White tea is traditionally made from the hand-picked buds of the Camellia sinensis bush before they unfurl into leaves. In the last century or so, however, the top two baby leaves that flank the bud have also been added and the foundation of the style has widened. The name 'White Tea' reflects the fine silvery hairs that surround each bud.

One quality that will always define the style is that white teas are never subject to forced oxidation, though some white teas will naturally oxidize over time as they are never heated to prevent it. The lightly processed buds and leaves yield a luxurious, pale yellow liquor that is sweet and delicate with herbaceous, floral, and/or fruity flavors.