In the late 19th century, Fuding began producing Silver Needles from its new Dai Bai (Big White) tea cultivar. Zhenghe, Fujian, soon followed suit. Fuding Silver Needles (a.k.a. North Road Silver Needles) generally have a lighter color while Zhenghe Silver Needles (a.k.a. South Road Silver Needles) are darker. Here is a Fuding Bai Hao Yin Zhen.
The name Silver Needles or Yin Zhen refers to the young buds covered in silver fuzzy hairs that prevent water loss and deter bugs. The buds also contain more glucose and nutrients to help them mature into leaves. The buds are painstakingly plucked and minimally processed into Silver Needle white teas.
Silver Needle white teas have become very popular in recent years. Consequently, many tea gardens in and outside China started to make their versions of Sliver Needles (e.g., Kenya White Whisper and Sri Lanka Adam's Peak). This white tea is a version made in Fu'an in Fujian, southwest of Fuding and southeast of Zhenghe.
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| White Downy Silver Needles |
Type: White Producing Country: China Preparation: 85°C 3 Min
Dry Leaf: These needles appear to be thin but still hairy.
Wet Leaf: The wet needles are long and slim, with straw and dried fruit aromas.
Liquor: The tea is yellow in color. It stays long in the mouth. It is straw-herbaceous, apricot-fruity, licorice-sweet and jasmine-floral at the end.
Tee Score: 4 out of 5
