leaves that you can pick white tea from. Big White, Narcissus White, and Vegetable White. All three of these do give a slightly different taste and texture.

White tea was first seen in China in 1796. Farmers used to pluck the white tea only from the vegetable white. It was not until the late 1800s did farmers know you could also use the big white leaves to also make the white tea. White tea began to spread as a luxury drink for the rich and important in China. The tea could only be plucked at certain times of the year, so it was somewhat scarce. White tea will continue to gain popularity and may soon overtake Green tea as the most popular tea supplement in the world.

Article written by Ryan Anderson. To view to the original post, click here.