White tea is one of the most delicate and elegant teas in the world. With its light flavor, gentle processing, and high antioxidant content, it has become a favorite among tea lovers worldwide. But with so many varieties – Silver Needle, White Peony, Shou Mei, and even the unique White Moonlight from Yunnan – you may wonder: Which white tea is best?
The truth is, there is no single answer. The best white tea depends on your taste, your budget, and the experience you are looking for. Let’s explore the main types of white tea and help you find the one that best suits your taste.
The Main Types of White Tea
1. White Silver Needle (Bai Hao Yin Zhen白毫银针)
Among these varieties of white tea, Silver Needle is considered the highest grade. It is made entirely from young, unopened buds covered in fine white hairs.
Flavor: Clean, refreshing, lightly sweet, with floral notes.
Why it’s special: Rare, elegant, and highly prized.
Best for: Those who appreciate delicate teas or want a refined and elegant tea experience.
Try ICHA TEA’s White Silver Needle for mindful tea moments.
2. White Peony (Bai Mu Dan/白牡丹)
White peony is made from both buds and leaves, giving it a fuller profile than Silver Needle.
Flavor: Smooth, slightly stronger, with floral sweetness and subtle fruit notes.
Why it’s popular: More affordable, approachable, and widely available.
Best for: Beginners exploring white tea, tea lovers who enjoys on a daily basis, or anyone who enjoys a balanced flavor.
3. Gong Mei (贡眉)
Gong Mei sits between White Peony and Shou Mei in grade and flavor. It includes more mature leaves, resulting in a stronger taste.
Flavor: Rich and layered, with fruity and vegetal hints.
Best for: Daily drinkers who enjoy complexity and a slightly bolder tea.
4. Shou Mei (寿眉)
Shou Mei is made from larger, mature leaves and has the boldest flavor among white teas. It is often used for aging.
Flavor: Honey-like, earthy, with a deeper, robust body.
Why it’s special: Can be enjoyed fresh or aged into “Lao Bai Cha”(老白茶, aged white tea), which develops a smooth, medicinal character over time.
Best for: Tea lovers who like stronger brews or those interested in storing tea for the long term.
5. White Moonlight (月光白/Yue Guang Bai)
White Moonlight, or Yue Guang Bai, is a unique white tea from Yunnan province. It is made from large-leaf tea varietals, often using both buds and broad leaves, which gives it a striking appearance: silvery-white on one side and dark on the other.
Flavor: Honey-like sweetness, dried fruit notes, a gentle floral fragrance, a hint of Yunna’s signature earthiness.
Why it’s special: Combines the freshness of white tea with the richness of Yunnan large-leaf teas.
Best for: Tea drinkers who enjoy exploring regional specialties and want something between delicate and robust.
Health benefits of White teas:
All white teas are rich in antioxidants like catechins and polyphenols. A PubMed Central (PMC) revies highlights that white tea’s EGCG content may enhance cognitive function, improve insulin sensitivity, and offer neuroprotective effects.
There is no single “best” white tea – just the one that’s best for you. If you’re a beginner, start with White Peony for its balance and value for a refined experience, Silver Needle is unmatched. If you enjoy deeper flavors, Gong Mei and Shou Mei are perfect choices. And for something truly distinctive, White Moonlight from Yunnan offers a one-of-a-kind white tea experience.
