Silver Needle
Fujian, China
Pure buds, pure magic. This is tea at its most ethereal—honey sweetness floating on a breath of spring air.
The Story
Silver Needle, or Bai Hao Yin Zhen, is made exclusively from unopened buds harvested in early spring. Each bud is covered in fine white down, giving the tea its silvery appearance. It takes over 10,000 hand-picked buds to make just one kilogram of this precious tea. In Fujian's Fuding region, farmers wake before dawn during the brief harvest window, picking only on days without rain or wind.
Flavor Notes
Perfect For
- Quiet afternoon moments
- Meditation
- Impressing tea-curious friends
- Hot summer days
- When you need gentleness
Pairs Well With
How to Brew
Our recommended approach for the best cup
Water Temperature
175°F
(80°C)
Amount
2 tablespoons per 8oz
Steep Time
3-4 minutes
Resteeps
3-4 steeps, adding 30 seconds each time
Recommended Vessel
Glass or porcelain gaiwan
Brewing Tips
Use more leaves than you think—Silver Needle is forgiving. Watch the buds dance and unfurl. Never use boiling water; it will scald the delicate buds and turn sweetness bitter.