All rare things are precious. Such is the case with white tea, which is cultivated in very limited quantities across the globe. Originating from China, white tea is prized worldwide for its numerous benefits for health and skin.
Thanks to its low oxidation level, it retains a high concentration of antioxidants, making it a wonderful ally for the body.
Among its beneficial effects, white tea helps prevent skin ageing, improves skin elasticity, and promotes better hydration.
>Alongside its skin-boosting properties, it supports overall wellness by strengthening the immune system and aiding digestion.
It is an essential drink for anyone seeking to combine pleasure and wellbeing.
White tea captivates with its delicate, refined flavour, the result of a meticulous production process. Hand-picked tea leaves undergo minimal processing, preserving their natural properties.
This gentle production method, which minimises oxidation, allows white tea to retain its essential antioxidants and nutrients. Thanks to these rich benefits, it is renowned for supporting wellness, notably by boosting the immune system and protecting the skin against signs of ageing.
Its subtle flavour makes it a favourite choice for tea lovers.
How is white tea made?
Less is more: this could well be the white tea motto. Once harvested, the leaves of the tea plant are exposed to the open air, laid out in a thin layer on large jute cloths or bamboo panels (a step known as "withering"). This is where a light oxidation takes place, over two to three days. This chemical process is natural: plant matter begins to "rust", or darken, once picked. But unlike other teas, oxidation is halted quickly by exposing the leaves to full sunlight to dry and stabilise them. White tea undergoes no further transformation. Once packed in tins or bags, it is ready to enjoy.
Everything you need to know about the delicate nature of white tea
Why is white tea so rare to produce?
First, because the harvest takes place over a very short window of time (around two weeks, twice a year), during which the weather must be optimal. This ensures the leaves are picked at the perfect moment and that sunshine is guaranteed during drying. A single spell of rain would spoil the harvest's quality. Furthermore, the goal is to handle the leaves as little as possible, keeping them in their most natural state to preserve their quality.
What is the difference between white tea and green tea?
The degree of oxidation is the main difference between tea varieties, influencing their flavour, colour and properties.
White tea is lightly oxidised at around 12%, whereas green tea is oxidised even less (under 10%), as its oxidation is stopped even earlier, right after harvesting.
The tea leaves are steamed to neutralise the enzyme responsible for oxidation.
Conversely, black tea undergoes full oxidation.
Another difference compared to green tea: for both green and white teas, tea leaves are rolled to break the cellular structure (releasing juices and aromas) before drying.
This is a step that white tea skips entirely.
What does white tea taste like?
It is a light tea with a subtle, velvety flavour.
Exquisitely delicate, white tea offers a soft, smooth texture.
It is much milder than other teas because it is less oxidised.
Oxidation is what gives tea its astringency—that slightly dry, tart sensation in the mouth caused by tannins.
The more oxidised a tea is, the stronger it will be.
Once processed, white tea reveals a very light, almost floral or herbaceous character; at times subtly tangy.
The same goes for its colour, which remains delicate: a very pale tea with green tones, sometimes displaying silvery reflections.
Where is white tea grown?
White tea is harvested in China, the birthplace of tea and the world's leading producer.
It is a key speciality of the Fujian province, a coastal region in the south-east of the country (facing Taiwan).
Two grand crus are particularly renowned there: Bai Mu Dan ("White Peony") and Bai Hao Yin Zhen ("Silver Needles with White Down").
The latter comes from an imperial harvest, where only the buds and very first leaves of the plant are picked.
What are the benefits of white tea?
Minimally processed and lightly oxidised, white tea is believed to be rich in antioxidants—molecules that provide natural protection.
These antioxidants may help protect the body against free radicals (harmful compounds) and reduce the risk of many illnesses.
Another potential benefit of white tea:
it is also known to help burn fat, thanks to its catechin content.
How to brew your white tea properly?
Rare, refined and not always easy to find, it would be a shame to miss out on the perfect white tea. Here are our tips for brewing... and enjoying it to the full.
Which teapot should you choose?
If you drink green or black tea in addition to white tea, choose a "memory-free" teapot, as most are (glass, cast iron, ceramic, etc.). Only unglazed clay teapots retain flavours from one brew to the next. These are not recommended for white tea, as tannins from green and black teas could overpower its subtle delicacy. For more information, feel free to check our teapot guide.
How long should you brew white tea?
Experts recommend brewing white tea for 3 minutes. Not brewed long enough? White teas can taste bland and lack flavour. Brewed too long? They have the advantage of not developing excess astringency and bitterness, unlike green tea. Steep the tea in hot, but not boiling water: between 70 and 80°C. A higher brewing temperature could damage the subtle flavours of white tea, as well as its vitamins. Of course, since white teas vary and some are blended with other flavours, always follow the recommendations on your tea tin.
What time of day should you drink white tea?
White tea is the perfect companion for all your indulgent breaks. From morning breakfast and brunch to afternoon tea. Enjoy it year-round, served hot or iced.
To make iced tea, brew in hot water before cooling with ice cubes. Use roughly five tablespoons of white tea per litre of water.
Does white tea keep you awake?
Worried that the caffeine in white tea might keep you awake? Rest assured: white tea contains, on average, less caffeine than other teas. And unsurprisingly, far less than a cup of coffee (caffeine and theine are indeed the exact same molecule!). You can therefore enjoy it without worry in the late afternoon or evening. White tea (and tea in general) acts more as a gentle stimulant for the body rather than a spike (a trait typical of coffee).
Which Kusmi white tea is right for me?
Looking to discover or rediscover white tea? Let us introduce you to the different white tea blends created by Kusmi. A premium organic selection, featuring an irresistible new blend launching in early 2021.
White tea is always organic at Kusmi
Because knowing what is truly inside your tea bags matters, Kusmi chose organic. Whether tea, herbs, or spices... all ingredients come from organic farming and are certified according to strict European Union standards. Regular audits and lab analyses ensure quality standards are met. This allows Kusmi to be certified by Ecocert, an independent body that audits our production facilities annually. These steps enable our tins to bear the AB logo for France and the Euro-leaf for the European Union, keeping consumers fully informed about product quality.
White teas flavoured and packaged in France
Like the rest of our range, Kusmi white teas rely on French craftsmanship. While the name Kusmi has Russian roots, it is in Normandy that our brand (French since 2003) designs, blends, flavours, and packs its tea. More specifically in Saint-Vigor d’Ymonville, near Le Havre (Seine-Maritime). Our metal tins are also crafted in France. Fewer miles mean less pollution and more local jobs. In short, if you are passionate about supporting Made in France products, you are in the right place!
Eco-friendly packaged white tea
Whether in loose-leaf or tea bags, Kusmi Tea is committed to recycling and waste reduction. Made in France, our tea bags are crafted from polylactic acid (PLA), a bio-sourced and 100% biodegradable material, before being packed in recyclable cardboard boxes. Our loose organic teas are packaged in metal tins, an infinitely recyclable material.
Kusmi Tea white tea blends
Whether you prefer them classic, fruity, tangy or exotic... let yourself be swept away by the subtle, delicate taste of Kusmi Tea white teas. The good news: they are available loose (because it's better for the planet!), and in tea bags to accompany you wherever you go.
The must-have White Anastasia white tea
White Anastasia White Tea reinvents the iconic Anastasia, paying tribute to the daughter of Russia's last Tsar. It is a creation by Pavel Kousmichoff, who founded the Kusmi tea house in Saint Petersburg in 1867. On the menu: a pure, delicate white tea scented with orange blossom, bergamot and lemon.
The exceptional Alain Ducasse white tea
Treat yourself to an elegant tea time: enjoy a cup of Alain Ducasse white tea. The secret to its success? An exceptional harvest: the first tea leaves and buds are hand-picked in spring. This rare and precious tea is then elevated by the renowned chef through an exclusive recipe with delicate notes of rose and raspberry.
The exotic Tropical White white tea
An instant escape in a cup of Tropical White tea! Enjoyed hot or iced, this exotic blend is the perfect remedy for the blues... or when your next holiday feels too far away. What makes it so irresistible? The delicacy of white tea, a wonderfully tangy note of passion fruit, and the luscious sweetness of mango. Perfect for a change of scenery!
The ultra-chic white tea: White Bellini
Its name comes from the "Bellini", the iconic cocktail from the majestic city of Venice. Created in the late 1940s by Giuseppe Cipriani, owner of the prestigious Harry’s Bar in the City of the Doges, it is made with prosecco and peach purée, preferably white peach. Its pink-orange hue gives it a sensual appeal... and inspired its creator to name it after the Venetian painter Giovanni Bellini, who was particularly fond of these shades.
With Kusmi's White Bellini tea, peach and apricot white tea, the luxurious spirit lives on: a precious white tea, harvested using only young shoots, enhanced with succulent peach and velvety apricot. An organic blend to savour without moderation, to add straight to your dream brunch menu!