Why do we mature our White Peonies?

It’s “Cold” when fresh

A traditionally processed white tea has a cold inclination in its TCM energy when fresh. It is good for some occasional sips but could tip the balance of yin-yang energy in one’s constituents when consumed regularly. Particularly to those with weaker constitutions. When this happens, there can be a number of symptoms. Some common ones are: headaches, stomach upsets, bad digestion, diarrhoea/constipation, bloating/puffiness, easy fatigue…

Aging makes it friendlier

Aging tones down the cold inclination and makes the tea a lot friendlier. That is one big reason why we always mature our traditional style white teas such as silver needles and white peonies.

The other big reason for me as a tea geek is of course the development in its epicurean quality. While people who like White Peony may like it for the light and easy taste, I would much prefer a little more depth and substance within that friendly softness.

It’s the taste that matters

Proper aging helps to transform certain substances, such as tea catechins, into flavanones, which add aroma and lessen astringency. Lowering catechin levels also helps to reduce astringency. That is one of the things that happens in a well matured white tea that gives you a better taste.

The most important thing is of course for you to enjoy drinking it.

While we are at it, if you want to have a white tea in your repertoire, but feel that even a matured White Peony is too cool for you, try one that is not so classic, but deeper oxidised. These are some of the choices:

Other even “friendlier” white teas

Premodern Peony, Hong Yu Deep White, Moon Drops Himalayas, and my new favourite, GABA Bouquet.