White teas are made from the same plant, camellia sinensis, as black, green and oolong teas. White teas are special though, not only are they the least processed form of tea and so retain the highest concentration of antioxidant flavonoids, they come from the unopened buds and special leaves of the plant.
White teas are a specialty of the Fujian province in China. They used to be a luxury served only to the Emperor of China. Today, fortunately, white teas are available to all, and since they taste delicious that's great!
The best white tea is called Silver Needle tea because it is made from unopened buds which have silvery white hairs. White Peony is another kind of white tea, so named because of the mild aroma of peonies that emanates from the tea while it is being brewed. There are other white teas, such as Shou Mei also from China, made from the naturally withered upper leaf and tips and is darker in color almost like an oolong tea, as well as Darjeeling, Assam, Ceylon and African white teas.
Image from Wikimedia Commons
Do you enjoy White Tea?
Assam White Tea Silver Needle is gaining real popularity due to its unique taste.
It's actually quite delicious! We had some "White Christmas Tea" this year, which was a blend of white tea with almonds and vanilla - very festive!
I have never taken white tea, but you have explained it well.