Green tea is everywhere these days ““ but you don’t hear much about white tea. So what is it? Where does it come from? And is it good for you?
Just like green, black and oolong teas, white tea also comes from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. But unlike the other tea varieties, white tea is made from leaves that have yet to fully open. White tea undergoes very little processing and no fermentation.
White tea is named after the tiny hairs found on the buds of the Camellia sinensis plant. The minimal amount of processing required to make white tea produces a light, sweet and distinctively delicate flavor.
White tea is brimming with beneficial polyphenols antioxidants and amino acids, making it a smart choice for those looking for a healthy brew. It also contains less caffeine than other varieties, with approximately 15-20 mg per cup. In comparison, a cup of coffee typically contains anywhere from 60-120 mg and green tea contains 25-30 mg per cup.