Brewing Guide
White Tea
Gentle, silky, and naturally sweet
White tea is the least processed of all teas — the young buds and leaves are simply picked, withered, and dried. The result is a cup that is extraordinarily subtle: silky in texture, pale in colour, and delicate in flavour with notes of honey, fresh hay, and wildflower. Himalayan white teas, produced in small batches, are some of the most prized in the world.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Heat filtered water to 75–85°C. White tea is the most temperature-sensitive of all teas. Even slight overheating will flatten its delicate floral character.
- 2
Warm your vessel briefly and discard the rinse water. Use a porcelain or glass vessel — metal can impart a faint metallic note that white tea's subtlety will reveal.
- 3
Measure 2g of loose leaf white tea per 200ml. White tea leaves are often large and fluffy — they look like a lot but weigh very little.
- 4
Pour water gently over the leaves. Do not pour directly onto the buds; let the water cascade in from the side.
- 5
Steep for 4–5 minutes. White tea benefits from a longer steep than green to fully extract its gentle sweetness without becoming astringent.
- 6
Remove the leaves and sip slowly. Appreciate the colour — a pale golden hue is the mark of a perfect cup. Drink without any additions to experience the full character.
✨ Pro Tips
High-quality white tea can be cold brewed magnificently. Use 4g per 500ml of cold water and steep in the refrigerator for 12–24 hours. The result is an exquisitely sweet, clear cup.
White tea is rich in antioxidants and slightly lower in caffeine than green tea — making it an ideal afternoon option.
Try steeping at different temperatures within the 75–85°C range and compare. Even a 5°C difference reveals different aspects of the same tea.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using boiling water. This is the most damaging mistake with white tea — the high temperature destroys its delicate aromatic compounds and produces a thin, papery cup.
Expecting bold flavour. White tea is intentionally subtle. If you're expecting the strength of black tea, you'll be disappointed. Calibrate your expectations toward elegance, not power.
Short steeping. Unlike green tea, white tea needs a full 4–5 minutes to express itself. Too short a steep produces a flat, watery result.
Ready to Brew?
Shop our selection of premium white tea and taste the difference Himalayan altitude makes.
Quick Reference
Temperature
75–85°C
Steep Time
4–5 min
Leaf : Water
2g per 200ml
Infusions
2–3 infusions
All times and temperatures are starting points. Adjust to your personal taste — brewing tea is a practice, not a formula.