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Ying Zhen Silver Needle Tea

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£8.02
Availability: In stock
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Description

Ying Zhen Silver Needle Tea, an exquisite variety of white tea, is renowned for its delicate flavour and aesthetic appeal. Hailing from the Fujian province of China, it's characterised by its unique appearance, resembling silver needles.

The buds of the tea plant are carefully hand-picked during the spring season, ensuring the premium quality of the tea. Ying Zhen Silver Needle tea is esteemed for its subtle yet complex flavour profile, offering a fresh, sweet aroma with hints of floral undertones.

The experience of sipping this esteemed tea extends beyond taste, immersing one into a traditional luxury that has been treasured over centuries.

What is Ying Zhen Silver Needle Tea and the History

Often referred to merely as Silver Needle, is the crème de la crème of white teas, distinguished by its needle-like appearance and silvery hue. It is one of China's Ten Famous Teas, a list that showcases the country's most revered tea varieties.

This loose leaf tea is meticulously selected, handpicked predominantly during the last weeks of March when the fresh buds have just begun to reveal their tender, needle-like shape.

The history of Ying Zhen Silver Needle Tea dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907), where it was cultivated as a tribute tea for the emperor. However, it was not until the Song Dynasty (960-1279) when the method of processing the tea into its distinctive silver needle shape was perfected.

Over time, the production of Silver Needle Tea expanded from the original Fuding and Zhenghe areas of Fujian province to other regions of China.

This tea's exalted status is derived not just from its refined taste and elegant appearance, but also from its rich history and cultural significance. The care and precision that go into every step of the cultivation and production process make every cup of Ying Zhen Silver Needle Tea a testament to the tradition and craftsmanship of Chinese tea culture.

Step-by-Step Brewing Guide

Before we dive into the brewing process, it's crucial to note that the water temperature, quantity of Loose Leaf Tea, and steeping time play an essential role in the final taste of your brew. Here's a step-by-step guide to brewing Ying Zhen Silver Needle Tea:

  1. Heat the Water: Start by heating the water to a temperature between 70-80°C. A higher temperature could over-extract the delicate flavours and cause bitterness.
  2. Prepare the Tea Leaves: Measure 5 grams (teaspoon) of Ying Zhen Silver Needle tea leaves for every 150ml of water. This ratio will ensure a balanced brew, allowing the subtle flavours to shine.
  3. Preheat Your Teapot: Next, preheat your teapot or gaiwan by pouring a small amount of hot water in and swirling it around before discarding it. Preheating helps to maintain the water temperature during the brewing process.
  4. Steep the Tea: Place the tea leaves in the preheated teapot and pour the heated water over them. Allow the tea to steep for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Appreciate the Leaves: While your tea is steeping, take a moment to appreciate the beautiful transformation of the silver needle leaves as they infuse the water with their delicate flavour.
  6. Pour and Enjoy: After 2-3 minutes, your tea is ready to be savoured! Pour the tea into your cup, taking care not to disturb the leaves in case you want to conduct a second infusion.
  7. Second Infusion (Optional): Good quality Ying Zhen Silver Needle Tea can be infused multiple times, with each subsequent infusion revealing a new facet of its complex flavour profile. Simply repeat Steps 4-6 for a second brew, extending the steeping time by 1 minute for each additional infusion.

Remember, the true artistry of brewing tea lies in adjusting these steps to suit your taste preferences. Happy brewing!

Tasting Notes: Offering a delightfully smooth flavor accompanied by a subtle hint of smokiness in its aftertaste.

Caffeine Content: Containing approximately 15-35mg of caffeine per cup.

Benefits of Ying Zhen Silver Needle Tea

In addition to its exquisite taste, it is celebrated for its many health benefits. This includes aiding digestion and boosting immunity, as well as helping to lower cholesterol levels.

The high antioxidant content of this tea can help protect the body from free radical damage, reducing the risk of diseases such as cancer and heart disease. It also contains vitamins and minerals that help to nourish the body and promote healthy skin.

What's more, the natural sweetness of Silver Needle Tea makes it a delicious alternative to sugary drinks like soda or energy drinks - without sacrificing any flavour!

Learn more about this type of tea by reading our articlle, White Tea Benefits.

For those looking for a tea that can offer more than just a pleasant taste, Ying Zhen Silver Needle Tea is the perfect choice. Its long-standing history, elegant appearance, and myriad health benefits make it an ideal accompaniment to any tea lover's collection.

Reviews
4.7 / 5
  1. A regular purchase make a lovely breakfast brew.

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  2. A delicious and delicate tea.

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  3. Super Service, Excellent product

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  4. My favourite tea, definitely will purchase again.

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  5. Refreshing, delicate tea, perfect for after lunch.

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  6. One of the best Silver Needle teas I've tried!

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  7. I bought some Ying Zhen Silver Needle tea with my usual order of Mulberry Leaf Tea. Both are truly delicious and refreshing. The smoky flavour of the Silver Needle is perfect during the hot days, particularly after a meal.

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  9. Excellent tea. The best silver needle I have come across so far. It has a delicate, slightly peachy taste with a nice smoky finish. Highly recommended.

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  10. Понравился.

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