White Tea

White tea is basically unprocessed tea.  The name is derived from the fuzzy white "down" that appears on the unopened or recently opened buds - the newest growth on the tea bush.  White tea is simply plucked and allowed to wither dry.  That's it, really.  If the weather isn't cooperating, the leaves may be put into a gentle tumble dryer on very, very low heat to assist.

The leaves of white tea are not rolled, shaped, etc.  Some minimal oxidation does happen naturally, as it can take a full day or two to air-dry the tea leaves.  This is why some white teas can show different colors: white, green, and brown.  

White teas produce very pale green or yellow liquor and are the most delicate in flavor and aroma.