chinese silver needle
(2 reviews)Chinese Silver Needle (Yin Zhen) is widely considered the best white tea in the world. It is a beauty to regard with the fuzzy buds. The light brew is a subtle and slightly sweet delight. Dry Leaves: There are no dry leaves in this tea, but rather the buds of the tea plant. The plant stockpiles goodness into the bud, for it is the plant's future. Inside the tiny silver needle is extra sugars, antioxidants, and even extra caffeine. The downy fuzz is made up of tricomes which help the immature bud to survive this cold cruel world. Liquor: Since there are no leaves, the liquor is a very pale yellow green, with sometimes a rose cast to it. The color may darken if the needle spent some extra time before it dried out. There might be a bit of oxidation occurring. Aroma: The aromas are light and might be overlooked. However, one can smell light sweetness mixed subtle vegetal notes, like wet sweet hay or cotton candy. There are also light floral notes of honeysuckle. Caffeine Level: Caffeinated Body: Silver Needle may have more body than other whites, but it is quite thin in comparison to most green or black teas. Flavors: If you are not paying attention, you might think you are drinking water. However, a bit of concentration brings out the light subtle sweetness, dulled with gentle vegetal flavors of steamed bok choy. Brewing Time: 2 to 3 minutes Brewing Temperature: 175° F