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Why do we mature our Traditional white teas?
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Introducing White Peony Classic Floral 2019
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In previous emails, I have mentioned a number of teas from the first wave of new tea harvests. Before introducing the second, and even more exciting wave, there are a few things I’d like to share with you.
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The first one is a batch of White Peony Classic Floral that we have matured in our dedicated environment since its harvest in 2019. Not all classic white teas mature well, and maturing a good one needs some appropriate handling and environmental management.
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This one is one of the best batches we ever have.
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Why do we mature our white teas?
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…
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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.
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It has to taste good for you after all
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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.
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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.
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The most important thing is of course for you to enjoy drinking it.
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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:
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