White tea, known for its delicate flavor and health benefits, has a rich history dating back to Chinese royalty. At Seven Tea House, our flavored white teas—like Peach, Lychee, and Pineapple—offer creative twists on this classic. Whether brewed hot or cold, white tea is a refreshing, versatile choice for all tea lovers.
What is white tea? A Deep Dive into White Tea, Flavors, Caffeine, and Brewing
Want to know more about white tea? 10/20 White Tea Open House Free Tasting Event.
White tea is a special type of tea made from the young leaves and buds of the Camellia sinensis plant, grown in the Fujian province of China. Known for its minimal processing, white tea offers a delicate flavor and a refreshing taste. But what is white tea, really?
Unlike other teas, white tea undergoes less oxidation, retaining its fresh, light profile. The name comes from the fine, silvery-white hairs that cover the young tea leaves, which are typically harvested in early spring.
White Tea History: From Royals to Everyday Drinkers
Dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907), Chinese white tea has long been revered for its purity and health benefits. However, it wasn’t until the Song Dynasty (960-1279) that white tea became a highly sought-after tea, reserved for Chinese royalty.
During this time, white tea was presented as a tribute to emperors, a sign of respect and honor. In fact, early white tea preparation was much more ceremonial than it is today. Now, drinking white tea is an everyday pleasure, enjoyed worldwide for its subtle flavors and wellness properties.
Flavored White Teas at Seven Tea House: New Twists on a Classic
At Seven Teahouse, we carry a variety of flavored white tea bags that blend the classic shou mei white tea leaves with refreshing, fruity flavors. These options are perfect for both new drinkers and seasoned tea lovers:
- Peach White: This fruity infusion combines the natural sweetness of peach with the soft, mellow profile of white tea, offering a drink that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
- Pineapple White: A tropical twist, this tea blends the bright, tangy flavor of pineapple with the delicate taste of white tea. It’s a great way to enjoy something light and uplifting.
- Lychee White: Floral and fragrant, lychee pairs beautifully with the subtle white tea taste, creating a unique and exotic tea-drinking experience.
- Grape White: For those who prefer something sweeter, our grape white tea is smooth and fruity with a natural sweetness that enhances the delicate flavor of white tea.
- Orange White: This zesty blend offers a burst of citrus, making it a refreshing and flavorful option for anyone looking for a new way to enjoy white tea.
These teas are a wonderful introduction to the types of white tea available and are considered among the best teas for new drinkers who want to explore flavored varieties.
White Tea and Caffeine: Does White Tea Have Caffeine?
One common question is, does white tea have caffeine? While white tea does contain caffeine, the amount of caffeine varies depending on factors such as how it’s processed and brewed.
Traditionally, white tea has been thought to have less caffeine than black tea or green tea, due to its minimal processing and shorter steeping time. This makes it an excellent option for those looking to manage their caffeine intake.
However, caffeine levels in white tea can still provide a gentle energy boost, and the delicate flavor makes it a refreshing alternative to more robust teas. For those who want a lighter option than coffee, white tea can be a perfect match.
How to Brew: Classic, Slow, and Creative Methods
Brewing white tea can be a simple and relaxing process, but there are a few key points to keep in mind to get the best results:
- Classic Brewing: For a traditional cup of white tea, heat water to about 175°-185°F. Hot water that’s too hot can cause the tea leaves to become bitter, so it’s important to keep the temperature moderate. Steep the tea for 3 minutes. Use about 1 piece of teacake of tea per 16oz cup for the best flavor.
- Slow Brewing: This method involves using cooler water and allowing the tea to steep for a longer time—around 10 minutes. This process brings out deeper, more complex notes in the tea, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a more robust infusion.
- Creative Brewing: Looking to try something different? Flavored white teas, like our Peach White or Lychee White, make excellent bases for iced tea or tea-infused cocktails. You can also add fruits or herbs for an extra twist, making your tea experience even more enjoyable.
- Cold Brewing: If you are looking for refreshing everyday wellness tea, cold brew would be a perfect option for your flavored white tea bags. Easy to brew: one tea bag, 14oz
For preparing white teas, it’s essential to use the right water temperatures and avoid over-steeping, as this can impact the flavor and health benefits of the tea.
White Tea Bags vs. Loose Leaf White Tea
At Seven Tea House, we primarily focus on shou mei white tea to preserve the integrity and quality of the leaves. However, if you’re looking for convenience, white tea bags collection can be a great option for quick and easy brewing.
Shop: Shou Mei White Tea, White Tea Bags Collection(5 different flavors), Or Custom Your Collection.