Silver Needles is, some say, the finest of all teas from China. Only the best leaves are plucked, by hand, in the very earliest phase of growth, before the leaf has even opened. This white tea is produced by the Imperial plucking method, performed at dawn on only two days of the year.

The crop is laid out in the sun to dry and wither naturally for the shortest of fermentation times and a long, slow drying process (this allows for almost no oxidisation to occur). This produces a liquor which is extremely light, fragrant and delicate with almost a nutty character.

This fine tea is then layered with Jasmine flowers and left overnight to absorb the scent of the blossoms, which is most intense at night. This is perhaps the greatest of all the Jasmine teas, with a delicate, light, refreshing fragrance.

To brew, use one heaped tsp per person in a warmed pot and add boiled water that has been allowed to cool for 3 mins (ideal temp: 70C). Brew for 3 mins then pour into cups. The leaves can be reused several times, with shorter brewing times. Drink without milk or sugar.

If you love Jasmine Silver Needle, you may also enjoy Jasmine Pearls, a beautifully made tea stongly infused with Jasmine.