White Tea Storage
White tea is easy to store, as it can be preserved for a long time under dry, light-proof, and odor-free conditions.
In Fuding's folk culture, there is a saying, "One year as tea, three years as medicine, seven years as treasure," suggesting that the older the white tea, the higher its medicinal value.
In fact, research comparing the health benefits of white tea stored for 1 year, 5 years, and 20 years has confirmed that with extended storage time, aged white tea demonstrates better effects in anti-inflammatory, antiviral, blood sugar-lowering, uric acid-reducing, and repairing alcohol-induced liver damage compared to fresh white tea. This is because, as the years go by, the flavonoid content in white tea increases, enhancing its antioxidant and anticancer effects.
Additionally, aged white tea is detoxifying without causing a cooling effect on the body and has a sweeter, smoother, and mellower taste compared to new tea.
The longer it is stored, the more its aroma evolves: fresh white tea from the same year has a unique "silver needle fragrance with honey notes," transitioning to a lotus leaf aroma after 3–8 years, a jujube-like fragrance after 8–15 years, and a herbal scent after 15 years or more.
Meanwhile, for high-grade white teas like Baihao Yinzhen (Silver Needle) and Bai Mudan (White Peony), the optimal drinking period is usually around 3 to 5 years.
After being stored for a certain number of years, the astringency of the fresh tea fades, leaving behind a sweet and mellow taste, making it ideal for consumption.
Good aged white tea has a liquor color resembling amber, bright and glossy. Its flavor is rich and full-bodied, smoother on the palate, with sweetness and viscosity gradually increasing. The dry leaves exude a sweet aroma, and upon careful observation, you can detect a subtle lotus fragrance.
The moment the tea is brewed, the liquor's golden hue is alluring. Upon tasting, the sweetness bursts on the taste buds, filling the heart with delight. It feels smooth and soothing, bringing a sense of serenity and physical comfort with every sip.
