This tea grows wild in pristine natural conditions in the mountains near Zhenghe. Zhenghe white teas are known for their clean, pure flavor (relative to the sweeter, bolder whites of Fuding). Whereas a Fuding Dabai would also be characterized by brighter green leaves, the leaves of Zhenghe Dabai tend to be olive-green on one side and grayish black on the other.
Ya Ye Lian Zhi literally means "bud and leaf connected to the twig." This is tea in its rawest form. While Silver Needle contains exclusively the innermost buds (ya), Shou Mei contains exclusively outer leaves (ye), and White Peony (Bai Mudan) contains a mix, Ya Ye Lian Zhi, goes a step further, by including them all and the stem from which they sprout (zhi), straight off the plant and still in their natural arrangement.
This tea is fantastic. Dry, its leaves smell sweet. Wet, they smell spicy and rich, reminiscent of fields and the countryside. Its flavor is pure, clean, and perfectly balanced, and its qi is vibrant.
Lasts up to a dozen brews, after which it can be further brewed by placing the leaves directly in boiling water for a dark, sweet, rich, warming infusion.
Price is per 25 grams/0.88 ounces