White tea is one of the most valuable teas in the world. This is because up to 30,000 young buds of the tea plant are needed to produce one kilogram of the tea. White tea is obtained 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, which bind free radicals in the body cells and thus strengthen the immune system.
What is white tea?
White tea is derived 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, fermentation, and by the components of the tea plant used. White tea is only two percent fermented in a natural process. White tea originally comes from the Chinese province of Fujian and has a long tradition there. Even then, white tea was said to have healing and health-promoting powers. White tea did not get its name because of its color. Rather, the tea variety is called so because the closed buds from which the tea is made are covered with white down. Thus, the raw material for the tea 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 may contain a slightly smoky, subtle 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. Among the minerals are:
- Fluoride
- Potassium
- Zinc
- Iron
- Calcium
- Sodium
Especially fluoride and potassium predominate in the rich mineral content of white tea. Vitamin B1 in white tea takes the largest share among the vitamins contained. It is very important for our nervous system and affects our mood. Deficiency of vitamin B1 can cause headaches, depression, anemia and increased risk of infection. In addition, white tea contains three times more catechins than its relative, green tea. Catechins are natural tannins with antibacterial, antioxidant and anticarcinogenic effects. Another ingredient is methylxanthine, in the form of caffeine and theophylline, among others. Methyloxanthines stimulate the central nervous system. For example, they dilate bronchial tubes and reduce headaches and migraines. With 6 mg of caffeine per 100 ml, white tea is far behind black tea, which still contains 25 mg of caffeine per 100 ml. Other active ingredients in white tea, such as flavonoids, support the skin by having a firming effect. The elastin and collagen in the connective tissue of the skin are stimulated by these substances. Tea as a home remedy: which tea helps when?
Healing power of white tea
The ingredients from white tea have been used for centuries to treat diseases. The Chinese emperors have 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 especially known for its high content 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. Moreover, they are even said to be supportive in the prevention of heart attacks, high cholesterol and strokes. In addition, catechins are anti-inflammatory and beneficial for the immune system. They also reduce the risk of cancer. The antioxidant effect of white tea helps prevent aging of the skin. Therefore, the active ingredients are often used in the cosmetics industry. Just three cups a day, used regularly, leads to fine-pored and healthy skin after a short time. On the other hand, the concentration of caffeine in white tea is so low that white tea has no stimulating effect, but is very gentle on the stomach.
Lose weight with white tea?
Some active ingredients, which belong to the group of polyphenols, are contained in large quantities in white tea. These ingredients act directly on human body cells. Especially fat cells are stimulated by these substances to incorporate less fat and release fat faster.When dieting, this process has a positive effect with regard to 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
During pregnancy, high fluid intake is very important. But not every liquid can be drunk safely. Since caffeinated drinks have a stimulating effect, pregnant women should enjoy them in moderation. However, with the low caffeine content in white tea, up to two cups a day is safe. You should be careful not to steep white tea for too long during pregnancy. This will tone down the strength of the tea. Towards the end of pregnancy, you should avoid white tea, as it can cause an inhibition of labor.
The correct 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 will not destroy the tea and the ingredients can still develop their effect. You should use one heaping 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. In doing so, the intensity of the tea changes a little and new flavor aromas appear.
Production and origin of white tea
In the first step, the young closed buds of the camellia plant are picked by hand and then aired for a few hours. In the next step, the buds are left to wilt on a wilting mat for half a day. After that, the tea material is dried in two successive processes at over 100 degrees Celsius and then packaged. White tea originated in China. Its largest cultivation area is still located there today. However, white tea is nowadays produced in all known tea growing regions. These include India, Africa and Sri Lanka. The elaborate production of white tea has its price. At about three to twenty euros per 100 grams, the tea variety is somewhat more expensive than its relatives. This is one reason why white tea is not drunk as often as green or black tea.
