White Tea ~ Why You May Want To Try It

By now, nearly everyone has heard the benefits of drinking green tea. But, did you know that studies have shown that white tea has three times the antioxidants than in green tea? White tea is grown almost exclusively in China, mainly in the Fujian province.  It's called "white tea" due to the silvery, whitish "hairs" on the unopened buds of the tea plant. White tea is harvested from these tender, young buds of the plant. 

All tea - white, green and black - come from the same plant - that is, the tea plant. The difference is in the processing. The more processing that goes into the plant, the darker the tea. White and green tea require less processing, which increases their antioxidants. White tea requires the least processing of all. In simple terms: when the tea leaves are allowed to wither in natural sunlight and dried - voila - white tea!  The antioxidants in white tea have been shown to reduce cholesterol, boost the immune system, lower blood pressure, and protect against certain types of cancer. White tea is also known to be a natural killer of bacteria and certain viruses.

White tea has a delicate, light flavor and less caffeine than black and green tea. White tea is more expensive than black and green teas, due to it being hand-picked from the plant, only during the early days of spring. However, less of it is needed to get a strong brew filled with health-building antioxidants. So, you may want to consider adding white tea to your daily routine, or alternate it with your black and/or green tea. White, green or black, here's to tea ~ the wonder drink!

In addition to the health benefits, studies show drinking a cup of white tea daily may help combat obesity. For an article about this, click HERE.
Linking this post to White Wednesday on Faded Charm!

A Proper English Tea

For as long as I can remember I’ve been a tea drinker. First thing in the morning, give me a hot, strong cup of black tea - no coffee for this girl! However, I admit to drinking it the way of the English, with a little sugar and a splash of milk (although these days I use soy instead of cow’s milk.) I like to think it’s because of my English roots and a lifelong fascination for “all things British” that makes me love a good cuppa almost anytime of the day.

What I didn’t realize until I became friends with a proper English gentleman was that “tea” is actually a term used by the English to refer to any of several different meals of the day. Afternoon tea, also known as “low tea” is a light meal usually eaten between 3pm and 5pm. “High tea” is an early evening meal, typically eaten between 5pm and 6pm. Traditionally, the tea (drink) is served with milk and sugar (like me!) however unlike me, the British usually use loose tea brewed in a teapot (whereas I confess I use tea bags!) The tea is served with sandwiches, such as cucumber, egg and cress, scones with clotted cream and jam (which is where the term “cream tea” originates.) In modern times, it’s become customary for hotels, cafes and tea shops to serve a formal afternoon tea as a “treat,” along with biscuits or the aforementioned scones with clotted cream and jam (no calories, I’m sure!) However you take it, a warm cup of tea seems to always be the perfect comfort drink for many. Tea soothes an upset tummy, as well as the nerves, and has significant health benefits to boot!