When the leaves have reached a precise stage in the fermentation process, the fermentation is stopped by firing the leaves in a pan. This stops the fermentation and captures the unique fragrance and interesting character associated with Oolong tea. Rare White Tea White teas are comprised of only the buds, plucked from a very rare variety of the tea plant. These teas are unique and delicate in flavor. The tea is very light in the cup and has a lingering taste.
White tea is harvested for only a few days each year.
It undergoes almost no transformation once harvested, and is merely dried and withered. The average wilting time is eighteen hours. The next step is rolling. The rolling process which is usually done by machine, twists the leaf and bruises it, thus encouraging fermentation. The oxidation process begins, turning the leaf from green to coppery brown.