SCAFTEA
2022 Fuding First Spring Picked silver needle white tea福鼎頭採白毫銀針
Description:
This 2022 First Harvest Silver Needle comes from the high-mountain ecological tea gardens of Fuding, Fujian, at an altitude of over 600 meters. The region enjoys a mild climate with year-round humidity and abundant mist, while the mineral-rich soil provides the ideal environment for tea growth. Located at 27°N latitude, Fuding benefits from a unique maritime climate, which contributes to the refreshing sweetness and elegant aroma of Silver Needle white tea.
Silver Needle white tea is made from the Fuding Dabaihao (Fuding Big White Tea) cultivar, renowned for its plump buds, abundant silvery-white hairs, and high amino acid content. These natural compounds enhance the tea’s sweetness and umami taste while delivering a signature floral-fruity fragrance.
The First Harvest Silver Needle refers to the earliest spring buds, meticulously handpicked when they are plump, uniform, and covered in fine silvery-white hairs. It takes nearly 50,000 fresh buds to produce just 500 grams of dry tea, making this tea extremely precious due to its limited harvesting window and high labor requirement.
Silver Needle white tea undergoes a minimalist, natural micro-fermentation process, preserving its original flavors and rich nutritional content:
- Withering: The freshly harvested buds are naturally withered on bamboo trays in a well-ventilated environment. No rolling, no pan-firing, allowing the tea to lose moisture slowly while retaining its fresh sweetness.
- Drying: Once the buds reach the optimal moisture level, they are slowly dried over low heat, which enhances the aroma and improves the tea’s aging potential.
This traditional processing technique gives Silver Needle its slender, needle-like shape covered in silvery-white hairs, along with a pure, delicate aroma and a naturally sweet, refreshing taste—a tea that embodies both beauty and elegance.
The 2022 First Harvest Silver Needle brews into a crystal-clear, pale golden liquor with a silky-smooth texture and a refreshing sweetness. The initial sip reveals a prominent silvery-fuzz aroma with hints of floral and fruity notes, followed by a gradually unfolding sweetness that coats the palate with a lingering aftertaste. There is a subtle bamboo-leaf freshness, and the tea’s long-lasting huigan (returning sweetness) makes it an exceptionally smooth and enjoyable experience. As the infusion progresses, the tea becomes even sweeter, showcasing the unique aging potential of Fuding white tea.
Brewing Tips | Light Brewing for a Sweet and Smooth Taste
- Water Temperature: 85-90°C (185-194°F)
- Teaware: Best enjoyed in a glass cup or gaiwan, allowing you to observe the tea buds gracefully unfurl.
- Tea-to-Water Ratio: 4-5g per 150ml
- Brewing Method: Use lower-temperature water and quick infusions to highlight the tea’s fresh and sweet character.
Product information:
Brand Name: SCAFTEA
Tea Leaf Origin: Fuding, Ning De City, Fujian Province, China
Pick Date: 2022
Tea Type: White Tea
Aroma: floral and fruit
Reasons for Recommendation:
- Aroma Enthusiasts: Appreciate the delicate floral-fruity fragrance and evolving flavors.
- Wellness Seekers: Rich in polyphenols and amino acids, this tea is gentle on the stomach and suitable for daily consumption.
- Tea Collectors: With high-quality first-harvest buds, this Silver Needle develops richer flavors over time, making it an excellent choice for aging.