A small-scale farmer in a remote hill area in Kerala is attempting to break the monopoly of China in white tea market.
White tea enthusiasts in India can breathe easy, as Mohan K. Sebastian has joined hands with a government-sponsored unit at Parappu here to make the tea available in the country.
White tea is made from silver needle (unfurled bud) and is considered the most virgin and pure tea the world over.
In his organic tea garden, Mr. Sebastian takes care to pick the unfurled buds by hand to make white tea. To make white tea, plants are given special care and no pesticide is used. Buds are hand-plucked and dried using net to avoid direct sunlight.
“Now, there are various grades accorded to factory-made green tea. However, there is no sub-grading for white tea as it is the ultimate in teas,” Mr. Sebastian says.
‘One leaf and bud’ norm for plucking is followed for green tea, which is second in status in the industry. White tea is the king of teas. Its processing is so sublime that the juice in the silver needle is kept in itself while drying in the minimum natural temperature without pressure.
White tea was once considered royal and brewed for consumption of kings and their guests.
“In India, it is confined to celebrities and for royal guests on occasions,” says Mr. Sebastian, whose farm is at Valakode, a suburban area of tea estates. The United Planters’ Association of Southern India had grown plants for silver needle on an experimental basis at Coonoor and Darjeeling. However, a steady market is essential for commercial cultivation.
White tea was first produced in the Fuding area of Fujian province in China and its exports began in 1890. “One year - tea, two year - medicine, seven year - treasure,” a Chinese saying on white tea goes.
As the tea ages, the percentage of flavonoid will increase. It is the flavonoid that lends quality and flavour to the tea. It is considered an anti-oxidant and can clear oxygen-free radicals in body. It prevents cells from deterioration and ageing.
