Silver Needle or "Bai Hao Yin Zhen" is a white tea that exclusively makes use of plump spring buds. These buds are covered with silvery hairs (called trichomes) that give the leaves their furry and velvety appearance.
The tea is picked in Fuding Counting (Taimu Mountain) and sun-dried for a few days to fully develop its fruity and floral flavors. It then undergoes charcoal roasting at very low temperatures to further enhance its texture and thickness.
Our batch of Silver Needle was picked on March 10, 2023, and for fresh white teas, it is important to look out for the date of picking to ensure its optimal freshness.
Silver Needle is perhaps the most recognizable white tea, and is likely the first variety (and namesake) of white tea characterized by the silvery-white hairs on its leaves. As this is a fresh tea, there is no need to do any tea rinse – the very first infusion may be drunk immediately.
Tea Profile
Traditional Name: 白毫银针 [Pinyin: Bái Háo Yín Zhēn]
Origin: Fuding County, Fujian Province, China
Elevation: 900m
Varietal: Da Hao
Harvesting: Buds only • March 10, 2023
Processing: Sun-withered, charcoal roasted
Wet Leaf Aroma: Toffee • Tobacco • Rose
Tea Liquor Color: Pale gold
Mouthfeel: Creamy
Finish: Soft • Floral (Lavender)
