White Tea

White tea has a fresh and delicate flavor.  It is harvested before the tea plant's leaves open fully, when the young buds are still covered by fine white hairs.  These buds and unfurled leaves are handpicked and dried quickly so the leaves are not allowed to oxidize as green and black teas are.  White tea retains the highest antioxidant levels and contains anti-bacterial properties as well. 

In preparing white tea, it is best to bring fresh water to a rolling boil and then let it sit for 1 - 2 minutes to cool slightly before pouring over the leaves to preserve the delicate flavor.