What is white tea?
White tea is a lightly processed tea made from young buds and leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, with minimal oxidation. The processing is simple — the leaves are withered and dried naturally, which preserves their delicate character. This minimal handling is what gives white tea its gentle flavour and pale, golden liquor.
Most white tea comes from Fujian Province in China, where it has been produced for centuries. Fuding and Zhenghe are the two most well-known producing regions. We also carry white tea from Yunnan Province, where ancient arbor tea trees produce a bolder, more structured style.
Our white tea range
We stock several types of white tea, each with its own character:
Silver Needles (from $11) — pure tea buds, light and naturally sweet. The most delicate white tea we carry.
Wild White Peony 2025 ($29) — buds and first leaves from wild tea trees in Fuding. Fuller flavour than Silver Needles with a floral quality.
Gong Mei 2020 ($20) and Christmas Nectar 2023 ($22) — approachable everyday white teas with a brisk, hay-like character.
Aged White Tea 2012 ($35) and Wild Aged 2008 ($230) — white teas that have developed richer, more complex flavours through years of natural ageing.
Gardenia White Tea ($25) and Rose Mandarin White ($35) — blended white teas with floral and citrus additions.
Does white tea have caffeine?
Yes, but generally less than green or black tea. Most of our white teas work well as afternoon teas. Aged white teas are even gentler on caffeine.
Not sure where to start? Visit our Salamanca Tea Bar in Hobart and try a few before you decide.
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