Country of Origin: China    Grade: Silver Needle Superior

Manufacture Type: White Tea Infusion: A shimmering clear infusion

Cup Characteristics: A delicate lingering fragrance and a fresh mellow sweet taste devoid of astringency or grassy flavor.

Information: Silver Needle White Tea is the top grade available and very rare - hence its high cost. You will see two intact grayish white leaves that surround a silver bud. The two leaves and a bud that adhere to the stem in a uniform manner are covered with a silvery white down. These are the rules for picking Peony White Tea:

- Only picked between March 15 and April 10.

- Not picked on days that may be raining

- Not picked if the dew has not dried or if there is frost on the ground

- No purple buds allowed and the stems must not be too long or too short.

- Leaves damaged by wind, handling, insects or partially open are rejected and put into a lower grade.

The western cosmetic industry has recently discovered the benefits of white tea. In addition to its anticancer properties, tea has a calming and detoxifying effect on the skin. White tea is especially potent in that it is has three times as many antioxidant polyphenols as green or black tea and has been shown to be 100% more effective in mopping up free radicals that cause skin to sag. Some of the world’s top cosmetic companies are becoming very interested in white tea for skin creams and the result is that high grade white tea is becoming even more rare than before.

Hot tea brewing method: When preparing by the cup, this tea can be used repeatedly - about 3 times. The secret is to use water that is about 180’F or 80’C. Place about 10-15 silver tips into your cup and let the tea steep for 3 minutes. Then begin enjoying a cup of enchantment - do not remove the leaves from the cup. Once the water level is low - add more water, and so on - until the tea flavor is exhausted.