White Teas

In the vast tapestry of tea categories, there exists a gem cherished for its purity, delicacy, and subtle flavors: white tea. From the moment the tender buds are plucked to the final product, the journey of crafting white tea is a meticulous art form that has been perfected over centuries. 

So, what is the process to making one of the most exquisite teas in the world?

Let's find out.

The Harvest: Selecting the Finest Buds

The journey of white tea begins in the tea gardens, where skilled pluckers carefully select only the most tender buds and young leaves. Often covered in silvery-white hairs, the leaves are prized for their delicate flavor and high concentration of antioxidants.

The timing of the harvest is extremely crucial, as it determines the quality and character of the final brew. Typically, white tea is harvested in early spring when the buds are at their peak freshness.

Withering: Allowing Nature to Work Its Magic

Once harvested, the buds undergo a gentle withering process. Unlike other teas, like black, oolong, and green teas that undergo from moderate to maximum rolling or oxidation, white tea is minimally processed to preserve its natural essence.

During withering, the leaves are spread out and left to wilt naturally under the sun or in carefully controlled indoor environments. This step allows the leaves to lose some of their moisture, intensifying their flavor and aroma while retaining their delicate character.

Drying: Preserving the Essence

After withering, the leaves are gently dried to halt the oxidation process. This step is crucial in preserving the subtle flavors and aromas unique to white teas. Traditionally, white tea leaves are sun-dried, allowing them to absorb the essence of the natural environment.

However, modern methods may involve using low-temperature ovens to achieve consistent results. Regardless of the technique, the goal remains the same: to lock in the delicate flavors and aromas of the freshly harvested leaves.

Popular Whites

Rohini White Tea

Rohini Tea Garden, which lies in the foothills of Darjeeling, produces stunning white tea harvested in early spring with hand-picked tender tea leaves and tea buds that give a delicate and fresh flavor. 

Once brewed, this first flush whole-leaf Rohini white tea produces a mellow and subtle flavored pale golden cup of tea with a sweet floral aroma.

Giddapahar White Tea

Giddapahar White Tea is one of the most sought-after teas by tea enthusiasts. It is a heavenly tea with greenish-white liquor that radiates a complex flavor of floral and grassy notes. Truly delightful tea, perfect for any time of the day.

Doke Silver Needle White Tea

Winner of Gold Medal Award at the O-Cha Event in Japan- Doke Silver Needle White Tea is organically grown and harvested from the beautiful plants of Doke Tea Estate in Bihar, India. 

Once infused, it gives you a clean and subtle light-yellow liquor with slight hints of peach blossom, dried apricots, and a lingering sweet aftertaste.

Chabessey Silver Needle White Tea

Chabessey Silver Needle White Tea is made from the most precious part of the tea plant- young tea buds- young tea buds. This excellent white tea comes from the famous Chabessey Tea Estate in Nepal. This light-flavored and textured Silver Needle Tea gives you a sweet, fruity, and floral note.

Avongrove Imperial White Tea

This lovely and elegant White Tea comes from the beautiful valleys of Avongrove Tea Estate, located at the Himalayan foothills of Darjeeling. This White Tea has a subtle yet refreshing taste with a sweet and nutty flavor. You can enjoy Avongrove Imperial White Tea, both hot and cold brew. 

Savoring the Essence of White Tea

The art of making white tea is an art that requires precision, patience, and a deep understanding of nature's rhythms. Each step in the process is carefully orchestrated to preserve the purity and delicacy of the tea leaves, resulting in a brew that is as enchanting as it is subtle. 

White tea is a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into each cup, a synonym for minimalism, simplicity, and purity. 

As you sip on your next brew of white tea, take a moment to reflect on the journey it undertook from bud to brew.