Varieties of White Tea
White tea comes in many varieties and types, and sometimes it can be hard to tell them apart. The poetic names that are traditionally given to the different qualities are certainly interesting, and add an air of mystery and exclusivity, but don't really tell us much about the tea itself. White tea is commercially grown in many countries around the world, not just in China. For example, India produces a large amount of tea every year, including white tea, as do Japan and Sri Lanka. However, white tea remains a specialty of the Fujian province in China, where several types of white tea has been grown for about one thousand years.
The Different White Teas
Noble, Long Life Eyebrow (Shou Mei) - This variety of white tea is made from a different kind of tea plant than the three types of tea mentioned below. It is typically harvested later than the other three and has a darker appearence. It has a stronger flavor, comparable to Oolong tea.
Tribute Eyebrow (Gong Mei) - This type of white tea consists of what is left after the higher qualities White Peony and Silver Needle have been harvested. It contains a few buds, but mainly young leaves.
Snowbud - This very light tea is a great and affordable introduction to the world of white tea. It really lets you enjoy the subtlety and delicacy of this airy variety.
Song Yang - This is a white tea variety that is hand made in the Song Yang region of the Zhejiang province. Three thousand tea leaves are meticulously harvested and processed by hand to make one pound of this exclusive white tea.
White Peony (Bai Mu Dan) - The bud is harvested with two leaves. This is the second highest quality of white tea, and it comes from the same kind of tea plant as the Silver Needle. The buds and leaves are covered in the same white down as Silver Needle.
Silver Needle (Yin Zhen) - This is the highest quality of white tea from China. It is hand picked during a short period in early spring, before the buds develop into leaves. Only undamaged, unopened buds are chosen, and it is prohibited to pick them if it is raining or too cold. The buds are of uniform length and thickness. They are springy and fleshy to the touch and covered with fine, white hairs. There are no leaves or stems in Silver Needle tea.
Other varieties
Apart from these Chinese teas, white tea is also produced in India, and is then known as Darjeeling White. Like Silver Needle, it commonly consists of just the buds of the leaves. Sri Lanka also has its own reputable Ceylon White variety, in addition to the fine Silver Tips. Japanese growers of tea usually focus on green tea, the famous "cha", but small quantities of white tea are also made.
For some, the taste of white tea is too subtle, and many prefer to drink white tea enriched with flavor. There are several different flavors to choose from.
Despite the growing popularity of white tea in many Western countries, it can still be hard to come by a specific quality of white tea in specialty tea stores. Often, online vendors can offer the best selection and lowest prices, due to the volume involved. We would recommend that you buy loose leaf teas instead of tea bags, because the resulting cup of tea will be of better quality.
Suggestion: A White Sampler
Summary: Silver Needle is the finest quality of white tea, followed by White Peony, Snowbud, Song yang, Tribute Eyebrow and Noble, Long Life Eyebrow. Quality white tea is also produced in India and Sri Lanka.