Bai Hao Silver Needle
Amongst white teas, this is the most expensive variety and the most prized, only top buds are used to produce the tea from only the youngest shoots of the tea bush. Cooling and refreshing with delicate hints of cucumber and melon.
White teas are the least processed of all teas, and are named after the tiny white or silver hairs on the tea bud as it develops at the tip of the shoot. Once plucked, the buds and leaves are simply laid on to large blankets in the sun to wither and dry naturally.
The drying process for white tea can last between one and three days before they are briefly piled and baked dry for packing. Throughout this process, the leaves are consistently handled with care to prevent breakage of the cellular structure as this can cause unnecessary oxidation of the tea, compromising its quality.
Unlike Bai Mu Dan (White Peony) this tea is plucked earlier in the season, although both are produced from the same plant varietal, the Da Bai.
Ingredients: Chinese Silver Needle White Tea
Preparation: Steep 1tsp per cup for 2-3 minutes in 80°C water.