Silver Needle Tea, also known as Bai Hao Yinzhen in Chinese, is a type of white tea made from only the buds of the Camellia sinensis plant. It is considered one of the highest grades of white tea and is known for its delicate flavor and aroma.
The buds for this tea are hand-plucked only during a short period in early spring and are then allowed to wither and dry in natural sunlight. The leaves are not rolled or shaped in any way, resulting in a long, delicate needle-like shape.
Because of the minimal processing, Silver Needle tea has a higher level of antioxidants compared to other teas. It is also low in caffeine, making it a good choice for those who are sensitive to caffeine. The flavor of this tea is usually described as light, sweet, and floral, with a hint of vegetal notes. It is a very delicate tea and is best brewed with water at lower temperature and shorter steeping time.
Due to its delicate flavor, it is often considered as one of the best tea for tea ceremony and is considered a luxury item. It is often gifted as a high-end tea option.
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Anamika