Ming Qian Shui Xian Silver Needle (March 10, 2023 harvest)
Yin Zhen silver needle is handmade and traditionally sundried by the 3rd generation Yuan family using rare 100-year-old Shui Xian heirloom tea trees. Most tea trees in Fuding cultivated for white tea are Da Bai cultivars, yet Shui Xian (not to be confused with the Wu Yi Oolong varietal) predates the Da Bai cultivar by several decades and is considered to be the original varietal. Using only the first buds before any leaf development, covered in silver trichomes, which produce a naturally sweet taste. Beautiful uniform, slender long shape with hints of fluorescent green and a pungent perfume out of the bag that invites you to sit down for a long session. Despite its delicate nature, the leaves contain an immense taste only extracted after 5-10 brewings. We recommend starting at lower temperatures and increasing both time and heat to bring out some of its elusive tannins.
Origin:
Lao Ya Wan mountain, Longtian village, Dian Tou Town, Fuding, China
Cultivar:
Shui Xian Heirloom
Flavor Profile:
Dried almonds, sugar cane, green bamboo, boiled corn, white flowers
Servings:
8 x 3g
Net weight:
25g