Minimal processing, careful brewing
The leaves are handled lightly, so water that is too hot or a hurried steep can hide their softer character. Give them room and taste as the cup develops.
Compare buds with leaves
- Silver Needles is a bud-led white-tea style. Bai Mu Tan, also called White Peony, includes leaves as well as buds.
- Start around 80°C and 2 to 3 minutes, using about 3 g in a 300 mL mug. Bulky leaves can look like a lot, so weighing helps.
- Taste as the cup cools. If it is too faint, try a little more leaf or a longer steep next time; white tea is not always best brewed weak.
What does it taste like?
White tea may suggest flowers, fresh hay, melon, honey or soft fruit. Its flavour is usually subtle rather than forceful.
What about caffeine?
White tea contains caffeine. Pale colour is not proof of low caffeine because leaf type and brewing make a large difference.
Who might enjoy it?
- You enjoy delicate aromas.
- You prefer low bitterness.
- You want a pot that changes slightly as it cools.
Brewing reference: TeaSource brewing guide. Use the leaf packet or equipment instructions where they differ.