WHITE TEA

SAY HELLO TO MY FURRY FRIEND...

White tea is recognizable by the little hairs on the leaves that give it a beautiful white or silver hue. This tea is the least processed of all the major tea types and this is why it has kept its furry coat.

Other teas lose these surface hairs (also known as trichomes in the scientific world) while undergoing pan-frying, steaming, oxidation, and other processing techniques.

White tea is grown primarily in the Fujian Province of China. This province is located in the South East region of the country, as you can see from the green star on this map.

HOW IT'S MADE

Learn how green tea is harvested and processed from Don at Mei Leaf.

THE HEALTH BENEFITS*

As you learned above, white tea is the least processed of the six major tea types. This fact also gives it some interesting and unique health benefits.

ANTIOXIDANTS. White tea has the highest concentration of antioxidants, which allows it to fight free radicals and inhibit proliferation of cancerous cells. Studies have demonstrated this specifically for cancerous colon cells and you can see that study here at the National Center for Biotechnology Information's website.

SKIN. Beauty brands use white tea in their face creams because it is good for repairing damaged skin and minimizing the appearance of wrinkles. Generally, beauty brands have been using all kinds of tea more and more in their products. Read more about it here.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

MORE ON TRICHOMES (THE HAIRS)

Trichomes is the scientific term for the little hairs on the surface of leaves. These hairs exist on tea leaves and play many roles- protectors, hydrators, nurturers. Tea labs are doing research on the role of these trichomes in the flavor of your tea as well.

PROTECTORS. Trichomes serve as a defensive layer against insects and other predators to preserve the leaf.

HYDRATORS. Trichomes trap water in the tea leaf and keep it hydrated.

NURTURERS. Little beads of nutritious oils exist at the base of trichomes (read about it here). These oils are rich in healthy plant chemicals like antioxidants, giving tea with trichomes an additional nutritional boost.