DO IT WHITE! Five Tips For Perfectly Prepared White Tea

While many Americans may be aware of the health benefits and growing popularity of white tea, they may not realize that how you prepare the beverage is just as important as drinking it. Recent studies indicate that compared to other teas, white tea contains even higher amounts of flavonoid antioxidants. This is due to the fact that white tea is the least processed of any tea. To reap the full benefits, however, it is important to prepare white tea properly.

Following are five tips for perfectly prepared white tea from the tea experts at Salada:

1--Start with Good Water. A water filter will remove chlorine and some impurities from tap water. Compare your filtered tap water with the bottled waters available. Read their content labels. The perfect water for white tea has a pH of 7 and TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) under 400.

2--Use at Temperature Below Boiling. Boiling water spoils white tea, which requires water at least 30 degrees cooler, approximately 170 to 185 degrees. When steam rises in a vertical column from your kettle, the water is too hot.

3--Use Right Amount of Tea. One teabag or teaspoon of leaf (approximately three grams) per five-ounce cup of water is necessary for full flavor.

4--Avoid Over-Steeping. Steep white tea for three minutes at the most, preferably two minutes; then, remove teabag or tealeaf from cup or pot. For lighter flavor, use shorter steeping time. Get a timer and experiment!

5--Repeat. White tea is one of the most economical and healthy beverages. For full health benefits, include three to five cups each day as part of your self-care routine.

For more information on white tea, please visit www.greentea.com.