It is generally believed that the white teas date all the way back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). The youngest buds were found to produce a mild taste tea. It wasn't long before the royal courts discovered the wonderful facets of the white teas and issued orders that the white tea was not to be drank by common people. White tea became so popular with the royal leaders that it even caused one emperor, Hui Zong, to lose most of his empire.The white teas were often offered as gifts of tribute to other nobles and it was Emperor Huel Tsung (1101-1126 AD) who ruled that the white tea was the most rare and delicate of the teas.Starting in the Sung Dynasty the teas were fashioned by powdering them. Once powdered the teas were ground, then whipped in very hot water to make a frothy beverage. Historians feel that this early use of powdered tea was the inspiration for the Japanese tea ceremony called Chanoyu which is still practiced today.Over time the methods of production, manufacturing and finally the brewing process evolved. During the Song Dynasty and well up to the late 1700's all white teas were harvested only from special tea plants which added to their elevated status.It is the Big White and also the Narcissus tea plants that produce the finest white teas, Silver Needle. The teas were harvested as the early buds which had very fine white downy hairs were developing. This was only done by hand and by special tea workers.It wasn't till the 1800's that the white teas began to be found outside the Chinese borders. Although during this time period the commoners were allowed to purchase white teas it was still very rare that they did so because of the expensive price of the white teas.White teas continue to be rare and often difficult to purchase because of the stringent rules for harvesting the bushes. This only happens in the very early spring of the year. No other time is the white teas harvested.More recent years has also found the health properties of white teas in relation to normal tea drinking activities.The incredible white teas have shown great promise in health studies and have been noted to: * Help strengthen a persons immune system thus reducing colds and flu. * Contain a very high level of EGCG a powerful antioxidant which has been thought to prevent some types of cancer. * Helps to fight free radicals in a body both inside and outside thus helping a persons skin. * Helps reduce the growth of bacterias that lead to infections * Reduce appetite which leads to weight lossIsn't it time that you began thinking about improving your health, reducing your weight or just looking better? This simple white tea solution could be a benefit to your long and prosperous life.
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White tea was so popular with the royal heads that it even caused one emperor, Hui Zong, to lose most of his wealth.
This article is written by Sandra M. Morris of Silver Needle White Tea and she hopes that you will begin the journey to find just how teas can benefit you and your health.
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