Yin Zhen "Silver Needle" is a variety of remarkable and ethereal Chinese teas made with an exacting skill in plucking, handling, and processing. A delicacy, it is made using a fine pluck standard in which only buds are harvested. We think this lot captures the essence of the spring harvest. Clearly, Yin Zhen is a spring offering that should be in any tea lovers cupboard!
Lot Notes. This lot is made from a cultivar named #6. A notable cultivar for its rich flavors. Its origins are in the Fu'An area. Tea was purchased from a farm run by Mr Wang. We cupped this lot in his local shop and found it to be a wonderful spring Yinzhen. Our lot is the first pluck of the season. The farm is located at an elevation of approximately 800 meters. The buds were withered using a warm-air method followed by light heat with minimal oxidization. Our lot harvested March 30, 2024.
Tea Facts. The cultivar for this year’s tea is locally known as Varietal #6, developed from the famous Fuding Da Bai cultivar. The buds are slender, a light green color and covered with tender, downy hair giving it a velvety appearance.
Tasting Notes. The liquor is fresh & herbaceous. Offers sweet, savory flavors - fresh apricot and honey as they coat the tongue. Offers a long, gentle grassy finish.
Brewing Suggestions. Use a rounded tablespoon or 3 grams of leaf for 6-8 ounces of water at a temperature of 165-195 degrees F. A lower temperature will preserve this tea's softer notes and preserve the flavors of the leaves. Steep for 2 minutes and taste. This tea can be steeped quite a bit longer to strengthen taste and it will remain sweet. Leaves offer multiple steeps.
WHITE TEA
3 grams/1 tablespoon per 6 ounces of water
165° - 195° F
2 Minutes
White teas are produced in a brief window of time in the spring. The best whites are prized as they consist entirely of sweet buds. These teas are minimally processed in two steps – withering and drying.
Steeped white tea is delicate, extremely refreshing, and considered to contain less caffeine. The leaves will open to fresh floral, herbaceous, naturally sweet, and honey-like flavors. A stronger cup can be attained by extending the steep time.