Silver Needle is a precious and exquisite drink within the category of white teas. When brewing Silver Needle, pay attention to three key factors: the amount of Tea used, water temperature, and brewing time. Mastering these elements will help you achieve a richer and more flavorful infusion.

Brewing Techniques for Silver Needle White Tea

There are two main considerations when brewing Silver Needle:

Firstly, the tea buds are long and delicate, so the water temperature should not be too high—around 90 degrees Celsius is suitable;

Secondly, this premium white tea is covered with fine white down. When pouring hot water, avoid direct contact with the tea buds by pouring along the side of the cup (or teapot). This has two benefits: it prevents damage to the appearance of the tea buds and avoids the tea soup becoming cloudy due to the loss of too much down, which would affect its aesthetic appeal.

The shape of Silver Needle tea may be slender and delicate, but because the tea buds are plump and full, they release flavors over a longer period and are highly resistant to over-brewing. Even after ten infusions, the tea still retains its color, though the flavor may become lighter. Nonetheless, you can still appreciate its lingering aftertaste.

Another secret to brewing Silver Needle is to leave about one-third of the tea soup in the cup when serving each round. This ensures that the new water added will carry on the original flavor profile.

The Three Key Factors in Brewing Silver Needle

1. Amount of Tea Used

Silver Needle is typically brewed in a Gaiwan or a glass cup. For a gaiwan, use about one-third of its capacity in dry tea leaves. A standard gaiwan holds around 120 milliliters, so 4-6 grams of dry tea is sufficient.

2. Water Temperature

The water temperature should neither be too high nor too low. Since Silver Needle consists entirely of tender buds, it is best to use water heated to approximately 90 degrees Celsius.

3. Brewing Time

This time can be adjusted for each infusion. For the first infusion, steep the tea for about 30 seconds, and increase the brewing time by five seconds for each subsequent infusion.

Silver Needle belongs to the category of white teas, one of the six major types of Chinese Tea. It is often referred to as the “beauty of teas” and “king of teas.” As it is made entirely from fresh tea buds, the finished tea resembles needles, covered in fine white down, hence its name. With a fresh aroma and a refreshing taste, it is considered the pinnacle of white teas, making the correct water temperature and brewing method essential.