What Is Anji Baicha? China’s Rare “White” Green Tea Explained

Tea Master•4/4/2026

# What Is Anji Baicha? China’s Rare “White” Green Tea Explained

1. Introduction

Anji Baicha is a celebrated green tea from Zhejiang with a unique twist: its cultivar turns pale in early spring, giving the leaves a “white” appearance—yet the tea is processed as green. The result is a silky, sweet, low-bitterness cup that feels modern and luxurious.

2. Clear Explanation

  • Origin: Anji County, Zhejiang
  • Type: Green tea from a pale-spring cultivar
  • Name: “Baicha” (“white tea”) refers to the pale look, not the processing
  • Harvest: Early spring (pre-Qingming/Yuqian prized)
  • Processing: Gentle withering → kill-green → shaping/pan-firing → low-temp drying
  • Appearance: Slender, pale-green to yellow-green leaves with a silvery sheen

3. Taste and Character

  • Flavor: Sweet pea, bamboo shoot, fresh almond, white flower, light cream
  • Aroma: Spring meadow, dewy greens, soft vanilla hint
  • Mouthfeel: Clean, silky, buoyant; very low astringency
  • Aftertaste: Cooling, sweet, and refreshing

4. Comparison

  • Vs Longjing: Anji Baicha is higher-toned and silkier; Longjing is nuttier (chestnut) with pan-fired warmth
  • Vs Sencha: Less umami/marine, more meadow-sweet delicacy
  • Vs typical greens: Lower bitterness, “pure spring” personality

5. Brewing

Glass/Cup

  • 2–3 g / 250 ml, 75–80°C; pour along wall; sip at 2–3 min; top up gently

Teapot/Gaiwan

  • Western: 3 g / 250 ml, 80°C, 1:30–2:00 (2–3 infusions)
  • Gongfu: 4 g / 120 ml, 80°C, 10–12 s then +5 s (4–5 steeps)

6. Who It Is For

  • Green tea beginners avoiding bitterness
  • Light-roast coffee lovers who enjoy delicacy
  • Texture-focused tea drinkers seeking clean sweetness

7. FAQ

  • Caffeine? Moderate; many find it smooth and focused
  • Why “white” in the name? Refers to pale spring leaves, not process
  • Storage? Airtight, cool; enjoy within 9–12 months for top vibrancy

8. Conclusion

Anji Baicha captures spring in a cup—silky, pale, serene—and is one of the easiest premium greens to love.

9. Soft CTA

Try our fresh Anji Baicha, sourced for clarity and sweetness.