White Tea

what does white tea taste like?

White tea spans a surprisingly wide flavour range depending on the grade.

Silver Needle (Bai Hao Yinjian) is the most delicate – ultra-light, with soft floral notes, a natural sweetness, and an almost silky, cloud-like texture.

White Peony (Bai Mu Dan) is fuller and rounder, with a gentle hay-like warmth and slightly more body – making it an excellent everyday white tea.

Shou Mei, made from more mature leaves, is bolder still – closer to a light oolong in character, with earthy, fruity, and sometimes woody notes that develop beautifully across multiple infusions.

how to brew white tea

White tea is far more forgiving than most guides suggest – premium white tea will not turn bitter even at higher temperatures.

Water temperature: 85-95°C

Amount: 2-3g per 350ml

Steep time: 2-3 minutes

Infusions: Re-steeps beautifully – expect 2-3 good cups from the same leaves

is white tea caffeinated?

Yes, but gently. Around 15-30mg per cup, compared to 90mg in coffee.

It’s paired with L-Theanine for a calm, focused lift rather than a spike – making it a wonderful alternative for those sensitive to coffee.

what are the health benefits of white tea?

Because it’s so minimally processed, white tea retains exceptionally high levels of catechins – antioxidants linked to immune support, skin health, and anti-inflammatory effects.

Enjoy it because it tastes wonderful, and let any health benefits be a bonus.

white tea varieties at a glance

All three are white teas, but they’re made from different parts of the plant and offer very different experiences.

Silver Needle uses only the unopened bud – the most prized and delicate expression of white tea, with a light, sweet, floral character.

White Peony includes one bud and two young leaves, adding a little more depth and body while staying gentle and approachable.

Shou Mei is harvested later in the season from more mature leaves, giving it the boldest flavour of the three – earthy, fruity, and complex. It also blends beautifully with natural ingredients like orange peel, which complements its warmth without masking the tea itself.

New to white tea? Start with White Peony. Want the purest expression? Choose Silver Needle. Want something with more character? Shou Mei is your tea.

can you cold brew white tea?

Yes – and it’s one of the best ways to brew it.

Add 3-4g of white tea to 500ml of cold water and leave it in the fridge for 6-8 hours, or overnight.

The result is exceptionally smooth and sweet. Shou Mei and White Peony work particularly well cold brewed.

how should I store white tea?

Keep white tea in an airtight container away from light, heat, and strong smells.

Unlike green tea, quality white tea actually improves with age when stored correctly – many tea lovers intentionally age Shou Mei for a year or more to develop deeper, mellower flavours.

is white tea good for beginners?

It’s one of the best starting points in the world of loose leaf tea. Naturally sweet, never harsh, and almost impossible to over-brew.

We’re particular about our white teas at Teapro – single-origin only, no artificial flavourings, sourced from farms we trust. You’ll taste the difference.