White tea
White tea is one of the most valuable types of tea in the world. Up to 30,000 young buds of the tea plant are needed to produce one kilogram of tea. White tea is made from the same plant as green and black tea. However, it differs from the other two types of tea due to its gentle processing. In addition to caffeine, white tea contains many other ingredients that are not found in such concentrations in other types of tea. These include polyphenols such as antioxidants that bind free radicals in the body’s cells and thus strengthen the immune system.
What is white tea?
White tea is made from the camellia plant Camellia sinensis. Black and green tea are also made from this plant. The three types of tea differ in their processing, the fermentation, and the components of the tea plant used. Only two percent of white tea is fermented in a natural process.
White tea originally comes from the Chinese province of Fujian and has a long tradition there. Even then, healing and health-promoting powers were promised to white tea.
White tea didn’t get its name because of its color. The type of tea is much more so called because the closed buds from which the tea is made are covered with white down. The raw material for the tea therefore appears white.
The best-known varieties of white tea are white peony (Bai Mu Dan) and silver needle (Yin Zhen). Depending on the growing area and harvest time, white tea can contain a slightly smoky, slightly tart or floral note. In the finish, however, white tea is always delicate and somewhat sweet.
Useful ingredients for health
White tea contains many vitamins and minerals . The minerals include:
Fluoride and potassium in particular predominate in the rich mineral supply of white tea.
Vitamin B1 accounts for the largest proportion of the vitamins contained in white tea . It is very important for our nervous system and affects our mood. A vitamin B1 deficiency can cause headaches, depression , anemia and an increased risk of infection.
In addition, white tea contains three times as much catechins as its relative, green tea. Catechins are natural tanning agents with antibacterial, antioxidant and anticarcinogenic effects.
Another ingredient is methylxanthine, including in the form of caffeine and theophylline. Methyloxanthines stimulate the central nervous system. For example, they dilate bronchi and reduce headaches and migraines . With 6 mg caffeine per 100 ml, white tea is far behind black tea, which contains 25 mg caffeine per 100 ml.
Other active ingredients in white tea, such as flavonoids , support the skin by having a firming effect. The elastin and the collagen in the connective tissue of the skin are stimulated by these substances.
Healing power of white tea
The ingredients from white tea have been used to treat diseases for centuries. The Chinese emperors already said that white tea has a rejuvenating and life-prolonging effect. Today, many of the ingredients can be found in medicines.
White tea is known for its high levels of antioxidants in the form of catechins. Catechins bind free radicals that cause cell damage and consequently trigger serious diseases. Thus, catechins help with high blood pressure and high blood sugar levels. They are also said to help prevent heart attacks, high cholesterol and strokes. In addition, catechins are anti-inflammatory and beneficial for the immune system. They also lower the risk of cancer.
The antioxidant effects of white tea help prevent skin aging . Therefore, the active ingredients are often used in the cosmetics industry. Even three cups a day, if used regularly, will lead to fine-pored and healthy skin after a short time. The concentration of caffeine in white tea, on the other hand, is so low that white tea has no stimulating effect, but is very gentle on the stomach.
White tea to lose weight?
Some active substances that belong to the group of polyphenols are contained in large amounts in white tea. These ingredients act directly on human body cells. Fat cells in particular are stimulated by these substances to incorporate less fat and release fat more quickly. When dieting, this process has a positive effect on the loss of body fat .
Furthermore, white tea is said to have a laxative effect and stimulate the metabolism . This is also beneficial for people who want to lose weight.
white tea during pregnancy
Drinking plenty of fluids is very important during pregnancy. But not every liquid is safe to drink. Since caffeinated drinks have a stimulating effect, pregnant women should consume them in moderation. With the low caffeine content in white tea, however, up to two cups a day are harmless.
During pregnancy you should make sure that you do not steep white tea for too long. This reduces the strength of the tea. Towards the end of pregnancy, you should avoid white tea as it can cause inhibition of labour.
The right preparation
When preparing white tea, make sure that the brewing water does not boil. The optimal water temperature is 75 to 80 degrees Celsius. This does not destroy the tea and the ingredients can still develop their effect. You should use a heaped teaspoon of white tea per cup. It is best to let the tea steep for two to five minutes .
Since white tea does not become bitter, you can make several infusions with white tea leaves. The intensity of the tea changes a little and new flavors come to the fore.
Production and origin of white tea
The young, closed buds of the camellia plant are picked by hand in the first step and then aired out for a few hours. In the next step, the buds are left to wilt on a wilting mat for half a day. The tea is then dried in two consecutive processes at over 100 degrees Celsius and then packaged.
White tea originally comes from China. His largest cultivation area is still there today. However, white tea is now grown in all known tea-growing regions. These include India, Africa and Sri Lanka.
The complex production of white tea has its price. At around three to twenty euros per 100 grams, this type of tea is slightly more expensive than its relatives. This is one reason why white tea is not drunk as commonly as green or black tea.
