How to Brew White Tea: The Subtleties of a Pleasant Tea Ceremony
An undeniable fact: white tea is the most exquisite of Chinese teas. Ukraine became acquainted with it relatively recently, and even then – in certain circles. The phrase "white tea" often bewilders many. Black, green, red... These are familiar! But "white" seems somehow mysterious... and complex. In reality, it's quite different.
Gentle white tea is one of the lightest and most exquisite, uniquely suited for home tea ceremonies. And Ukrainian ones, too! There is one point: the first encounter with it doesn't impress everyone. This is due to the delicate taste of the drink, accompanied by a floral-fruity aroma with subtle honey notes. Tea experts claim: You will definitely become a devotee of white tea if you are impressed by the tastes and aromas of green tea. Whether to agree with them or not is an individual matter.
Before answering the question "how to brew white tea?", it is necessary to clarify the following... White tea varieties got their name for a reason. Their raw material is truly white, with greenish hues, plus the color of the infusion – the unfermented leaf gives a transparent, almost colorless infusion (in the first brewings, depending on the variety, it can be light honey, light green, light peach...). Well, of course! If you think logically – what color infusion can young leaves with downy hairs and unopened buds (tips), collected in early spring, having absorbed the aromas of flowering fruit trees, and having undergone minimal processing (oxidation degree – up to 12%, compared to black teas' oxidation degree – up to 80%) give? Only light!
Why do people love to drink white Chinese teas? Gourmands claim: first of all – for its refined taste and summer aroma (despite the raw material being collected in spring, the drink is rich in warm summer aromas). Undoubtedly, it is very beneficial. The brew contains so many beneficial substances, including vitamins, amino acids, organic compounds... that no one would dare underestimate its usefulness. Certainly, anyone who is at least at the initial stage familiar with the healing properties of rare tea raw materials grown in Fujian province, famous worldwide for its tea plantations.
So, if you are interested in white Chinese tea, then the question of its brewing is important to you. How to properly brew white tea?
Utensils
You must understand that the utensils for brewing white tea should be special and miniature. Well, this type of tea is not drunk from large cups and huge teapots! Its purpose is sophistication in everything! Including the utensils and the tea drinking process.
The ideal option is a tea set, including a teapot (gaiwan), a chahai – a dispenser for the brewed drink, miniature bowls that allow you to enjoy the taste, aroma, and sweet aftertaste of a warm, relaxing drink – truly exotic, oriental, mysterious... In China, white varieties are brewed in a gaiwan.
As for materials: it can be Yixing clay, porcelain, earthenware, or heat-resistant glass. The latter is recommended for those who like to observe the beautiful movement of unfurling leaves.
Water
Water is one of the important aspects for brewing white tea. One might even say, the main one. White tea is very delicate, vulnerable, sensitive... If there are any smells or flavors in the water, the leaf will lose its natural priorities and the drink will lose its natural taste and aromatic significance. Ideally, the water should be spring water. However, not everyone has this opportunity all the time. The optimal option is purified, bottled, definitely soft water, without specific impurities.
How to brew white tea?
I want to say the main thing – even a beginner will not experience any difficulties when brewing. Everything is simple, clear... The main thing is to follow some rules and be able to enjoy the aromatic warm drink with small sips. This is what you really need to learn! Connoisseurs of oriental tea ceremonies know that only in this way can one truly and to the smallest nuances feel the natural beauty of Chinese white tea.
- Pour boiling water into the gaiwan (teapot) and immediately pour it out – this technique allows you to warm the utensils to the desired temperature.
- Add the tea leaves – 2 teaspoons.
- Pour water. Attention – not boiling water! White tea does not like boiling water. It should not be brought to a boil. The optimal temperature is 75-80°C, maximum 85°C. To understand this without a thermometer, turn off the water when "running tracks" appear on it, or as the Chinese say, "pearl threads." Yes, it really sounds romantic! In China, they know how to come up with truly romantic names. Take, for example, white tea "Silver Needles" or "White Moonlight"... For refined natures, hearing such a name is enough to make them want to "buy and try."
- The poured water should be immediately drained. This is the "zero," "awakening" brew. It is not consumed, but used to cleanse the tea leaves of dust and small debris. In addition – this is the first unfolding of the leaf, allowing you to evaluate the initial aroma of the drink. Open the gaiwan and inhale the aroma. It will open up the fragrant notes of flowering fruit trees for you.
- Pour water over the tea leaves again. How long should you brew? About 1 minute (no more). If the drink tastes bitter – you made a mistake – you overbrewed it.
- Pour the infusion into the chahai (dispenser) and distribute the drink into miniature bowls. Now you can enjoy the aromatic and flavorful beauty of the first brew. It is multifaceted and delicate, refreshing and warming at the same time.
- Pour water over the tea leaves again. Increase the brewing time by 30 seconds with each subsequent brewing.
- How many times can white tea be brewed? 4-5 – depending on the variety. The last brew will give a colorless infusion and minimal taste and aroma.
- There is another nuance. Everyone prefers their own taste. It can be either more intense or lighter. A few tea sessions, and you will be able to achieve the best result for yourself.
The Tea Drinking Process
You now know how to brew white tea. But it is important to pay attention to how it is drunk. The tea ceremony in China differs significantly from the Ukrainian one. Here, "it" cannot even be called a "ceremony." But, a pleasant pastime – absolutely possible. As a rule, we drink tea with family, friends, colleagues, having conversations. What kind...? That's an individual question. It's better, of course, if they are positive and relaxing. But even if some important issues need to be resolved during tea time – a small ceremony with white tea will add an effect of sophistication and refined beauty to this action, showing you from your best side. Agree, not everyone in Ukraine can boast of such a technique today. And it's pleasant not only to make a positive impression on others, especially in business, but also to feel special.
To fully enjoy the aroma and taste of white tea – there should be no sweeteners, sweets, pastries... Only tea! The ideal time for consumption is between meals.
Initially, hold the cup in your hands and sip the drink. Evaluate the color of the infusion, enjoy the aroma, try to find inner balance... Take the first sip. Remember – it is the brightest. It is what reveals the taste and aroma of the tea, leaving a sweet aftertaste. After a short pause, take a second sip, and so on.
In addition: you need to store white varieties of Chinese tea correctly! Otherwise, the loss of taste, aromatic, and healing properties is inevitable. Why pay a lot of money for a "wrong" drink? Store the raw material in a tightly sealed container in a cabinet without additional odors. The ideal option is a porcelain tea caddy with a tightly fitting lid.
Enjoy your tea! And remember: the best prefer the best!
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