At a glance: Organic Yin Zhen Silverneedle, a grand cru of silver buds from Fujian (Fuding, China). Steep 12–15 g/L at 70–80°C for 1.5 to 2 minutes to reveal its pale, luminous liquor with soft floral and milky notes.
Yin Zhen Silverneedle, literally Silver Needles, ranks among the most sought-after rare and exceptional teas in the world. This extraordinary white tea is composed entirely of hand-picked young buds, each coated in a fine silvery down that gives it its name.
Grown in China's Fujian province, in the Fuding region specifically, this Bai Hao Yinzhen embodies a centuries-old tradition of delicacy and patience. Its rarity comes from the brief spring harvest window and the meticulous selection of each individual bud.
The Aroma Profile of Yin Zhen Silverneedle
Visually, this grand cru is immediately striking: long, pale green needles draped in silky white down. Once steeped, they release a pale, almost crystalline liquor with soft golden hues.
On the palate, the first impression is one of enveloping softness. Milky notes open the cup, evoking fresh cream and vanilla sugar, before giving way to a subtle floral heart of honeysuckle and iris.
The finish is long and silky, with a gentle mineral sweetness and the lightest touch of green. Not a trace of bitterness disturbs this rare balance: this white tea is savoured like an aromatic caress.
To explore more rare Chinese teas, you may also enjoy our organic Tai Ping Hou Kui Superior, a green tea with spectacular leaves, or our Pu Erh Menghai 5 Years, with its deep, woody aromas.
How to Prepare Yin Zhen Silverneedle
Brewing this grand cru calls for gentleness and care. Water that is too hot, or an infusion left too long, will mask its most delicate aromas.
Water: choose a low-mineral water, freshly boiled and allowed to cool to between 70 and 80°C. Hard water will dull the floral finesse of the bud.
Quantity: use 12 to 15 g of leaves per litre. As the needles are voluminous, use a roomy infuser or a zhong (gaiwan) that gives them space to open fully.
Time: 1.5 to 2 minutes for the first infusion. This Bai Hao Yinzhen lends itself to several successive steepings: extend each infusion slightly to follow the evolution of its profile.
Accessories: a porcelain teapot, a zhong, or a clear glass vessel lets you watch the silver buds dance in the water, a small spectacle that is part of the pleasure.
Savour this Yin Zhen Silverneedle in a quiet moment, at any time of day, for a contemplative and refined tasting experience.
Storage
Keep your silver needles in an airtight, opaque container, away from light, heat, and strong odours. Well protected, this grand cru retains all its finesse for 18 to 24 months after opening.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Yin Zhen?
Yin Zhen, or Silver Needles, is a rare Chinese white tea composed entirely of young buds covered in a silvery down. Originating from Fujian, it is considered one of the rarest and most delicate teas in the world.
How do I brew Yin Zhen?
Use 12 to 15 g of leaves per litre, water at 70 to 80°C, and steep for 1.5 to 2 minutes. The buds can be re-steeped several times, extending the steeping time slightly with each pass.
What are the benefits of Yin Zhen?
Yin Zhen is above all a tea of pleasure, treasured for the delicacy of its milky and floral notes. It is a contemplative experience that invites you to slow down and be present to what you are tasting.
Where can I buy Yin Zhen?
Look for a specialist house that can guarantee Fuding origin, harvest freshness, and rigorous bud selection. Browse our rare and exceptional teas to explore our finest Chinese offerings.
Where does Yin Zhen come from?
This grand cru is grown in China, in Fujian province, and more precisely in the Fuding region, celebrated worldwide for its exceptional white teas with silvery buds.
