White Tea
Minimally processed tea filled with plant-based polyphenols
White tea is the least processed of all teas. Young buds and leaves are simply withered and dried, no rolling,…
White tea is the least processed of all teas. Young buds and leaves are simply withered and dried, no rolling, no firing, allowing the tea to retain its delicate natural character. Silver Needle (Baihao Yinzhen) is made entirely from unopened buds; White Peony (Bai Mu Dan) adds young leaves for more body. Well-stored white tea ages beautifully, developing honey and dried-fruit complexity over years.
Water Temp
170-185F (77-85C)
Steep Time
2-5 minutes
Amount
2 tsp (3-4 g) per 8 oz water
- Heat fresh filtered water to 170-185F (77-85C).
- Measure 2 tsp (3-4 g) per 8 oz water into your infuser or teapot.
- Steep for 2-5 minutes, then remove the leaves promptly.
- Good quality White Tea can be re-steeped 2–4 times — add 30 seconds each round.
Slightly, in most cases. White tea brewed at lower temperatures for shorter times typically extracts less caffeine per cup, even though the young buds themselves contain moderate caffeine levels.
Silver Needle is hand-harvested in a narrow window each spring — often just a few days — when only perfect, unopened buds qualify. The limited harvest window and labor-intensive picking drive the price.
Yes — unlike green tea, white tea ages beautifully. Kept cool, dark, and dry in an unsealed container (clay or paper), well-made white tea improves for 10–20 years, developing honey and dried-fruit notes.
White tea is delicate, naturally sweet, and lightly floral. Silver Needle has a silky texture with melon and honey notes. White Peony is slightly fuller with a fresh, clean finish.
