Perhaps more than any major tea type but pu-erh, white tea is shrouded in mystery and misinformation. There are common misunderstandings about white tea’s origins, its caffeine levels and even its flavor profiles. Below, we’ve listed some of the major myths surrounding white tea, as well as the facts behind this elusive tea type.

White Tea Myth: White tea is only made from the “tips” or “buds” of the tea plant.
White Tea Facts: Some white teas are only made from the tea plant’s “tips” (which are just-formed leaves that have yet to unfurl). White teas made only from the tips of the tea plant include classic Silver Needle and our more unusual White Monkey Picked and Select Tips White. However, others (like Bai Mu Dan / White Peony and several of our white tea blends) contain leaves and buds. These are still considered to be white teas – they just aren’t quite as known in America as Silver Needle white tea.

White Tea Myth: White tea is caffeine-free or very low in caffeine.
White Tea Facts: White tea does contain caffeine. In fact, white teas with a high proportion of buds are high in caffeine for the same reason they are high in antioxidants – the new buds are high in nutrients because they were preparing for sudden growth just before they were plucked.

However, the way in which white tea is brewed can translate to a much lower caffeine level than you’d find in most black teas. The lower water temperature used to brew white tea slows the rate at which the caffeine is released can result in a lower caffeine level.

White Tea Myth: White tea is the healthiest type of tea.
White Tea Facts: It appears that white teas are often higher in antioxidants than other tea types and (depending on the brewing) they may be lower in caffeine than other tea types. However, all types of tea have similar health benefits. If you prefer green tea, black tea or any other tea type from the camellia Sinensis plant, then that’s probably the best tea for you to drink regularly.

White Tea Myth: White tea has a very delicate flavor that some people can’t even notice.
White Tea Facts: It’s true that Silver Needle has a very delicate flavor. However, White Peony (which we use as a base for many of our white tea blends) has a much richer, deeper flavor.

If your taste buds aren’t ready for a seriously delicate tea, try a blend like our Blueberry Pomegranate White Tea or White Coconut Crème. Once your palate is accustomed to the flavor of white tea, try our Chrysanthemum Silver Needle or White Peony before moving on to unblended Silver Needle.

Have things settled down from the Back to School Mania? If you’re a student or a parent of a student, you have just gone through some major changes. Here are a few teas to help ease you back into the swing of the school year:

Kid-Friendly Blends

Kids love the sugary flavors of sodas and juices, but at Art of Tea we’ve created a few caffeine-free herbal infusions that are kid-friendly, too. We recommend Blueberry Cheesecake, Banana Dulce and Kauai Cocktail Fruit Blend as a naturally sugar-free alternative for the school-bound kids in your life. These blends smell great and taste delicious!

Teas to Adjust Your Sleep Schedule

Long daylight hours and summer vacations can wreak havoc on the sleep schedule. If you need to get to sleep at a decent hour and wake up bright and early, sip relaxing herbal blends like Ethos, Chamomile Clementine and Caramelized Pear.

Need a healthy energy boost in the morning? Try caffeine-rich teas like Biodynamic Breakfast, Earl Grey or our award-winning Classic Black.

Study Teas

Some studies have shown that a component in tea called L-theanine aids in memory function and alertness. Sounds like a great study aid to us! Shade-grown teas, such as Ceremonial Matcha, Uji Gyokuro and Ginger Matcha, are all high in L-theanine.

Alternatives to Juice and Soda for Lunch

If you plan to pack teas or herbal infusions for lunch or a late night at the library, you’ll probably want to know that some teas hold up better in a Thermos than others. In general, rooibos and other herbal infusions retain their flavor well. If you’re looking for an iced tea, we also recommend Santiago Strawberry, Passionfruit Jasmine and Garden of Eden. For hot tea, we also recommend Assam Gold, Cinnamon Figand 1896.

Do you have any recommendations for back-to-school teas? Tell us which teas you choose to drink during the school year (and why) in the comments below!

Holy basil one of India’s most sacred herbs and recognized as the “elixir of life”, is also referred to as Tulsi (which means “incomparable”). This special brew is impressive in its capacity to assist the body’s natural process of healing and maintaining health. Originating in the tropical parts of Asia, its fragrance and delicacy stem from long purple flowers and smooth green foliage.
Our Tulsi basil is an organic herbal botanical known for its unique  and complimentary traditional health benefits. The exquisite blend is comprised of the Tulsi (Indian basil) leaves and blossoms, grown in remote locations in rich organic soil, as to promote the healthiest plants possible. Our lovely Tulsi is cultivated from seedlings and harvested at optimal time, right after first flowering, thus producing a tisane whose flowers aromatic and beneficial oils are at peak. We also add this wonderful botanical other tea blends such as Fluer de Vie.

Traditionally taken due to its rich antioxidant and adaptogen qualities, research shows that holy basil is known to create strong antibacterial, antiviral and immune enhancing properties. This all becomes possible due to hundreds of compounds of phyto-chemicals, that work together to support the body’s natural defense against stress and germs.   Highly regarded in the Ayurvedic system of medicine, this caffeine free, very tasty and beneficial brew is traditionally used within Ayurveda to promote wellness, longevity, and mental clarity by balancing metabolism.
Infuse two to five minutes, much the same way as one would make green, white or black tea.
Alonger steeping time, such as five minutes yields a stronger tea with more beneficial properties.