Silver Needles

Silver Needles is the most renowned of all teas and comes from near Fuding in SE China, between Fujian to the South and Zhejiang to the North.   This is the only true White tea, though the term is now used for others.

Only the finest leaves of the Da-Bai tea varietal are plucked.  This is done by hand, before the buds have even opened.  The method used is known as the Imperial plucking method and is 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 time and a long, slow drying process (this allows for almost no oxidisation to occur).

Silver Needles is a highly attractive tea.  The beauty of its fine, downy, silvery buds and its delicate and refreshing taste make it one of the most glamorous – and expensive – teas in the world.

The brewed liquor is extremely light, fragrant and delicate, with almost a nutty character.   Soft and mellow, with a hint of crisp fruit, Silver Needles is delicious, refreshing and – perhaps surprisingly for something so famous and even exclusive – rather fun to drink.

It is ideal for drinking steaming hot mid-morning, chilled as a long drink on a summer’s afternoon, and also in the evening to round off a perfect dinner.   Its extremely low caffeine content (due to the buds being plucked so young) means it is most unlikely to keep you awake.  It can gently rehydrate you before bed so you wake up refreshed and energised.

To Brew:Put one tsp of Silver Needles per person in a pot or Mug Infuser.  Add freshly drawn, boiled water that has been allowed to cool for 2 mins (ideal temperature 75C).  Brew  for 2 mins and strain into cups.  Do not add milk or sugar.   To make iced tea, simply pour over ice cubes, or chill in the fridge.  Silver Needles would make a great base for a very special and unusual summer cocktail.

If you love Silver Needles why not try Jasmine Silver Needle?  It's a deliciously aromatic alternative.