This tea grows wild in pristine natural conditions in the mountains near Zhenghe. Zhenghe white teas are known for their clean, pure flavor. The trees from which this tea is harvested grow wild in a secluded area of the mountains, with pure air and clean water. The biodiversity of the tea's natural environment contributes to the complexity of its flavor, and the pristine, water and air contribute to its clean, pure flavor.
These trees produce far less tea than those that are farmed, making their leaves far more prized. White Peony is a mixture of outer leaves and innermost bud leaves, known as "silver needles" for their long, pointed shape and the fact that they are still covered in silver fuzz. Each tree produces an extremely limited quantity of these silver needles each year. Thus, only a very small amount of this tea can be produced each year. The wild growing conditions also make this tea incredibly labor-intensive to harvest, as much of the tea can only be reached by pushing through the thickets on the hillside. The limited quantities combined with the labor-intensive harvest and pristine growing conditions contribute to the value and rarity of this tea.
This tea has a beautiful blend of silver buds and small, vibrant green leaves. Dry, its leaves smell sweet, bright, and slightly tart. Wet, its leaves have a spicy aroma. Its flavor is earthy and woodsy, with a countryside farmhouse element that many whites carry. Its personality is sedate, yet it hits the tongue with force. It is heavily vegetal and savory, fading to sweet and slightly tart as its brews progress.
Lasts a dozen or more brews.
These trees produce far less tea than those that are farmed, making their leaves far more prized. White Peony is a mixture of outer leaves and innermost bud leaves, known as "silver needles" for their long, pointed shape and the fact that they are still covered in silver fuzz. Each tree produces an extremely limited quantity of these silver needles each year. Thus, only a very small amount of this tea can be produced each year. The wild growing conditions also make this tea incredibly labor-intensive to harvest, as much of the tea can only be reached by pushing through the thickets on the hillside. The limited quantities combined with the labor-intensive harvest and pristine growing conditions contribute to the value and rarity of this tea.
This tea has a beautiful blend of silver buds and small, vibrant green leaves. Dry, its leaves smell sweet, bright, and slightly tart. Wet, its leaves have a spicy aroma. Its flavor is earthy and woodsy, with a countryside farmhouse element that many whites carry. Its personality is sedate, yet it hits the tongue with force. It is heavily vegetal and savory, fading to sweet and slightly tart as its brews progress.
Lasts a dozen or more brews.
Price is per 50 grams/1.76 ounces