White Tea
White tea (白茶, also called Hakugouginshin) belongs to the family of green tea (non-fermented tea), like sencha, gyokuro, kamairicha, etc. Confused yet? Don’t worry, it’s not so complicated. The groundbreaking difference between, say, a sencha and white tea is that when making sencha, tea producers don’t shade their tea fields. The leaves are exposed to sunshine until harvest. For white tea, a few weeks before harvest, the fields are shaded and 100% of sunlight is blocked. Yes, 100%! Gyokuro (the king of green teas) is shaded at 95–98%. A little bit of sunlight reaches the leaves. With almost no bitterness, no astringency, but a sweet, almond taste and a well-defined umami, it’s a unique experience. And finally, inside your body, up to three times more amino acids than in sencha! This is what makes white tea so amazing: boosted health effects! In particular, the contents of L-theanine, one of the many amino acids found in tea, are increased. This is the substance responsible for a sense of relaxation when drinking green tea, as it increases the levels of a specific calming neurotransmitter in your brain, along with serotonin and L-dopamine, two major mood-enhancing neurotransmitters. Another essential amino acid boosted in white tea is arginine. Its role is fundamental for healing wounds, but it’s also good for your immune system in general and for the regulation of blood pressure. A great, delicate taste, a rare gem, and a blessing for your body? Don’t hesitate and try our Japanese white tea today! A tea for quiet moments and thoughtful sippersJapanese white tea is an invitation to slow down. With its smooth, naturally sweet taste and low caffeine content, it’s the perfect tea for calm moments: a peaceful morning ritual, a post-meal reset, or a soothing pause between meetings. Our white teas are an ideal companion for wellness routines and intentional living. Whether you’re practicing mindfulness or simply carving out space to breathe, a warm bowl of Japanese white tea is an effortless way to reconnect with yourself. But who is white tea really for? In truth, anyone who values quality and subtlety. It’s especially suited to:
Brewing tips for white teaTo fully enjoy the delicate character of white tea, we recommend using water at around 60–65°C (140–149°F) and steeping for 60–90 seconds. Lower temperatures help bring out the tea’s soft sweetness and avoid overpowering bitterness. Curious about best practices? Visit our Tea FAQs for detailed guidance, or contact us with your questions. A rare and refined tea experienceIKKYU is proud to offer some of the finest white tea selections in Japan, crafted by award-winning tea producers in Kyushu. With limited harvests and meticulous care, these teas are truly rare, perfect for connoisseurs or those looking to discover something extraordinary. For tea stories, interviews with producers, and behind-the-scenes insights, don’t miss out on the latest IKKYU News. Discover premium Japanese teas with IKKYULooking for a tea that’s smooth, sweet, and naturally rich in wellness-boosting amino acids? Discover our tea collection to find rare gems in tea culture. |
