Loose Leaf White Tea
Among the most delicate teas, white tea reveals a very light and elegant cup.
Shaped With Care
Douk white tea blends highlight the softness and refinement of young tea leaves.
Subtle botanical accents may add gentle depth, creating light and elegant infusions.
A Few Things to Know
Clear answers to common questions, so you can explore this selection with ease.
What is white tea?
White tea is a type of tea made from young buds and tender leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. White tea is considered one of the least processed teas, as the leaves are usually only withered and carefully dried after harvesting.
This minimal processing helps white tea preserve much of its natural character, resulting in a delicate infusion known for its subtle floral aromas and gentle natural sweetness.
If you want to understand how green tea compares to other teas, read our guide on the difference between green, white, and black tea.
Where does white tea come from?
White tea originates from Fujian province in southeastern China, a region historically known for producing high-quality white tea. The misty mountains, humid climate and mineral-rich soils of this area provide ideal conditions for cultivating the young buds used to produce white tea.
Today, white tea is also produced in other regions, but Fujian remains the historical heart of white tea production.
What makes white tea different from other teas?
White tea differs from other teas mainly because of its minimal processing. While black tea is fully oxidized and green tea is heated to stop oxidation, white tea undergoes very little transformation after harvesting.
The leaves used for white tea are simply withered and dried, which allows white tea to maintain a delicate structure and a lighter, more subtle flavor profile.
Learn more in our article explaining the difference between green, white, and black tea.
What are the main varieties of white tea?
Several well-known varieties of white tea exist. Silver Needle is one of the most prized types of white tea and is made exclusively from young buds. White Peony, another famous white tea, contains both buds and young leaves and produces a slightly fuller infusion.
Other white tea varieties such as Gong Mei or Shou Mei use more mature leaves and tend to offer deeper, richer flavors.
What flavors can white tea have?
White tea is known for its delicate and refined flavor profile. A cup of white tea often reveals soft floral aromas, gentle sweetness and sometimes subtle fruity or honey-like notes.
Depending on the variety of white tea and the terroir where it is grown, white tea may also display light vegetal or creamy nuances.
What are the benefits of white tea?
White tea contains natural antioxidants such as polyphenols, which help protect the body against oxidative stress.
Because white tea undergoes very little processing, many of these naturally occurring compounds remain well preserved in white tea leaves, contributing to its reputation as a light and refreshing beverage.
For a deeper explanation of these compounds, see our article on green tea health benefits.
Does white tea contain caffeine?
Yes, white tea naturally contains caffeine because white tea is produced from the Camellia sinensis plant.
However, the caffeine level in white tea is generally moderate compared with stronger black teas, which makes white tea a gentle option for those seeking a lighter source of stimulation.
You can learn more in our guide answering does green tea have caffeine.
When is the best time to drink white tea?
White tea is often enjoyed in the morning or early afternoon thanks to its light and refreshing character.
The smooth texture and delicate flavor of white tea make it particularly suitable for calm moments when a subtle and elegant cup is desired.
How do you prepare white tea?
To prepare white tea, use about 2–3 grams of white tea leaves for 200 ml of water heated to approximately 70–80 °C.
Allow the white tea to steep for about 2–4 minutes so the leaves can gently release their aromas while preserving the delicate structure of the infusion.
If you're brewing loose leaves for the first time, see how to brew loose leaf tea.
How should white tea be stored?
White tea should be stored in a cool and dry place in an airtight container away from light, humidity and strong odors.
Proper storage helps white tea preserve the freshness of its leaves and maintain the delicate aromatic qualities that define a well-crafted white tea.
You can read our full guide on how to store loose leaf tea.