Yin Zhen 'Silver Needle' Organic
One of the ten famous teas of China, Yin Zhen (Silver Needle) is an organic white tea from Fujian, and the tea I reach for when I want to show what picking and cultivar can do to a cup.
For Silver Needle, only the young downy buds are taken, in early spring; no leaves, no stalk. They come from the Da Bai, or Big White, cultivar, bred for its unusually long buds, which give the tea its silvery, needle-like look. Yields are tiny, and that is most of the reason for the price. After picking, the buds are simply sun-withered and finished with a gentle bake. Nothing is rolled or bruised, so oxidation stays light and the leaf's own sweetness comes through. White tea is the least-handled tea there is, which is part of its quiet appeal; close, I like to think, to the very first cups ever brewed.
In the cup it is pale and soft, floral and gently sweet, with a note of stone fruit and the lightest touch of nuttiness.
"A delicate, light confectionery flavour, something of rose, nearly Turkish Delight but more floral, perhaps marshmallow noted. Interesting." - Great Taste Awards 2019 (2 Stars)
One myth worth retiring: white tea is not caffeine-free. It can hold as much caffeine as a black tea, so this is a bright, clear-headed cup rather than a sleepy one.
Brew at 85°C for 4 minutes, without milk. The buds are generous; you will get at least three good infusions from them.
Ingredients || Organic White Tea
Warning, packed in an environment that contains nuts
Caffeine || Yes
Tasting Notes || Delicate sweetness and a slight nuttiness
Brewing Notes || 1.5 teaspoon per cup, 85ºC, brew for 4 minutes.