True tea, minimally processed
White tea
Reviewed April 2026
White tea is usually withered and dried with minimal processing. It can be delicate and floral, but aged or bolder white teas can be surprisingly rich.
CaffeineLow to medium
Temperature170 to 185°F
Time2 to 5 minutes
Ratio2 to 3 g per 8 oz water
Compare all brewing temperatures
Flavor profile
Hay, honey, melon, flowers, cucumber, soft herbs
Top 5 to know
- Silver Needle
Bud-only, delicate, prized.
- White Peony / Bai Mudan
Leaf and bud, more flavor and value.
- Shou Mei
Bolder and often good for aging.
- Gong Mei
Everyday white tea with more body.
- Moonlight White
A Yunnan style with darker fruit and honey notes.
Good for
- Gentle tea
- Afternoon drinking
- People who like soft aromatics
Essential gear
Evidence notes
- Leaf grade and storage matter more than vague wellness claims.
- White tea is often over-simplified as delicate only.
- Aged white tea has a separate enthusiast culture.
Common questions
Is white tea caffeine-free?
No. White tea comes from Camellia sinensis, so it naturally contains caffeine, though the amount varies by leaf and brew.
Should white tea use boiling water?
Start below boiling for delicate white teas. Bolder or aged white teas can often handle hotter water.