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Silver Needles (also known as Baihao Yinzhen) is one of the most prized teas in the world due to its labor-intensive plucking standards and meticulous processing. The tea is made up exclusively of the very first leaf buds that appear in early spring, which are packed with nutrients (and flavor) after lying dormant all winter. Each bud is plucked by hand and must be very gently handled during the withering and long air drying process to avoid damaging the buds in any way. This gentle processing gives Silver Needles its characteristic silky smooth mouthfeel and floral aroma.
Our Silver Needle tea is made from a blend of buds from three different white tea bush cultivars (Dabai, Dahao, and Quntizhong), resulting in a deeper, more complex flavor than in many single-cultivar Silver Needle teas.
Brewing Guidelines
White tea is brewed at a lower temperature than green or black teas to avoid any unintended bitterness or scorching of the delicate leaves. To compensate for the lower temperature, steep for a longer time in order to extract its full flavor.
Heat 8 oz of filtered water to a boil and cool to 180 °F (80 °C) by pouring into a cool glass and letting it sit for several minutes. Alternatively, use a kettle with a temperature selection option to heat only to 180 °F.
Pour water over 2 g (about 1 Tablespoon) tea and steep 5 – 6 minutes. Adjust time and amount of tea depending on desired strength.
If serving over ice, use more tea when brewing to avoid diluting the tea too much as it cools.
The tea leaves can be re-steeped multiple times, increasing the water temperature to 190 °F (88 °C). Increase steep time to 10 minutes after the third infusion and slightly increase the water temperature. Notice the different flavors that emerge with each steeping.
Always use filtered or spring water to fully enjoy the taste of your tea. For best results, brew using a teapot with a removable filter that allows the leaves to unfurl completely. Avoid tea balls/eggs or other infusers that compress the tea leaves.
Storing Tea
Keep sealed in a cool, dry place away from strong odors, moisture, and light. We do not recommend storing tea in clear containers (such as glass jars) as light can affect the shelf life of tea.
White tea should be consumed within 2 years of purchase for the freshest flavor. However, it can be stored for longer and will develop a more mature flavor over time.
