At a glance: An organic Kunming white tea built on a Pai Mu Tan and a green Chun Mee, scented with lavender, rosemary and lemon. Steep at 70-80°C for 2-3 min, using 12-15 g/L.
Kunming is a blend created in-house at Thés & Traditions, conceived as an aromatic pause between the softness of Pai Mu Tan and the brightness of a green Chun Mee. Over this base of delicate leaves and buds, we've layered a floral, herbaceous framework: lavender, rosemary, cornflower blossoms and a clean thread of lemon. The result is a clear, refined cup with a surprisingly fresh character.
This creation appeals equally to fans of traditional white tea and those drawn to contemporary flavoured profiles. Julien Huot, founder of Thés & Traditions, composed this blend to offer a luminous, approachable and elegant tasting experience. Explore our other exceptional white teas to continue the aromatic journey with other creations from the same family.
The aromatic profile of Kunming
On the nose, lavender announces itself first, followed closely by the freshness of lemon. It's a very clear, almost sun-drenched fragrance, reminiscent of a herb garden in late morning. Rosemary lingers in the background, a greener, more resinous note with an almost Mediterranean quality.
On the palate, the Pai Mu Tan base delivers a silky texture, lightly sweet, with its characteristic notes of fresh hay and downy bud. The Chun Mee brings structure: a more pronounced vegetal edge, almost sloe-like, that keeps the cup from tipping into sweetness. Lavender holds the heart of the tasting, with lemon adding lift and definition.
The finish is long and herbaceous, with a very distinct floral return. The cornflower blossoms, present for the beauty of the leaf, add a bluish visual accent that contrasts beautifully with the pale green of the infusion. The liquor is golden, almost luminous in a clear cup.
The ingredients that make up this blend:
- Organic Pai Mu Tan: a classic white tea with downy leaves, bringing softness, roundness and notes of fresh hay.
- Organic Chun Mee: a green tea with rolled buds, lightly astringent, that structures the cup and holds everything together.
- Organic lavender: the quintessential Mediterranean flower, floral and soothing, that defines the character of the blend.
- Organic rosemary: a herbaceous, resinous note, subtle but essential.
- Natural lemon flavouring and organic lime essential oil: the citrus freshness that brightens the cup.
- Organic cornflower blossoms: a visual floral touch, vivid blue against the pale green of the leaves.
If you enjoy white tea blends with a fruitier signature, try our exotic white tea, which plays on richer tropical notes. You might also love our Vanilla Rose for something softer and more indulgent.
How to brew Kunming
White tea is a delicate family that calls for cooler water than black tea. Our guide on how to brew white tea will help you get the best from this blend: the leaves open gently without overwhelming the floral aromas or drawing too much bitterness from the Chun Mee.
Our recommended brewing parameters:
- Water temperature: 70 to 80°C (never boiling)
- Dosage: 12 to 15 g per litre, roughly a heaped tablespoon for a 500 ml teapot
- Steeping time: 2 to 3 minutes, depending on the strength you prefer
- Water: filtered or low-mineral, to preserve the delicate notes
To hit the right temperature without a thermometer, simply let boiled water rest off the heat for 3 to 4 minutes, or use a temperature-controlled kettle. A glass or porcelain teapot works best, letting the pale golden colour of the infusion shine through without interfering with the aromatic profile.
This blend holds up well to two successive steeps. The second, slightly longer (3-4 minutes), draws out more of the white tea base and softens the lavender signature. It also makes a wonderful cold brew: steep overnight in the fridge (10 g/L for 8 to 12 hours) for a summer drink of remarkable freshness. A perfect way to savour Kunming's aromatic depth on a warm day.
Storage
To preserve the delicacy of this blend, store it in an airtight tin away from light, moisture and strong odours. An opaque metal caddy kept in a dry cupboard is ideal. Avoid the fridge, where condensation can form and dull the floral notes. Consumed within 18 months of opening, Kunming retains all its vibrancy.
Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of white tea?
White tea is one of the most delicate members of the Camellia sinensis family. It is traditionally associated with a natural supply of polyphenols and catechins. According to the EFSA, tea polyphenols contribute to the protection of cells against oxidative stress. For a deeper dive, visit our dedicated guide to the benefits of white tea.
How do you brew white tea?
White tea is brewed at a low temperature, between 70 and 80°C, for 2 to 3 minutes, at a ratio of 12 to 15 g per litre. Water that is too hot scalds the buds and amplifies bitterness. Use filtered, low-mineral water to reveal the full finesse of the liquor.
What white tea should you buy in Kunming?
Kunming has long been a historic hub of the tea trade, where countless varieties converge. Our Kunming blend captures that spirit of aromatic crossroads: a composition of Pai Mu Tan, Chun Mee, lavender, rosemary and lemon, crafted in our workshop. To learn more, visit the complete guide to white tea.
What are the main varieties of white tea?
The principal white tea families include Bai Hao Yin Zhen (silver needles, buds only), Pai Mu Tan (white peony, leaves and buds), Gong Mei and Shou Mei. Our Kunming blend is built on a Pai Mu Tan, chosen for its roundness and fresh hay notes.
Where does white tea come from?
White tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, whose young shoots are simply withered and dried, with no significant oxidation. This minimal process preserves as much natural aroma as possible, giving the cup its delicate, almost crystalline character.
Sources
Information on polyphenols and oxidative stress is drawn from the scientific opinions of the EFSA and the ANSES. For further research on tea compounds, see the references available on PubMed.
