W-CN-001

Silver Needle (Baihao Yinzhen)

白毫银针

Bud-only white, from Fujian, China.

White tea

Silver Needle (Baihao Yinzhen) is strongest on smoothness, sweetness and floral. Typical tasting words: honeysuckle, cucumber, nectar, apricot. Developed in Fuding and Zhenghe counties during the late Qing dynasty, initially reserved for export and royal tributes. Often prepared in clear glassware to showcase the dense downy buds suspended vertically in water.

Also known as Baihao Yinzhen, Silver Needle and Yinzhen.

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The profile

Taste, 0 to 5

sweetness4bitterness0astringency1umami2brightness2body2smoothness5aroma intensity3finish length3

Flavour families, 0 to 5

floral4fruity2vegetal1marine0nutty0toasty0malty0honey3spicy0woody0earthy0smoky0creamy1citrus0stone fruit2tropical0cocoa0caramel0

Facts

Origin: Fujian, China
Plant: Camellia sinensis var. sinensis, Fuding Dabaicha or Zhenghe Dabaicha
Harvest: early spring first flush
Elevation: mid
Oxidation: 5 to 10%
Roast: unroasted
Leaf: needle
Price band: premium
Availability: common
Ageing: worthwhile
Forgiving to brew: 5 of 5
L-theanine: moderate

Made by: plucking, then indoor and sun withering, then gentle baking.

Caffeine

A cup of Silver Needle (Baihao Yinzhen) carries a typical estimate of 35 mg of caffeine, within a range of 25 to 45 mg depending on leaf amount, water temperature and steeping time. Figures are estimates for a 240 ml cup. Better earlier in the day if you are sensitive to caffeine. The caffeine planner turns this into a daily total.

How to brew it

Method	Leaf	Water	Steeps
Western, 250 ml	3 g	75 to 85 °C	3 min, 4 min, 5 min
Gongfu, 100 ml	4.5 g	80 to 90 °C	25 s, 30 s, 45 s, 60 s, 90 s, 2 min
Cold brew, 250 ml	3 g	Fridge	8 to 12 hours

Up to 7 infusions. Scale for your own pot with the brew calculator.

Drinking it

morning
afternoon
morning
relaxing
meditation

Pairs with pastry, fruit and salads. Milk: no. Iced: yes. Sweetener: no. Good for beginners: yes.