Organic White Tea Yin Zhen "Silver Needles" Silverneedle

What is Yin Zhen? An introduction to this exceptional white tea

Bai Hao Yin Zhen, more commonly known as white tea yin zhen silver needle, is one of the most prestigious and rare products in the world. What immediately distinguishes it is its unique appearance: long, slender buds covered with silvery down that gives them the poetic nickname of silver needles.

Unlike other varieties, it is exclusively composed of buds, not developed leaves. These young shoots, picked before they bloom, are wrapped in fine white down which gives them this distinctive appearance and the nickname silver with white down.

Origin and cultivation of Yin Zhen: a unique terroir

The authentic harvest is grown exclusively in the Fujian province, located on China's southeastern coast. More specifically, the mountainous regions of Fuding and Zhenghe in the northeast of the province produce the finest vintages. This mountainous terroir offers ideal conditions: high altitude (between 500 and 1,200 meters), frequent morning mists, mild climate, and abundant rainfall.

Meticulous harvesting and processing

Yin Zhen is a rare tea that also stands out for its exceptionally demanding production process. Harvesting takes place exclusively in early spring, generally between late March and early April, over a very short period of just a few days. Only the most perfect young shoots are selected, and only on rain-free, ideally sunny days.

This selective harvest explains why it is so expensive: it takes nearly 40,000 buds to produce a single kilogram. Once picked, the buds are spread in the shade for natural wilting that lasts several hours, then gently dried.

Sensory characteristics: a precious and delicate infusion

Even before brewing, it captivates with its distinctive appearance. The dried young shoots resemble fine straight needles, about 3 to 4 centimeters long, entirely covered with silvery down that gives them a silky and precious appearance. The scent of the dry leaves is surprisingly subtle: notes of fresh hay and honey blend with floral touches reminiscent of lotus flower and jasmine.

A crystalline infusion and unmatched taste

Once brewed, this product develops a very pale, almost transparent liquor with silvery reflections. This exceptional clarity contributes to its "white" nickname and testifies to its purity.

On the palate, it is characterized by natural sweetness and a complete absence of bitterness or astringency. The floral notes are accompanied by fruity flavors reminiscent of white melon, pear, and sometimes a touch of honey. Its texture is remarkably silky, almost oily, and leaves a refreshing sensation.

A distinctive feature of Zhen is its ability to evolve through successive infusions. While the first infusion generally reveals dominant floral notes, subsequent infusions can reveal more complex nuances of white-fleshed fruits and gentle herbs. For connoisseurs, it's this evolution that makes this product a particularly captivating choice.

How to properly prepare and taste Yin Zhen?

For optimal tasting, temperature is crucial to avoid altering the aromas. To be properly brewed, this product ideally requires water between 75 and 80°C. Infusing at too high a temperature risks extracting bitterness, while too low a temperature would not allow the aromas to fully develop.

The recommended steeping time is between 1.5 and 2 minutes for the first infusion. Subsequent infusions can be gradually extended by 30 seconds.