Silver needle white tea, also known as Bai Hao Yin Zhen in Chinese, is a highly prized and sought-after variety of white tea. It is made from the young, tender buds of the Camellia sinensis plant, which are carefully handpicked during the early spring harvest. These buds are covered in fine, silvery-white hairs, which give the tea its distinctive appearance and name.
The production of silver needle white tea involves minimal processing. After harvesting, the buds are withered in sunlight or with warm air, and then carefully dried to preserve their natural flavor and aroma. This gentle processing method helps retain the delicate and subtle characteristics of the tea.
Teapioca Lounge uses silver needle white tea as the base for our white tea drinks. This tea is renowned for its light, sweet, and floral flavor profile, with notes of honey, melon, and fresh flowers. It is prized for its smooth texture and complex aroma. Due to its high quality, silver needle is often considered a luxury tea.
Recommended brewing instructions:
- 1.5 tsp dried tea leaves
- 175°F water
- 2-3 min steep time