Fuding Silver Needle | white tea

The journey of this extraordinary Silver Needle begins with time-honored traditions: sun withering, meticulous handcrafting, and an unyielding commitment to excellence. Imagine a tea so rare and refined that it embodies both the ancient wisdom of Chinese tea masters and the relentless pursuit of perfection.

In a quaint village nestled among the rolling hills of Fujian, Mr. Ling and his partner, childhood friends turned tea artisans, carry forward a legacy of craftsmanship. Unlike many modern producers who rush their tea to market, they adhere to a slow, deliberate process that infuses their Silver Needle with a character all its own. Each bud is handpicked from 30-50-year-old tea trees, their fat, furry tips promising something truly exceptional.

The buds are gently laid out in single layers under the sun, their delicate aroma blending with the warmth of the day. Over 60 hours, the tea slowly develops its complex flavors, a prelude to the true mastery that awaits. Once the tea is perfectly withered, it rests in a special room for an additional week, allowing the green notes to fully evolve into a richer, nuttier profile. Each day, the buds are turned with care, a ritual that ensures even development.

The drying process is equally meticulous. The buds are baked at a controlled temperature of 50 degrees Celsius until they reach the perfect dryness. They then rest in double wrappings for three months, preserving their delicate nature. Finally, the pièce de résistance: the charcoal roasting. Over the course of six hours, at a temperature akin to body warmth, the buds are transformed. The result is a tea with a deep, warm flavor, velvety smooth texture, and a subtle stickiness that hints at its aging potential.

Honey roasted almonds
The nutty undertones of the tea harmonize beautifully with the caramelized sweetness and subtle crunch of honey roasted almonds.

Warm brie cheese with fig jam
The creamy texture of Brie and the fruity richness of fig jam complement the tea's smoothness and delicate sweetness.

Poached pears with vanilla
The gentle flavors of poached pears and a hint of vanilla provide a sweet and mellow balance to the tea’s refined profile.

Lemon shortbread cookies
The zesty brightness of lemon shortbread enhances the tea's warm, nutty notes, creating a delightful contrast.

Steamed scallops with ginger sauce
The delicate seafood and ginger sauce bring out the tea’s floral and subtle spice notes, offering an elegant pairing.

Temperature

Tea weight

Water amount

Steeping time

95 °C

3 gram

500ml

3 min (you can resteep 2 times)