"Silver Needle" Bai Hao Yin Zhen White Tea

One warm summer evening, after long meditation, a young monk said dreamingly: 

— Ah, how I would love to have something warm yet refreshing, with a sweet taste and a light scent of soy milk. 

— This wish is easy to make happen, – answered the wise tea master Lao Cha. – Drink some Bai Hao Yin Zhen – Silver Needle White Tea.

Silver Needle White Tea in Chinese is called 'Bai Hao Yin Zhen.' Silver (Bai Hao) refers to the white fuzz on the tea leaves, while Needle (Yin Zhen) describes the appearance of the thick and straight tea buds, which have tips that are straight and sharp like needles. 

The first white teas were produced in Fuding, Fujian province. With Silver Needle being the first loose leaf white tea, produced in the early 1800s. 

Only the buds and tips are plucked, resulting in a gentle and light brew. It would be good to brew this Chinese white tea in a porcelain gaiwan or perhaps a glass teapot, to watch the buds dancing in the water and notice the pale brew.

Hot water arouses the delicate soy milk fragrance of the tea. Take a sip. The sweet aftertaste comes quickly and leaves a long-lasting tender aroma on the palate.