bai hao yin zhen

What is White Tea?


White tea is defined by a unique processing technique that has only about 220 years of undisputed history. Traditionally, freshly picked leaves and buds are wilted under shade to lose moisture; then, they are exposed to the sun for fermentation and drying. The tea makers are mindful about adjusting the leaves to catch the sun at the right angle while allowing wind to blow under the leaves to cool them down. The loose-leaf teas are then finished by baking to dry with charcoal ash on bamboo trays, though if the sun is strong enough, the tea is dried by the sun. 

Learn more about White tea with our Tea Fundamentals.

About Our Wild Bai Hao Yin Zhen

Origin: Dian Tou + Pan Xi, Fu Ding, Fu Jian Province, China (~700-1000m elevation)

Bai Hao Yin Zhen means white hair silver needle and describes the appearance of the dry tea buds. It is often called Silver Needle tea in the West. White tea can mean the category of tea, or it can mean a tea that is lightly colored. Like all historically famous teas, this designation refers to the highest picking grade of white tea, coupled with being produced from specified locations. This style of tea often tastes light but exuberant, mellow but substantial with notes of sun-soaked cotton.

zheng yan
Aging Potential

White tea has aging potential. Young white teas are bright and crispy with notes of fresh hay and melon. As white tea ages, the profile becomes deeper with a rounded mouthfeel and notes of chamomile and chrysanthemum. The hallmark of well-aged white tea is the aroma of mead.

bai hao yin zhen
Tasting Notes

We find the wild 2020 vintage to be a particularly balanced tea. Light but still exuberant; mellow but still substantial. With notes of sun soaked cotton.

white tea farming
Share Our Passion

If you love this guided tasting, join us monthly with our Educational Tea Club! We deep dive into two teas a month over Zoom. You'll be able to participate live and ask question and taste the tea together with our community.

Example Curriculum

  Bai Hao Yin Zhen, Silver Needle, Dian Tou, Spring 2020
Available in days
days after you enroll

This course is closed for enrollment.

What You'll Need

To get the most out of this session, we advise having a gong fu brewing set up ready to brew along with. A Gai Wan, Fairness Pitcher, Strainer, and Three Sip Cup is recommended.

You can purchase a full gong fu brewing kit here.

gong fu brewing