White tea is the quiet luxury of the tea world: pale in the cup, delicate in aroma and full of soft, layered flavour. Its leaves do not need force. With cooler water, a little patience and a gentle steep, white tea reveals its most graceful character.
What makes white tea different?
White tea is made from young tea leaves and buds that are minimally processed. This allows its natural character to shine through, with notes that may be floral, honeyed, fruity, fresh or softly sweet. Because it is delicate, white tea is best brewed with water below boiling point. Explore the Sisan Botanicals White Tea collection to find your next cup.
What you’ll need
- Loose-leaf white tea
- Fresh, filtered water
- A kettle or thermometer
- A glass or ceramic teapot, infuser or cup
- A fine tea strainer, if needed
How to brew white tea
Use 1 teaspoon of loose-leaf white tea for every 250 ml of water. Heat the water to 75–85°C. If you do not have a temperature-controlled kettle, allow freshly boiled water to cool for several minutes before pouring.
- Warm your teapot or cup. Rinse it with warm water, then discard the water.
- Measure the leaves. Start with 1 teaspoon per 250 ml and give the leaves plenty of room to expand.
- Pour over the warm water. Cover the leaves gently without using boiling water.
- Steep for 3–5 minutes. Begin at 3 minutes for a lighter cup and extend the time if you prefer more body.
- Strain and taste. Remove the leaves once the infusion has reached the flavour you enjoy.
What temperature is best for white tea?
A temperature between 75 and 85°C is a useful starting range for white tea. Cooler water brings out a softer, more delicate cup, while slightly warmer water can create more body. If the flavour is flat, increase the temperature a little. If it tastes dry or sharp, use cooler water or a shorter steep next time.
How long should white tea steep?
Start with 3 minutes, then taste. Many white teas are lovely at 3–5 minutes, although the ideal time depends on the leaf size and style. Unlike a tea bag, loose leaves can continue to open during the infusion, so give them enough space and avoid leaving them in the cup indefinitely.
Common white tea brewing mistakes
- Using boiling water: Very hot water can flatten white tea’s subtle flavours and bring out dryness.
- Over-steeping: Begin with a shorter infusion and add time gradually.
- Compressing the leaves: A roomy infuser allows the leaves to unfold evenly.
- Using heavily flavoured equipment: Clean glass or ceramic helps preserve the tea’s delicate aroma.
Can white tea be steeped again?
Many loose-leaf white teas can be steeped two or three times. Use the same water temperature and add a little time to each subsequent infusion. The first cup may be bright and floral, while later steeps can feel softer, rounder and more mellow.
A slower white tea ritual
White tea is well suited to a quiet morning, an afternoon pause or an evening when you want a gentle cup without rushing the moment. Enjoy it on its own, or pair it with fresh fruit, lightly sweet biscuits or other delicate flavours. For a considered brewing setup, explore the Tea Essentials collection.
Ready to brew?
Choose cooler water, a roomy infuser and a little patience. Explore the White Tea collection and discover the softer side of your tea ritual with Sisan Botanicals.