In the variety of white teas, Shoumei is relatively simple and unadorned.

It lacks plump, robust buds or a cloak of fine white down; there are no embracing buds and leaves or an abundance of floral fragrance. At first glance, Shoumei resembles scattered leaves—dry and brittle, not particularly attractive or stunning, yet it's low-key, rich in character, rustic, and approachable.

It is suitable for beginners and can also meet the needs of seasoned Tea drinkers as their everyday tea. Why start drinking White Tea with Shoumei? Here are three reasons:

Reason One: Shoumei is Easy to Understand

Silver Needle is the “white moonlight” in many tea enthusiasts' hearts, and some new tea drinkers have a particular obsession with it. Its plump and stout bud, covered in white down, is silver-like and snowy. Who wouldn't like something so exquisitely beautiful?

However, for beginners, Silver Needle is not easy to understand. Without a certain level of tea-drinking experience, a novice would only find Silver Needle to be slightly sweet water, finding it difficult to appreciate its downy aroma and clear essence.

▲Silver Needle

A delicate yet not insubstantial white tea like Silver Needle requires a slower pace and careful savoring to discover its unique charm.

In contrast, Shoumei is more accessible and better suited for beginners.

Shoumei has more leaves and longer stems, which contain abundant pectin substances and soluble sugars. As boiling water infuses these, the internal contents release into the tea, resulting in a thick and robust infusion that is clear and sweet, full and rich.

After three years or more of aging, Shoumei becomes even more remarkable, with increased depth and sweetness. When brewing it in a Teapot, you can smell rich jujube and aged aromas, warm and bright scents that even a newcomer who has never tried white tea before will willingly accept and become enamored with.

While nature endowed Silver Needle with abundant amino acids, giving off a rich downy aroma, it also gifted Shoumei with a refreshing fragrance, ample pectin, and a richer interior that deepens over time.

▲Spring Shoumei 2025

Compared to other white tea varieties, Shoumei is easier for new tea enthusiasts to accept and understand.

Reason Two: Shoumei is Easy to Brew

Brewing tea can be simple or complex, and even today, many tea enthusiasts are not well-versed in brewing white tea.

For example, they might not be able to bring out the downy aroma and honey-like essence of Silver Needle, or the floral fragrance of Bai Mudan, sometimes producing a bitter taste that makes the tea less refreshing; or using inappropriate teaware, brewing strange flavors.

In short, they make the white tea less enjoyable to drink.

However, Shoumei is different. With more stems and leaves, after long-term aging, it is rich in substance and has a mild nature, making it suitable for various types of teaware. Even a beginner wouldn't brew a bitter and astringent infusion.

A somewhat skilled tea enthusiast, by simply mastering the timing of pouring out the tea, can brew a sweet, soft, and smooth infusion of aged Shoumei, without any bitterness or astringency. Shoumei is especially suitable for newcomers to brew.

The wax layer on the surface of Shoumei leaves acts like a natural barrier, slowing down the release of tea flavors. Thus, even if accidentally left to steep for a few extra seconds, the infusion won't become overly bitter or astringent, rendering it undrinkable.

Additionally, the flavonoids, pectins, and soluble sugars in the stems of aged Shoumei add richness and sweetness to the infusion. Not only is it easy to understand but also simple to brew. Among all white teas, Shoumei stands out as an entry-level tea, and this is not without reason.

Reason Three: Shoumei Offers High Value for Money

When we shop, under similar quality, most people prefer high value for money. Buying tea is no exception. Under comparable quality, Shoumei is indeed cheaper than Silver Needle and Bai Mudan.

One reason Shoumei can offer a friendly price is due to its large production volume. Shoumei is harvested at the same time as other white teas, during both spring and autumn seasons.

During the entire spring tea season, tea farmers spend over half the time picking Spring Shoumei. The autumn season is even more focused on Shoumei, from White Dew through Cold Dew.

Moreover, Shoumei is picked during the most suitable times for tea growth, with appropriate temperature, precipitation, and weather conditions, allowing its production to far exceed that of Silver Needle and Bai Mudan. With sufficient production, Shoumei's price is much more affordable compared to the extremely expensive Silver Needle and the relatively pricey Bai Mudan.

However, don't assume that because Shoumei has a large production volume, it is a low-end tea that's not worth presenting. Shoumei from the same region enjoys the same “temperature, light, water, air, and soil” as other teas. High-quality Shoumei has limitless value and gradually reveals its brilliance over time.

Often, mere low prices do not necessarily represent high value for money. Only when both quality and price excel does a tea truly offer high value for money. Therefore, to buy white tea with high value for money, two points should be considered:

First, choose the right type based on your own needs;

Second, seize the right opportunity to buy at the most suitable price.

The best time to purchase Shoumei is just before the new spring teas hit the market. At this time, stock up on new teas and store them well. After several years, the quality of Shoumei will undergo significant changes, and its price will rise dramatically.

With such high value for money, excellent quality, and reasonable pricing, why not give Shoumei a try?

Though Shoumei is affordable and accessible, there are many options available, distinguished by season, solar term, and form.

Firstly, there is the commonly seen and heard Spring Shoumei and Autumn Shoumei. By harvest time, it can be further divided into Grain Rain Shoumei, Late Spring Shoumei, Beginning of Autumn Shoumei, White Dew Shoumei, Autumnal Equinox Shoumei, Cold Dew Shoumei, and in certain special years, Frost's Descent Shoumei.

Different Shoumeis have distinct flavors, so Shoumei is not a low-end tea but rather a treasure worthy of appreciation!