Fluff on tea leaves: what is it and why is it so valuable?

What are tea hairs?

The tiny hairs on tea leaves are called tea hairs. These hairs are cell outgrowths on the surface of the leaf and contain many useful substances, such as theanine and polyphenols. Usually, the younger the tea leaf, the more of these hairs it has. The presence and quantity of tea hairs is often used to determine the quality of tea. Tea hairs are tiny outgrowths on the surface of the tea leaf. They consist of epidermal cells and contain a large number of useful substances, such as:

• Theanine: An amino acid that gives tea its mild, sweet taste and has a calming effect on the nervous system.
• Polyphenols: powerful antioxidants that protect the body's cells from damage and slow down the aging process.
• Essential oils: give tea a unique aroma and have a tonic effect.

Can you drink tea with tea hairs?

Tea hairs are not only harmless, but also beneficial to health. They contain many nutrients. Therefore, you should not remove them before brewing tea. They are rich in nutrients and serve as one of the indicators of tea quality. The younger the leaf, the more hairs it has. However, even without tea hairs, tea remains a valuable drink

Quality indicator: The presence of tea hairs indicates the youth and tenderness of the tea leaf. The more hairs, the higher the quality of the tea.

Taste and aroma: Tea hairs give tea a richer taste and aroma, making it softer and more pleasant.

Health benefits: Due to the high content of useful substances, tea hairs have a number of medicinal properties:

• Improves brain function and increases concentration.
• Reduce stress and anxiety levels.
• Strengthen the immune system.
• Protect the heart and blood vessels.
• Promotes weight loss.

Which tea varieties are rich in tea hairs?

Of particular value are varieties of tea that are traditionally rich in tea hairs:

Bi Luo Chun: A Chinese green tea known for its fine, white-fluffy leaves. Bi Luo Chun is famous for its exquisite taste and aroma, as well as its beautiful appearance. This Chinese green tea is harvested in early spring, when the young shoots are covered with soft white fluff. This gives the tea:

• Delicate and sweet taste: Theanine contained in tea hairs gives the tea a soft and sweet taste.
• Vibrant aroma: Essential oils concentrated in the hairs create a rich and complex aroma.
• Emerald color of the infusion: Young leaves and delicate hairs give the infusion a bright green color.
• Beautiful shape of tea leaves: Biluochun leaves are twisted into spirals, which gives the tea an aesthetic appeal.

Xinyang Maojian: Another Chinese green tea that features large leaves with thick white fluff. Xinyang Maojian is one of China's most famous green teas, prized for its unique flavor and aroma. Its name translates as "Xinyang Hairy Tips," which refers to the tea's signature feature - the thick white fluff on its young leaves. What is it famous for?

• Delicate and sweet taste: Due to the high content of the amino acid theanine, the tea has a soft, sweet taste with light nutty notes.
• Vibrant aroma: The aroma of Xinyang Maojian is fresh, floral, with light fruity undertones.
• High quality: The tea is hand-picked, which guarantees the preservation of all the beneficial substances.
• Rich composition: In addition to theanine, tea contains a large amount of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
• Exquisite appearance: Silvery tea leaves with white fluff create an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Baihao Yinzhen: A Chinese white tea made entirely from buds covered in soft fluff. Baihao Yinzhen is an exquisite white tea from China that is prized for its delicate flavor and aroma. Its name translates as "Silver Needles with White Fuzz." What is it famous for?

• Delicate taste and aroma: Baihao Yinzhen has a sweetish taste with light floral and fruity notes. The aroma of the tea is very subtle and refined.
• High quality: The tea is hand-picked from young tea buds covered with white fluff.
• Rich composition: Contains a large amount of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
• Ancient history: Baihao Yinzhen has a centuries-old history and is considered one of the oldest types of tea.

How to brew tea with tea hairs?

To fully reveal the taste and aroma of tea with tea hairs, it is recommended to use water at a temperature of 80-85°C and brew the tea for no more than 3 minutes. At a higher temperature, tea hairs can become colored and lose some of their beneficial properties.

Tea Hair Myths

Despite their benefits, tea hairs are sometimes the subject of mistrust. Some people mistakenly consider them to be dirt or mold. However, this is not the case. Tea hairs are a natural part of the tea leaf and are completely safe for health.

Tea hairs are a valuable gift of nature, which gives tea a unique taste and aroma, and also has a number of useful properties. If you want to enjoy truly high-quality tea, pay attention to varieties rich in tea hairs: Biluochun, Xinyang Maojian, Baihao Yinzhen.