Due to its superior quality, white tea used to be a privilege reserved for the Emperor and the nobility. A mild bouquet and a unique jasmine fragrance: majestic indeed.
White tea owes its name to the white silky down that enshrouds the young tea buds. The tea is only fermented up to two percent, and this occurs naturally during the process of wilting. The highest quality “yin zhen” (silver needle) variety is one of the most sought-after white teas, and therefore one of the most expensive. Only the very young and aromatic shoots of the white tea plant are picked for it. Harvesting only takes place on two or three days in the year, when the weather conditions are exactly right. There must be no rain or wind as this would damage the delicate tea. Then, after a few weeks, when the jasmine blossom comes out, it is carefully hand-mixed with the tea to add its aroma. A few days later, the flowers are painstakingly picked out of the blend, leaving their magnificently flowery jasmine fragrance behind.
White Silver Needle is in itself a highly sought-after tea – and all the rarer when organically grown. We consider ourselves fortunate to have such long-standing relationships with our partners in China, allowing us to be able to offer this rarity.
Good to know…
White teas should be brewed with water at a temperature of 80–85°C (leave the water in the kettle for about one minute after it has stopped boiling). For the perfect cup, let steep for 3 – 4 min.