What’s the difference between Silver Needle and Shou Mei?
Silver Needle is pure bud, light and silky with melon and hay notes. Shou Mei uses larger leaves, often with stems, and tastes bolder — when aged it develops dried fruit and brown sugar.
Does white tea have caffeine?
Yes, a modest amount, typically less than green or black tea. A cup of Silver Needle contains about 20–30 mg of caffeine, depending on steeping time.
Can I cold brew white tea?
Absolutely. Place 5 g of leaves in a liter of cold water and refrigerate overnight. Silver Needle yields a crisp, honeydew-like infusion; aged Shòu Méi becomes richer.
How should I store white tea for long-term aging?
Keep the brick or loose leaves in an airtight, opaque container at room temperature with no direct sunlight. Avoid temperature swings. A cool pantry is ideal.
Why is white tea described as ‘least processed’?
White tea skips rolling, shaping, and kill-green steps. It undergoes only withering and drying, preserving the leaf’s natural compounds and creating its delicate, fresh character.
How many infusions can I get from these teas?
Silver Needle typically gives 4–5 infusions if brewed with short steeps. The aged brick can go 6 or more, with the richest flavor appearing in the third to fifth brews.