Silver Needle/Yin Zhen, Grade B

Code: W10B001

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Packaging Information:
Packed in 50g units / 5g SAMPLE also available

Silver Needle is one of the rarest, finest and most spectacular Chinese teas. It is picked only during a few days of early spring and prepared by skilled tea masters. Thieir constant striving for excellence is evident in the cup. Silver needle is extremely delicate, refreshing and sweet with a clean, airy scent. For a subtle boost with the least caffeine, enjoy a soft and distinctive white tea anytime of day.

Silver Needle is a white tea made from single new buds that are plucked from "big white tea" before they open, peeled, withered and air-dried. These new buds are beautifully covered with silver hairs that give the tea its magical, velvety appearance.

White teas differ from green teas in the way that they are processed. They do not require steaming or pan-frying. They undergo a long-hour withering which creates a non-enzymatic oxidation that gives the tea its unique characteristics. Silver Needle is approximately five percent oxidized.

Health benefits of white tea may include lowering cholesterol, strengthening the immune system, promoting healthy blood vessel functionality and even protecting teeth and bones. Silver Needle has a high concentration of polyphenols (antioxidants that help fight against cancer-causing radicals and heart disease).

Other names:
Bai Hao Yinzhen, White Pekoe Silver Needle, Silver Needle White Fur, White Tipped Silver Needle

Taste & aroma:
Silver Needle tastes sweet and smooth. It has a refreshing, clean, airy fragrance with traces of citrus.

Appearance:
You will realize that "Silver Needles" earned its name for a reason. The tea consists of fleshy, bright colored (jade green with silver highlights)buds that are covered with tiny white hairs. The buds have straight, needle-like shape. You will quickly discover that prominence of the delicate white hairs on the buds is quite striking. Since this is a high grade of Silver Needle, there are no stems or leaves in it. The tea produces a very pale yellow brew.

When brewed in hot water, the buds point upwards, and while remaining in the upright position, the water-absorbed buds gradually sink downward to the bottom of the glass (it looks almost like a cave rich in stalactites and stalagmites). Brew Silver Needle in a tall glass cup, or in a glass gaiwan to enjoy this spectacular show.

Origin:
Fujian Province, Southeast coast of China.
Fujian is one of the most famous areas to grow and process green teas. The subtropical climate, with comparatively warm winters creates a homeland for some of the best teas in China.

Harvest Period:  Spring 2009