W-CN-002

White Peony (Bai Mudan)

白牡丹

Bud and two leaves white, from Fujian, China.

White tea

White Peony (Bai Mudan) is strongest on sweetness, smoothness and aroma intensity. Typical tasting words: honeysuckle, peach, cut hay, honey. Originating in Shuiji and later Zhenghe, it became widely produced across northern Fujian as a fuller-bodied alternative to needle teas. A staple everyday white tea in southern China, loved for its balance of sweet buds and aromatic foliage.

Also known as Bai Mudan, Pai Mu Tan and White Peony.

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The profile

Taste, 0 to 5

sweetness4bitterness1astringency2umami1brightness2body3smoothness4aroma intensity4finish length3

Flavour families, 0 to 5

floral4fruity3vegetal1marine0nutty1toasty0malty0honey3spicy0woody0earthy0smoky0creamy0citrus0stone fruit2tropical0cocoa0caramel0

Facts

Origin: Fujian, China
Plant: Camellia sinensis var. sinensis, Fuding Dabaicha or Zhenghe Dabaicha
Harvest: spring first flush
Elevation: mid
Oxidation: 8 to 15%
Roast: unroasted
Leaf: bud and leaf
Price band: mid-range
Availability: everywhere
Ageing: worthwhile
Forgiving to brew: 5 of 5
L-theanine: moderate

Made by: plucking, then withering, then drying.

Caffeine

A cup of White Peony (Bai Mudan) carries a typical estimate of 38 mg of caffeine, within a range of 25 to 50 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	80 to 85 °C	3 min, 4 min, 5 min
Gongfu, 100 ml	4.5 g	85 to 90 °C	20 s, 25 s, 35 s, 50 s, 75 s, 100 s
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
afternoon
relaxing
social

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