Yunnan White Tea vs Fujian White Tea: What are the Differences?

1. Tea Variety

One of the main differences between Yunnan white tea and Fujian white tea is the variety of the tea plant used. Fujian white tea is mainly made from the Fuding Dabai and Fuding Dahao variety. They are widely cultivated in China and have a history of hundreds of years of tea production. Yunnan white tea, on the other hand, is mainly made from the large-leaf tea variety, which is native to Yunnan and has a wild and ancient origin.

Fuding Dahao

Fuding Dahao

The different varieties of tea plants have different characteristics and chemical compositions, which affect the taste and quality of the tea. Generally speaking, the small-leaf tea variety has a higher content of amino acids, which contribute to the freshness and sweetness of the tea, while the large-leaf tea variety has a higher content of tea polyphenols, which contribute to the bitterness and astringency of the tea. The large-leaf tea variety also has a higher content of caffeine, which has a stimulating effect on the nervous system.

Yunan large-leaf tea variety

Yunan large-leaf tea variety

2. Processing

Another difference between Yunnan white tea and Fujian white tea is the processing method. Both types of white tea are minimally processed, which means they undergo only two steps: withering and drying. Withering is the process of letting the fresh tea leaves lose moisture and wilt naturally, which allows some oxidation to occur. Drying is the process of removing the remaining moisture from the tea leaves, which stops the oxidation and preserves the tea leaves.

However, there are some variations in the processing method depending on the climate and the tea maker’s preference. For example, Fujian white tea usually incorporates an oven roasting at the end of the drying process, which ensures that the tea leaves are completely dry and prevents mold growth. Yunnan white tea, on the other hand, is fully air-dried, which preserves more of the natural flavor and aroma of the tea.

Sun Withering

Sun Withering

3. Appearance (Take Silver Needle as an example)

The appearance of the tea leaves and the tea infusion is another way to tell the difference between Yunnan white tea and Fujian white tea. Fujian white tea has a more uniform and delicate appearance, with mostly buds and young leaves that are covered with white hairs. The color of the tea leaves is usually greenish-white or silvery-white, and the color of the tea infusion is pale yellow or light green.

Fuding Silver Needle

Fuding Silver Needle

Yunnan white tea has a more diverse and robust appearance, with a mix of buds, leaves, and stems that are also covered with white hairs. The color of the tea leaves is usually black and white, and the color of the tea infusion is golden or amber.

Yunnan Silver Needle

Yunnan Silver Needle

4. Flavor or Taste

The flavor of the tea is perhaps the most important difference between Yunnan white tea and Fujian white tea, and also the most subjective one. Fujian white tea has a delicate and refreshing flavor, with floral, fruity, and honey notes, some also have the soymilk taste. It is smooth and sweet, with almost no bitterness and astringency.

Yunnan white tea is featured by the floral fragrance; it has a more intense and complex flavor, with woody, earthy, and malty notes. It is also rich and full-bodied, with a moderate bitterness and astringency. Some Yunnan white teas also have a unique moonlight fragrance, which is a sweet and floral aroma that resembles jasmine or orchid.

5. Conclusion

Yunnan white tea and Fujian white tea are both types of white tea that have their own advantages and characteristics. They differ in the variety of the tea plant, the processing method, the appearance, and the flavor. Depending on your personal preference and mood, you can choose either one to enjoy a cup of refreshing and healthy tea. Or you can try both and compare them yourself. You might discover something new and interesting about white tea.