White tea is a type of tea that is made from the young leaves and buds of the tea plant, Camellia sinensis. It is considered to be the least processed of all the types of tea, and it is known for its delicate flavour and aroma. Here is a brief overview of the manufacturing process for white tea:
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Harvesting: White tea is made from the young leaves and buds of the tea plant. These leaves and buds are carefully hand-picked, and only a small amount of white tea is produced each year. The leaves and buds are picked when they are still covered in a fine white down, which gives the tea its name.
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Withering: After the leaves and buds are harvested, they are allowed to wither in the sun or in a well-ventilated room. This process helps to remove moisture from the leaves and soften them, making them easier to process.
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Drying: Once the leaves and buds have withered, they are dried to remove any remaining moisture. This can be done using a combination of sun drying and mechanical drying. The tea is carefully monitored during this process to ensure that it is dried evenly and to the desired moisture content.
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Sorting: After the tea has been dried, it is sorted according to size and quality. The leaves and buds are sorted by hand, and any stems or other impurities are removed.
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Packaging: The finished white tea is then packaged in airtight containers to preserve its freshness and flavour. The tea is usually sold in either loose-leaf form or in tea bags.
White tea is known for its delicate flavour and aromas, and the manufacturing process plays a key role in preserving these characteristics. The minimal processing and careful handling of the tea leaves and buds help to ensure that the final product is of the highest quality.