White Tea Processing
The production process of white tea generally consists of two steps: withering and drying, with withering being the key stage.
Withering can be divided into indoor natural withering, mixed withering, and heated withering. It must be flexibly adapted to the climate, and for sunny spring and autumn days or clear summer days without oppressive heat, indoor withering or mixed withering is preferred.
The refining process involves removing stems, flakes, wax leaves, red leaves, and dark leaves, then baking over a gentle heat until sufficiently dry. This enhances the tea’s aroma with a subtle roasted scent. When the moisture content reaches 4%–5%, the tea is packed while still warm. The hallmark of white tea processing is that it neither destroys enzyme activity nor promotes oxidation, instead allowing for mild natural oxidation while maintaining the delicate aroma of the tea buds and a fresh and brisk flavor in the brew.
- Picking
White tea is picked when temperatures allow for tender, fresh leaves with one bud and one unfolding leaf in a jade white color. The process involves picking early, picking tender leaves, picking frequently, and ensuring clean picking. Buds and leaves must be uniform in size and shape, and the stems kept short. The tea is handled gently during harvesting, placed lightly in bamboo baskets, and transported in bamboo containers.
- Withering
Freshly picked leaves are spread evenly on bamboo trays in a thin layer and should not be disturbed. After spreading, the type of withering—indoor natural withering, mixed withering, or heated withering—is chosen based on the climate conditions and leaf grade. When the leaves are 70%–80% dry, both indoor natural withering and mixed withering require sieving.
- Drying
Initial drying: Dryer temperature at 100–120℃ for 10 minutes. Cooling: Spread and cool for 15 minutes. Re-drying: Dryer temperature lowered to 80–90℃, with low-temperature long drying at around 70℃.
- Storage
Dried tea leaves should have a moisture content of 5% or less and be stored at room temperature.