The FuAn area, in Fujian Province, is famous for its white tea made using the Da Hao cultivar. We visited Mr. Wang, a farmer local to the Fuding area, this is his Pre-Qing Ming lot of Bai Mu Dan. This lot was harvested the first week of April 2025. Lot #5.
Lot Notes. Our lot is Pre-Qing Ming. We found the flavors lively and crisp. Being an early pick, the leaves are dense for a Bai Mu Dan.
Tea Facts. This lot was grown in the mountainous Ping Yin area known as South Mountain. The area has a sub-tropical climate. Bai Mu Dan is processed by withering in a warm room on bamboo racks, then heat dried. In this case, the leaves are air dried at a low temperature thus preserving and enhancing the cultivar's natural flavors. The tea bush for this lot is locally known as Varietal #6.
Tasting Notes. Steeps to yield a clear, straw-like liquor with tastes of melon, grape, and herbs. Tea has a nuanced flavor, decidedly sweet, with a "round", smooth mouth feel that will linger. Lot has an abundance of buds, contributing to its rich flavor. This tea pairs very well with both savory and sweet foods. It is also known as the one of the world’s most forgiving tea as it virtually never oversteeps.
Brewing Suggestions. Use 3-4 grams or a rounded tablespoon per 8 ounces of water. Water temperature can vary but is perhaps best at between 185-195 degrees F for 2-2.5 minutes. It is a very forgiving tea, so astringency due to over steeping is not an issue. Leaves will 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.