Tea Knowledge: How to Brew White Tea for Best Tasting?

In autumn, brew a pot of white tea, savor it slowly, and enjoy its warmth and soothing effect.

So, what kind of white tea is best for brewing?

How can you brew it for the best taste? Let's take a look!

◆ What kind of white tea is best for brewing?

01. Older Tea is Better Than Newer Tea

Generally speaking, older white tea is better for brewing than newer white tea.

It's best to choose aged white tea that's been aged for more than three to five years. Not only will the brewed tea have a richer, sweeter texture, and its aroma will be fully developed, but the tea's rich tea polyphenols, tea polysaccharides, and other beneficial ingredients will also be more easily absorbed by our bodies.

02. Choose lower-grade white teas.

Shoumei and Gongmei teas, for example, have thicker, older leaves with more stems, making them easier to brew and offering a richer aroma and flavor. For higher-grade white teas, such as Baihao Yinzhen and Bai Mudan, it's recommended to age them for at least three years before brewing to achieve the best flavor.

◆ Tips for Brewing White Tea

01. Steep First, Then Boil

Old white tea is rich in essence and very durable. It can be brewed in a covered bowl before being brewed. This maximizes the benefits of the white tea's richness, resulting in a fuller, more complex brew.

02. Add Tea After the Water Boils

Try to avoid adding white tea directly to cold water. When steeping old white tea, its components begin to precipitate. If added to cold water and then brewed, the components will astringe and oxidize. Therefore, wait until the water in the teapot boils before adding the tea.

03. Pay attention to temperature and time.

Using low or gentle heat for slow cooking helps extract as many nutrients as possible.

Also, pay attention to the brewing time: For the first pot of tea, the water doesn't need to boil for too long, about 1-2 minutes is enough; you can extend the boiling time for subsequent pots.

Add more hot water for subsequent pots, and don't drain all the tea each time. Leave some liquid in the pot for a more balanced brew.

Autumn is deep, and the cooler weather is arriving. Now is the perfect time to brew a pot of aged white tea to warm your body and soul.

Remember these little tea-brewing tips to help you brew a better pot of tea.