Silver Needles – Yunnan White Tea Buds
Silver Needles is one of the most prized styles of white tea, made entirely from tender, unopened tea buds. The name comes from the fine silvery-white hairs that cover the young buds, giving the dry leaf its pale, downy appearance.
This selection comes from the Menglai and Mengjiao Tea Garden in Cangyuan County, Lincang Prefecture, Yunnan, China. Grown at approximately 1,800 meters, the tea develops in a mountainous region shaped by forest cover, monsoon climate, and frequent cloud. The result is a white tea with more depth and savory character than many lighter, more floral Silver Needles.
The cup is smooth, clean, and quietly flavorful, with pleasant grassy notes, soft sweetness, and a savory quality that makes it especially satisfying. It has the delicacy expected from a fine white tea, but with enough body and character to appeal to a wide range of tea drinkers.
Flavor Profile
Smooth and savory with soft grassy notes, gentle sweetness, and a clean, refreshing finish.
Ingredients
Hand-Plucked, Unopened Chinese Tea Buds.
Brewing Instructions
8 oz Cup
- Scoop a heaping tablespoon of tea into infuser.
- Heat water to 200° F (just before boiling).
- Pour 8 oz. of water over tea leaves.
- Steep tea for 3-5 minutes (depending on taste preference).
- Remove infuser and enjoy tea. Can be steeped multiple times.
Potful
Simply add to your infuser one heaping tablespoon of leaf per 8 oz. of water and place it in your pot, then add the appropriate amount of 200° F water and let it steep for 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the infuser and enjoy. Can be steeped multiple times.
Brewing Iced Tea
Our opinion is that a cooled concentrate works best, as regular-strength brew tends to become watery as the ice melts. So, use the above leaf quantities, but half the water, allow it to cool, then pour it over ice and enjoy! The brew will dilute down to proper strength as the ice melts.
