Yin Zhen – Silver Needle Tea – highest grade loose leaf tea – online sale

A White tea of incomparable quality. White tea is created when only the unopened leaf buds are picked rather than the leaves themselves. These buds are often covered with a fine, white, downy covering (like tiny hairs) giving the silvery appearance associated with white teas. The younger and smaller the leaves picked, the sweeter the taste and the more sought after the tea. Yin Zhen however, is no ordinary white tea. Yin Zhen is made up of only the topmost bud from the youngest part of the plant, from only certain bushes deemed to be of high enough quality. This tea is only allowed by Chinese botanists to be picked on two days of the year deemed to be auspicious enough. The plucking is carried out in the pre-dawn darkness while the dew still sits fresh on the unopened buds. The buds are completely unprocessed apart from the air drying process. People used to the strong taste of Assam style black teas may barely notice its subtle aroma and taste. Green tea aficionados will at once recognise its delicate refinement. To fully appreciate Yin Zhen, one must be aware of the slight change in texture felt on the palate after each mouthful, and a freshening of the breath. Drinking Yin Zhen means drinking the goodness of leaves opening at the very instant of brewing and therefore at their absolute peak. The benefits of Yin Zhen are vast much in the same vein as green teas, but more so. The name Yin Zhen means silver needle as the tea is silvery in colour, and the buds when unfurled are long and narrow like needles. There are many Chinese legends surrounding this tea of the emperors but it is explanatory enough to say this is a “once in a lifetime” tea. There are many claims about the positive effects on cancer patients. Use approx 1 teaspoon (2g) per cup and adjust quantity to suit personal taste. Our quality loose leaf white tea blends can be infused many times without loss of flavour, so great value. Best served without milk. Add sugar or honey to sweeten. Or even a slice of lemon.

Available in Small pack (10g): Large pack (40g); Bulk pack (120g)