Silver Needle

Bai Hao Yin Zheng

Silver Needle (Bai Hao Yin Zheng)

Type: White Tea
Origin: Fujian Province, China
Harvest: Spring, 2010
Tea leaves: Full buds with downy hairs
Taste: Smooth, clean and lingering sweetness

Price: ￡12.00 – 50grams

White tea is the least processed form of tea, made of beautiful silver buds and select leaves which have been steamed and dried. Because of its minimal processing, white tea contains more nutrients than black or green teas and has less caffeine than black or green tea, and far less than coffee, making it an excellent choice for those wishing to reduce caffeine.

White tea gets its name from the fine silvery white hairs on the unopened buds of the tea plant. The highest quality white tea, Silver Needle, consists only of these buds.

This exquisite tea is made only from new buds that are picked at the end of March, the first spring buds of the Da Bai tea bush, which are capable of producing large and thick tea buds with their white down intact that Silver Needle is known for.  

Silver Needle is a light, delicate tea, when infused the buds will turn to a light green colour right away and give pale yellow liquor that is smooth, sweet and extremely elegant.

The brew has a light, delicate, slightly sweet flavor that sharpens the senses without overwhelming the tongue.

It is easier on the stomach than a green tea and even a long infusion in high temperature water will not bitter the flavour.  It is an easy-drinking tea with a satisfying velvety finish.

How to brew

• Use freshly drawn cold water

• Boil water & allow to cool for 4 to 5 minutes to about 80℃

• Use 3g tea leaves in a 350ml cup

• Steep for 1 to 2 minutes (or to your taste)

• Infusions: at least 3 times – don't remove the leaves from the mug, as once the water level is low, simply add more water and keep going until the flavour of the tea is gone

• Brewing vessel: Glass cup, gaiwan, glass or porcelain pot