This is a cake to be enjoyed for flavor and certainly a great choice for aging. The white tea cultivars grown in the mountains near Fuding City are recognized for offering exceptional aromas and flavors. Spring-pick leaves were pressed into cakes preserving the prized tastes of spring and they promise a tea that will age very well. One can then enjoy the best of both worlds – the fresh flavors of spring and nuanced flavors aging will bring forth.
Lot Notes. Cake is 340 grams. We have visited the producing farm. They practice organic cultivation, use no pesticides or chemicals and as their market is domestic certification is not needed. The cake is stunning in appearance, offering a beautiful variety of large, multi-colored leaves. Given the moiture content and size of the leaves, this cake should age quite well.
Tea Facts. The cultivar is Da Hao which translates to Big Downy. Cake was made in 2024. Grown on a farm at an elevation of 600 meters in Zhenghe County, in Fujian Province. The cake is a mix of light green, brown, and silver buds.
Tasting Notes. Large leaves will steep to a beautiful pale-golden color with plenty of mouth feel. The taste is herbaceous, a delicate note of chestnut, and soft grassy-like flavors.
Brewing Suggestions. Use 3-4 grams of tea (a full tablespoon) in boiling water. Rinse the leaves and pour the water off. Re-infuse the leaves for about 2 minutes and taste. Bai Mu Dan does not get bitter just stronger; if steeped too long, the tea's flavor notes will tend to get muddled. If serving Gong Fu style, use plenty of leaf and steep briefly 30-45 seconds and taste. Leaves will certainly yield 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.