Trichomes: The fluff
The trichomes of Camellia Sinensis are the fine hair-like outgrowth on the leaf’s surface. They are non-glandular and unicellular and form an indumentum or a covering of downy hairs, on buds and first leaves. Trichomes help protect the leaf by reducing the amount of UV radiation and producing oils at each trichomes base which is strong in aroma to repel insects and act as an antibiotic. They also are a frost deterrent and moisture retainer. The oils are floral which is why teas made from buds and first leaves tend to be more aromatic.
The downy fluff on white, green, and yellow teas are usually white, silver, or a pale champagne color (known as silver tips or white tips).
Silver Needles © Golden Monarch Tea LLC
Bai Mu Dan © Golden Monarch Tea LLC
On black tea, the hair is golden to bright tan (known as golden tips or golden buds) because of oxidation.
Yunnan Gold © Golden Monarch Tea LLC
Most Oolongs and some green teas do not have downy hairs, especially Japanese green teas. Processing can cause trichomes to flatten due to pressing and rolling, shrinking from drying, and complete shedding.
Gyokuro © Golden Monarch Tea LLC
LiShan Oolong © Golden Monarch Tea LLC
Some greens, like Green Silk Maofeng, and oolongs, like Oriental Beauty, retain their trichomes.
Oriental Beauty © Golden Monarch Tea LLC