New Craft White Tea: White Tea Made with a Rolling Technique

New Craft White Tea, also known as New White Tea, originates from Fujian Province, China, and is classified as a “variant white tea.” While traditional white teas do not undergo a rolling process, New Craft White Tea is lightly rolled after withering, which creates a richer flavor profile and a smoother, sweeter taste that is widely beloved.

New Craft White Tea Featuring the Rolling Technique

Standard white tea production involves only two steps: withering and drying. In contrast, New Craft White Tea incorporates a light rolling step after withering, causing the leaves to contract and fold into semi-twisted strip shapes, resulting in a sweeter taste and a more dynamic flavor profile. Common tea plant varieties used include Fuding Dabai and Fuding Dahao, with spring harvests yielding the highest quality. Harvesting typically focuses on one bud and one leaf or one bud and two leaves. Its characteristics include prominent pekoe, semi-twisted strips, and reddish leaves.

Because it has been rolled, there is no need to steep it for too long; the first brew can be enjoyed after about 3 minutes.

Production Method

Tea buds consisting of one bud and one leaf or one bud and two leaves are harvested, lightly rolled after withering to create a curl, and then dried to finish. After rolling, the appearance is slightly curled, with red-yellow leaves. High-quality New Craft White Tea should feature distinct pekoe, red leaves, and a curled shape. It drinks sweet, mellow, and refreshing.