Silver Needle Tea (Fujian Baihao Yinzhen)
Intoxicating Grapelike Aroma
Two organically certified March 2009 handharvested Silver Needle tea (Baihao Yinzhen) from China's Fujian province.
Whether you are drinking tea for its health benefits or its feel-good factor, a white tea has much to offer.
Popularly known in the West as the Silver Needle, the Baihao Yinzhen is the highest grade white tea. It consists entirely of tea buds without any adjacent leaves, and is covered by white downy hairs.
The good news is most white teas sold in the West have been blended using the lower grades. They are good, but the real thing is a lot better!
A Rising Star
A 2001 scientific study conducted by Oregon State University compared white tea and green tea for their cancer fighting potential. It was found that white tea was always more protective than green tea, sometimes by a factor of 5.
Another 2009 study conducted by Kingston University in London discovered that white tea outperformed 20 other herbs in youth-ing your skin.
Because white tea buds contain high level of theanine due to its cultivars and processing method, it induces a state of mind that can be described as relaxed and yet alert.
The presence of theanine also gives white tea the unami taste that is fresh and full-mouthed.
A Grade (Spring 2009. Organic Certified) - 50 grams
The A grade has a pleasant sweet taste and haylike flavor.
I drink her grade when I am in need for a quick, refreshing white tea, but doesn't have the time to admire the beautiful liquor and intoxicating aroma.
Will last three infusions.
AAA Grade (Spring 2009. Organic Certified) - Next Avaialble May 2010
This highest grade Silver Needle tea comes from Fuding county. It has been handharvested and withered using the century-old sunshine/indoor withering method.
I first tasted it during the 2009 spring season. I have to confess: I was absolutely overwhelmed by its sweet taste, grape-like aroma and shining yellow liquor.
(I was absolutely mesmerized that day. That liquor was so thick and viscous, such a delight to gaze at.)
The sensations peak in the 2nd infusion then gradually fade away in the 3rd infusion.
Back to Top of Silver Needle White Tea
Back to Tea Shop Main Page
 |
A Grade - Quite possibly the best |
I am very much enjoying the Baihao. Quite possibly the best Silver Needle I have ever had. And I am not a huge fan of white tea, so it is a treat to find such an enjoyable one.
I really enjoy it. Great all around flavor, not too "funky" as I find some white teas to be.
Mild notes of hay, almost buttery. I am not sure what my input is worth (I don't drink many white teas) but I'd give this one a 5.
|
A Grade - Excellent |
The tea is excellent, thanks!! I'm relatively inexperienced with regards to tea, so it doesn't necessarily take a lot to impress me, but I was definitely impressed.
Very tasty stuff! I enjoy it pretty much daily. 5 out of 5 for me :)
|
A Grade - Sweet aroma and good flavor |
Just wanted to let you know that we got the tea. Thank you it's very good. I have not had a lot of experience with white tea having had only one other type. I would think that I would rate it a 4 as it brews multiple batches nicely with a sweet aroma and good flavor. Feel free to publish my feedback.
|
A Grade - Very pleasant |
The Baihao Yinzheng A is a very pleasant tea, starting with a slightly hay-like fragrance ringed by a hint of mint, followed up by a mild taste of blended spices, maybe cinnamon and cardamom, before ending in a discrete herbal acidity.
It is "tea-like" in the Western style than the other high quality teas offered by you. - I wish for a Wang [King] grade some day!. In the second infusion I do not find the mild spices, only herbal notes and the palate-refreshing acidity.
|
AAA Grade - Fresh aroma and good aftertaste |
The Silver Needle is really nice. I like it and couple of my friends like it too. And I think that your price is ok too. It has a nice fresh aroma. The buds look very good - fat, smooth and all covered in white down. The liquor is of light yellow-green color. The taste is fresh and light.
Hay aroma, slightly sweet and it has pleasant light acidity - really fresh taste. And it has no bitterness at all (at least when brewed in gaiwan). I would give this tea 4.5 out of 5, because there is no limit for perfection :)
|
AAA Grade - Really like it |
Yes, I really like the Silver Needle. 4.5 out of 5! I reach for this tea when I'm feeling delicate or simply tired and need soothing. There is a light but clear fruitiness about it though stronger for me is the wet-hay aroma that clears my head and brings memories too.
|
AAA Grade - Great |
The Baihao Yinzhen you sent me is great. Am enjoying it very much, and would definitely give it a 5. I appreciated the well sealed packaging it was sent in, getting it here in a good fresh condition. Thank you!
|
AAA Grade - Best Silver Needle I ever had |
My first rating is for the Yinzhen Silver Needle is a 4 out of 5. Its the best Silver Needle I ever had, and the price is really good for this quality. Don't know yet if I would find a better Yinzhen, if not I would give this is a 5!
How to Brew
Contrary to what many people believe, white tea is not as delicate as green tea due to its fat tea buds. Brewing at close to boiling point is recommended.
To get the full fruity flavor to emerge, you need to use the full amount of leaves at a concentration of 3 grams per 8 ounce (225 millimeters) water. For everyday consumption, you may use 2 grams of leaves at a time.
For further information about packaging, brewing, maturation and storage, read Dragon Well Tea - Further Guide.
Also In This Section...
Silver Needle White Tea (Baihao Yinzhen) - An Insider's Guide
Also known as the Silver Tip, Silver Needle white tea (Baihao Yinzhen) was only invented in 1857, but now ranks as one of China's 10 Famous Teas.
Back to Top of Silver Needle Tea
Back to Tea Shop Main Page
