Home: Fujian, Taiwan
Leaf: Slim, silver slivers.
Brew: Ineffably light and sweetness utterly uncloying. Brew 5g (0.1.8oz). in 200ml (7fl oz) water at 76°C (170°F) for 2 minutes. Strain and add more water to the leaves for a second infusion. Alternatively, for just one infusion, brew for 6-8 minutes.
Scoop: Named in Chinese for its reserves of passive yin energy, Silver Needle is a trusted antidote for too much heat in the system, and is an age-old remedy for the measles.
Character: Produced in Fujian province, this exquisite tea is made only from new buds that are picked before they start to open. 'Baihao' (pek-ho) refers to the tiny white hairs on the underside of each tightly curled leaf bud and which give the tea its beautiful silvery velvet appearance. Yinzhen is picked for only a few days each spring and is sometimes also referred to as Silver Needle White Fur, or Yinfeng. The neatly pointed silver buds stand upright in the water to give a pale yellow liquor that is smooth, sweet and extremely elegant.