The FuAn area, in Fujian Province, is famous for its white tea cultivars. Over time, this cultivar has migrated outside the boundaries of farms and flourished. Our Peony offering - "Wild Peony" - fits this class and was harvested wild. Picked, withered, and dried, the leaves are presented as they naturally appear after drying. The mountains in Fu'An offer a terroir that creates special tastes. Harvested in the first week of April 2021. Lot #1.
Lot Notes. Our lot is Pre-Qing Ming - as it was picked and dried in the first week of April. Note, these first whites tend to be a smaller leaf, green side in coloration, offering fresh, sweet notes. We look for a lot that has a mix of silver buds & wonderful shades of green.
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 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. This 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.
I have been drinking tea for many years and am the former tea buyer for the Sacramento Natural Foods Coop, and I can tell you that Silk Road Teas are the best teas I've ever had. Although my go-to is the Bai Mu Dan, I have also tried other white teas, in addition to several greens, oolongs, and puerhs. There is no doubt that not only the friendly service, but even more importantly the quality of the teas are top-notch and among the best you will find anywhere. Thank you!
We love White Peony tea from Silk Roads. We drink it all day long. Comforting and cozy during these crazy times. Stay well!
