How to Brew White Tea

White tea can be a tricky tea to figure out. How long do you brew it for? And what temperature is best for it? If you want to learn the best way to brew and serve white tea then check out these helpful tips.

Helpful Tips

• Don't use boiling water: The first thing you should know about making white tea is to never use boiling water. Boiling water can ruin the delicate flavor of white tea. Most experts agree that the ideal water temperature for white tea is between 170 to 185 F/76 to 85 C. For best results, bring the water to a rolling boil and let it sit for up to one minute, then pour the water over the leaves.
• Generously add tea leaves: White tea leaves are much less dense and compact than other types, which means that you’ll probably want to increase the number of tea leaves that you normally use. Start by using 2 teaspoons of white tea leaves for every cup (8 ounces) of water. Do a taste test and then add or subtract more leaves as desired.
• The more steeping the better: Specific times can vary depending on the brand of white tea you are using. However, 5 to 8 minutes for the first steeping is generally recommended, with another 2 to 3 minutes for each additional cup. Purveyors of specialty brands such as Silver Needles frequently recommend steeping the tea for up to 15 minutes.