A Tea Cup Dropped

This Baihao Yinzhen (or "White Hair Silver Needle" in Chinese) comes from white tea's place of origin: Fuding, Fujian province, China. The tea comprises elegant tea buds, the new tips or sprouts of the tea plant, that on close inspection of the dry leaf have a white down on their surface (thus "bai hao" or "white hair"). Infused the tea has a fresh, healthy fragrance and subtly sweet taste to it.

The least processed of teas, white tea is traditionally dried in the sun or by natural (non flash) heat, for instance in a warm room. When dried in the sun, it's not uncommon for there to exist tiny pieces or edges of black among the white tips, which indicate a burning from the sunlight.

Brewed color: Pale yellow. Preparation: Use spring or mineral water that is just starting to form bubbles prior to boiling, pull off heat and wait for 5 seconds approx. Use about 1.5 teaspoons to 4 ounces of water and wait as long as 5 minutes or more. (Provides 2-3 infusions, depending on taste and brewing times.)

Origin: Fuding, Fujian Province, China. Classification: White tea. Package Size: 100 grams (3.5 ounces). Grade: Medium. Picking Method: Hand.