Available in stock (193)
Delicate wildflowers, sweet honeydew melon, fresh hay and an exceptionally silky finish. Discover the quiet elegance of our Organic Silver Needle White Tea, a premium loose-leaf Chinese white tea made from tender early-spring buds grown in Yunnan Province.
Known as Bai Hao Yin Zhen (白毫银针), Silver Needle is one of the most celebrated styles of Chinese white tea. Its name means “White Hair Silver Needle”, referring to the slender unopened buds covered in fine, silvery-white hairs.
These beautiful buds are the heart of the tea. Carefully selected during the first spring growth, they are gently withered and dried to develop a refined infusion that is fragrant, smooth and naturally sweet.
In the cup, our Yunnan Silver Needle reveals a soft floral aroma with notes of wildflowers, orchid, honeydew melon and fresh meadow hay. Its delicate sweetness is complemented by a creamy, velvety mouthfeel and a clean, lingering finish.
Unlike stronger black teas or grassy green teas, Silver Needle offers subtle layers of flavour that reward slower drinking. It is an excellent choice for anyone who appreciates gentle floral teas, premium Chinese loose-leaf tea or the beauty of traditional white tea preparation.
Enjoy it in a glass teapot to watch the silver buds slowly open, or brew it in a porcelain gaiwan for a series of delicate, aromatic infusions.
Tea Name: Organic Silver Needle White Tea
Chinese Name: Bai Hao Yin Zhen (白毫银针)
Tea Category: Chinese White Tea
Origin: Yunnan Province, China
Leaf Selection: Tender, Unopened Spring Buds
Harvest Season: Early Spring
Appearance: Slender Silver-White, Downy Buds
Processing: Withered and Gently Dried
Aroma: Wildflowers, Orchid, Honeydew Melon and Fresh Hay
Flavour: Delicate Floral Sweetness and Soft Melon Notes
Body: Light to Medium
Mouthfeel: Creamy, Smooth and Silky
Finish: Clean, Gentle and Lingering
Western Brewing: 2g / 150–200ml / 75–80°C / 3–5 Minutes
Gongfu Brewing: 4–5g / 100–120ml / 80–85°C / 20–30 Seconds Initially
Pack Sizes: 50g, 125g and 250g
Caffeine: Naturally Contains Caffeine
Silver Needle is a tea for those who appreciate delicate flavour, beautiful leaves and careful craftsmanship. Its character begins with the selection of tender spring buds and develops through the restrained processing used for traditional white tea.
The result is a beautifully balanced white tea with enough aromatic detail to make every brewing session feel special.
Silver Needle, or Bai Hao Yin Zhen, is a traditional Chinese white tea style distinguished by its use of unopened tea buds.
The name describes the appearance of the dry tea. Bai Hao refers to the fine white hairs covering the buds, while Yin Zhen means silver needle.
Unlike White Peony (Bai Mudan), which includes both buds and leaves, Silver Needle focuses on the tender bud itself. This gives the tea its characteristic slender appearance and especially delicate flavour.
Our selection comes from Yunnan Province, where tea-growing traditions extend across a diverse mountainous landscape. It is made from carefully selected early-spring buds that develop a soft, fragrant infusion after gentle processing.
Silver Needle is appreciated not for overwhelming strength but for subtle complexity: a hint of wildflower, a touch of melon sweetness, a creamy texture and a finish that lingers quietly on the palate.
One of the most striking features of Bai Hao Yin Zhen is the fine silvery down that covers the young buds.
These tiny hairs, known as trichomes, occur naturally on tender tea growth. They give the dry buds their soft, silvery appearance and are an important visual characteristic of Silver Needle.
When the tea is brewed, some of these fine hairs may become visible in the liquor. This is a natural feature of bud-rich tea, not necessarily a sign of dust or poor filtration.
The buds gradually soften in hot water, revealing their shape and releasing a delicate floral fragrance.
A transparent glass teapot is an especially attractive way to prepare Silver Needle, allowing you to enjoy the appearance of the leaves as well as the flavour of the infusion.
Yunnan Province in south-west China is renowned for its diverse tea-growing traditions, including Puer, Dianhong black tea and increasingly distinctive white tea selections.
While Silver Needle is historically associated with the white tea traditions of Fujian, Yunnan also produces beautiful bud-only white teas with their own regional character.
Our Yunnan Silver Needle is made from tender spring buds and offers an inviting combination of floral fragrance, soft fruit sweetness and a rounded, silky texture.
The tea's honeydew melon, orchid and fresh-hay notes make it particularly appealing to drinkers who enjoy white tea with a little more aromatic warmth.
Its Yunnan provenance also makes it an interesting comparison with the traditional Fujian white teas in our collection.
White tea is recognised for its relatively simple processing, allowing the natural qualities of the buds to remain at the centre of the drinking experience.
After harvesting, the tender Silver Needle buds are carefully withered to reduce moisture. They are then gently dried to complete the tea-making process.
Unlike conventional black tea, white tea is not deliberately rolled and fully oxidised to develop a dark, malty character. It also differs from green tea, which is typically heated early in processing to limit oxidation.
During white tea withering, gentle natural chemical changes can take place, contributing to the tea's aroma and flavour.
For Silver Needle, careful handling is particularly important because the unopened buds are delicate and their appearance is part of the tea's appeal.
The finished tea retains its distinctive silver-white down and produces a light, elegant infusion with floral, fruity and softly sweet notes.
Our Organic Silver Needle is a tea of gentle contrasts: fresh yet mellow, light in body yet beautifully textured, and delicately floral with a soft fruit sweetness.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Dry Bud Appearance | Long, slender buds with fine silvery-white down |
| Dry Aroma | Fresh hay, soft flowers and gentle sweetness |
| Infused Aroma | Wildflowers, orchid and honeydew melon |
| Opening Flavour | Light, delicate floral sweetness |
| Fruit Notes | Fresh honeydew melon |
| Herbal Notes | Soft meadow hay |
| Body | Light to medium |
| Mouthfeel | Creamy, velvety and silky |
| Finish | Clean, sweet and lingering |
The first infusion opens with a gentle wildflower fragrance and a subtle sweetness reminiscent of fresh melon.
As the tea develops, orchid-like floral notes become more apparent, supported by a soft, meadow-hay character.
The texture is one of Silver Needle's most enjoyable qualities. Rather than feeling thin or watery, a well-brewed cup can have a smooth, creamy quality that carries the delicate flavours across the palate.
Later infusions may reveal a different balance of sweetness, flowers and gentle herbal notes.
Honeydew melon, orchid and hay are natural tasting descriptions, not added ingredients.
Silver Needle rewards a gentle brewing approach. Begin with water at 75–80°C for a delicate Western-style infusion, allowing the buds time to release their fragrance without overwhelming their subtle character.
For a lighter, more floral cup, begin with three minutes. For a fuller, sweeter infusion, extend the time gradually towards five minutes.
Gongfu brewing can reveal subtle changes in the tea's floral, fruity and creamy character. Adjust the temperature and timing according to your preferred strength.
| Method | Tea and Water | Suggested Time |
|---|---|---|
| Western – Delicate | 2g / 200ml / 75–80°C | 3 minutes |
| Western – Fuller | 2g / 150ml / 75–80°C | 5 minutes |
| Gongfu – First Infusion | 4–5g / 100–120ml / 80–85°C | 20–30 seconds |
| Gongfu – Later Infusions | Same buds, fresh water | Increase gradually |
Brewing tip: Silver Needle buds are light and bulky, so weighing the tea is more reliable than measuring by teaspoon. Use a spacious infuser or teapot so the buds can open freely.
Silver Needle and White Peony are two of the best-known traditional Chinese white tea styles, but they differ in their leaf selection and drinking character.
Silver Needle (Bai Hao Yin Zhen) is made from tender unopened buds. It is prized for its delicate fragrance, smooth texture and refined sweetness.
White Peony (Bai Mudan) combines buds with young leaves, generally creating a fuller infusion with more pronounced leafy, floral and fruity notes.
Our Silver Needle comes from Yunnan, while our White Peony Special Grade is a Fujian white tea.
Choose Silver Needle for an elegant, bud-focused infusion with wildflower, honeydew and creamy notes.
Choose White Peony if you enjoy a slightly broader flavour profile and want to compare the effect of buds and leaves in white tea.
Fresh-style Silver Needle and aged white tea offer contrasting expressions of the white tea category.
Our Yunnan Silver Needle highlights delicate spring-bud fragrance, fresh floral sweetness and a silky mouthfeel.
White teas stored over time may develop deeper aromas, including dried fruit, honeyed warmth, wood and mellow herbal notes. Their exact character depends on the tea and its storage conditions.
For a richer white tea experience, discover our Gongmei Aged White Tea with Tangerine Peel, which combines mellow white tea with aromatic citrus peel.
For another distinctive Yunnan white tea format, explore the Great Tea White Tea Collection, including compressed white tea selections.
Loose Silver Needle allows you to appreciate the appearance of the individual buds before, during and after brewing.
Unlike compressed white tea, the buds can be measured and placed directly into a teapot or gaiwan without breaking apart a cake or biscuit.
Because the buds are relatively large and light, they benefit from generous space in the brewing vessel.
A glass teapot makes it easy to watch the buds soften and move through the water, while porcelain teaware offers a neutral brewing surface that allows the tea's subtle fragrance to remain at the forefront.
Loose-leaf Silver Needle is particularly enjoyable when you want a quiet, unhurried tea session centred on delicate aroma and texture.
Yes. Silver Needle is made from the buds of the tea plant, Camellia sinensis, and naturally contains caffeine.
Although its flavour is gentle, that does not mean the tea is caffeine-free or necessarily low in caffeine.
The amount of caffeine in a prepared cup varies with the tea material, leaf quantity, water temperature and steeping time.
If you are avoiding caffeine entirely, choose a naturally caffeine-free herbal infusion rather than white tea.
Silver Needle is particularly rewarding when you have time to appreciate a subtle, aromatic cup.
Its delicate floral sweetness makes it an elegant choice for afternoon tea, while its soft texture and clean finish also suit a quiet morning tea session.
Serve it plain to experience the honeydew, orchid and wildflower notes without distraction.
For food pairings, consider lightly flavoured pastries, simple sponge cake, delicate shortbread or fresh fruit. These allow the tea's gentle sweetness to remain noticeable.
It also makes a thoughtful gift for someone who enjoys premium loose-leaf tea or is beginning to explore traditional Chinese white tea.
Ingredients: 100% Yunnan Silver Needle white tea buds (Camellia sinensis).
No added flowers, fruit, honey, sugar or flavourings.
Store the tea in a clean, dry, airtight container away from direct sunlight, moisture, excessive heat and strong odours.
Handle the delicate buds gently and reseal the packaging after each use to help preserve their floral fragrance.
Enjoy within the recommended shelf life for the best expression of the tea's current aroma and flavour.
Silver Needle, or Bai Hao Yin Zhen, is a Chinese white tea made from tender unopened tea buds. It is recognised for its silvery appearance, delicate aroma and smooth flavour.
Our Silver Needle comes from Yunnan Province in south-west China.
The name means “White Hair Silver Needle”, referring to the fine white hairs and slender shape of the tea buds.
Our Yunnan Silver Needle offers wildflower, orchid, honeydew melon and fresh-hay notes, with gentle sweetness and a creamy, silky mouthfeel.
No. Silver Needle is made from unopened buds, while White Peony generally includes both buds and young leaves.
Yes. It can have a delicate natural sweetness. Our selection has soft honeydew and floral notes without added sweeteners.
Start with approximately 2g per 150–200ml of water for Western-style brewing. Weighing the buds gives more consistent results than measuring by teaspoon.
Start with water at 75–80°C for a gentle Western-style infusion.
Steep for approximately 3–5 minutes, depending on your preferred strength.
Yes. The buds can be reinfused. Increase the steeping time gradually as the flavour becomes lighter.
Yes. It is made from tea buds and naturally contains caffeine.
Choose from 50g, 125g and 250g loose-leaf packs.
Our Organic Silver Needle White Tea brings together the elegance of early-spring buds, the distinctive white tea traditions of China and a beautifully delicate flavour profile.
With wildflower fragrance, honeydew melon sweetness, soft meadow-hay notes and a silky finish, it is a tea that rewards thoughtful preparation and unhurried enjoyment.
Choose it for a gentle everyday tea ritual, a special Gongfu session or a thoughtful gift for someone who appreciates exceptional loose-leaf tea.
For a fuller white tea style, explore our White Peony Special Grade.
For a mellow aged white tea with citrus, discover our Gongmei White Tea with Tangerine Peel.
Browse more delicate and distinctive selections in our White Tea Collection.
Choose your 50g, 125g or 250g pack and enjoy the gentle floral sweetness and silky character of Yunnan Silver Needle White Tea.
Floral & Naturally Sweet
Discover the elegance of authentic Bai Hao Yin Zhen, crafted from tender spring tea buds in Yunnan. This exquisite organic white tea offers delicate floral aromas, gentle melon sweetness and a beautifully smooth, silky finish. A wonderful introduction to the world of premium Silver Needle.
Explore Tea →Delicate & Smooth
A distinctive Yunnan Silver Needle white tea made from tender, silvery tea buds and compressed into convenient 8g biscuits. Combining traditional white tea craftsmanship with an unusual presentation, this elegant tea offers a wonderful way to explore the character of Yunnan's prized silver buds.
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| Organic Silver Needle White Tea – Yunnan Bai Hao Yin ZhenDelicate wildflowers, sweet honeydew melon, fresh hay and an exceptionally silky finish. Discover the quiet elegance of our Organic Silver Needle White Tea, a premium loose-leaf Chinese white tea made from tender early-spring buds grown in Yunnan Province. Known as Bai Hao Yin Zhen (白毫银针), Silver Needle is one of the most celebrated styles of Chinese white tea. Its name means “White Hair Silver Needle”, referring to the slender unopened buds covered in fine, silvery-white hairs. These beautiful buds are the heart of the tea. Carefully selected during the first spring growth, they are gently withered and dried to develop a refined infusion that is fragrant, smooth and naturally sweet. In the cup, our Yunnan Silver Needle reveals a soft floral aroma with notes of wildflowers, orchid, honeydew melon and fresh meadow hay. Its delicate sweetness is complemented by a creamy, velvety mouthfeel and a clean, lingering finish. Unlike stronger black teas or grassy green teas, Silver Needle offers subtle layers of flavour that reward slower drinking. It is an excellent choice for anyone who appreciates gentle floral teas, premium Chinese loose-leaf tea or the beauty of traditional white tea preparation. Enjoy it in a glass teapot to watch the silver buds slowly open, or brew it in a porcelain gaiwan for a series of delicate, aromatic infusions. Tea Name: Organic Silver Needle White Tea What Makes Our Yunnan Silver Needle Special?Silver Needle is a tea for those who appreciate delicate flavour, beautiful leaves and careful craftsmanship. Its character begins with the selection of tender spring buds and develops through the restrained processing used for traditional white tea.
The result is a beautifully balanced white tea with enough aromatic detail to make every brewing session feel special. What Is Silver Needle White Tea?Silver Needle, or Bai Hao Yin Zhen, is a traditional Chinese white tea style distinguished by its use of unopened tea buds. The name describes the appearance of the dry tea. Bai Hao refers to the fine white hairs covering the buds, while Yin Zhen means silver needle. Unlike White Peony (Bai Mudan), which includes both buds and leaves, Silver Needle focuses on the tender bud itself. This gives the tea its characteristic slender appearance and especially delicate flavour. Our selection comes from Yunnan Province, where tea-growing traditions extend across a diverse mountainous landscape. It is made from carefully selected early-spring buds that develop a soft, fragrant infusion after gentle processing. Silver Needle is appreciated not for overwhelming strength but for subtle complexity: a hint of wildflower, a touch of melon sweetness, a creamy texture and a finish that lingers quietly on the palate. Why Are Silver Needle Buds Covered in White Hairs?One of the most striking features of Bai Hao Yin Zhen is the fine silvery down that covers the young buds. These tiny hairs, known as trichomes, occur naturally on tender tea growth. They give the dry buds their soft, silvery appearance and are an important visual characteristic of Silver Needle. When the tea is brewed, some of these fine hairs may become visible in the liquor. This is a natural feature of bud-rich tea, not necessarily a sign of dust or poor filtration. The buds gradually soften in hot water, revealing their shape and releasing a delicate floral fragrance. A transparent glass teapot is an especially attractive way to prepare Silver Needle, allowing you to enjoy the appearance of the leaves as well as the flavour of the infusion. From Yunnan – A Distinctive Chinese White TeaYunnan Province in south-west China is renowned for its diverse tea-growing traditions, including Puer, Dianhong black tea and increasingly distinctive white tea selections. While Silver Needle is historically associated with the white tea traditions of Fujian, Yunnan also produces beautiful bud-only white teas with their own regional character. Our Yunnan Silver Needle is made from tender spring buds and offers an inviting combination of floral fragrance, soft fruit sweetness and a rounded, silky texture. The tea's honeydew melon, orchid and fresh-hay notes make it particularly appealing to drinkers who enjoy white tea with a little more aromatic warmth. Its Yunnan provenance also makes it an interesting comparison with the traditional Fujian white teas in our collection. How Is Bai Hao Yin Zhen White Tea Made?White tea is recognised for its relatively simple processing, allowing the natural qualities of the buds to remain at the centre of the drinking experience. After harvesting, the tender Silver Needle buds are carefully withered to reduce moisture. They are then gently dried to complete the tea-making process. Unlike conventional black tea, white tea is not deliberately rolled and fully oxidised to develop a dark, malty character. It also differs from green tea, which is typically heated early in processing to limit oxidation. During white tea withering, gentle natural chemical changes can take place, contributing to the tea's aroma and flavour. For Silver Needle, careful handling is particularly important because the unopened buds are delicate and their appearance is part of the tea's appeal. The finished tea retains its distinctive silver-white down and produces a light, elegant infusion with floral, fruity and softly sweet notes. Tasting Notes – Wildflowers, Honeydew Melon and Silky SweetnessOur Organic Silver Needle is a tea of gentle contrasts: fresh yet mellow, light in body yet beautifully textured, and delicately floral with a soft fruit sweetness.
The first infusion opens with a gentle wildflower fragrance and a subtle sweetness reminiscent of fresh melon. As the tea develops, orchid-like floral notes become more apparent, supported by a soft, meadow-hay character. The texture is one of Silver Needle's most enjoyable qualities. Rather than feeling thin or watery, a well-brewed cup can have a smooth, creamy quality that carries the delicate flavours across the palate. Later infusions may reveal a different balance of sweetness, flowers and gentle herbal notes. Honeydew melon, orchid and hay are natural tasting descriptions, not added ingredients. How to Brew Organic Silver Needle White TeaSilver Needle rewards a gentle brewing approach. Begin with water at 75–80°C for a delicate Western-style infusion, allowing the buds time to release their fragrance without overwhelming their subtle character. Western-Style Brewing – Recommended
For a lighter, more floral cup, begin with three minutes. For a fuller, sweeter infusion, extend the time gradually towards five minutes. Gongfu Brewing – Explore Multiple Infusions
Gongfu brewing can reveal subtle changes in the tea's floral, fruity and creamy character. Adjust the temperature and timing according to your preferred strength.
Brewing tip: Silver Needle buds are light and bulky, so weighing the tea is more reliable than measuring by teaspoon. Use a spacious infuser or teapot so the buds can open freely. Silver Needle vs White Peony – What's the Difference?Silver Needle and White Peony are two of the best-known traditional Chinese white tea styles, but they differ in their leaf selection and drinking character. Silver Needle (Bai Hao Yin Zhen) is made from tender unopened buds. It is prized for its delicate fragrance, smooth texture and refined sweetness. White Peony (Bai Mudan) combines buds with young leaves, generally creating a fuller infusion with more pronounced leafy, floral and fruity notes. Our Silver Needle comes from Yunnan, while our White Peony Special Grade is a Fujian white tea. Choose Silver Needle for an elegant, bud-focused infusion with wildflower, honeydew and creamy notes. Choose White Peony if you enjoy a slightly broader flavour profile and want to compare the effect of buds and leaves in white tea. Silver Needle vs Aged White TeaFresh-style Silver Needle and aged white tea offer contrasting expressions of the white tea category. Our Yunnan Silver Needle highlights delicate spring-bud fragrance, fresh floral sweetness and a silky mouthfeel. White teas stored over time may develop deeper aromas, including dried fruit, honeyed warmth, wood and mellow herbal notes. Their exact character depends on the tea and its storage conditions. For a richer white tea experience, discover our Gongmei Aged White Tea with Tangerine Peel, which combines mellow white tea with aromatic citrus peel. For another distinctive Yunnan white tea format, explore the Great Tea White Tea Collection, including compressed white tea selections. Why Choose Loose-Leaf Silver Needle?Loose Silver Needle allows you to appreciate the appearance of the individual buds before, during and after brewing. Unlike compressed white tea, the buds can be measured and placed directly into a teapot or gaiwan without breaking apart a cake or biscuit. Because the buds are relatively large and light, they benefit from generous space in the brewing vessel. A glass teapot makes it easy to watch the buds soften and move through the water, while porcelain teaware offers a neutral brewing surface that allows the tea's subtle fragrance to remain at the forefront. Loose-leaf Silver Needle is particularly enjoyable when you want a quiet, unhurried tea session centred on delicate aroma and texture. Does Silver Needle White Tea Contain Caffeine?Yes. Silver Needle is made from the buds of the tea plant, Camellia sinensis, and naturally contains caffeine. Although its flavour is gentle, that does not mean the tea is caffeine-free or necessarily low in caffeine. The amount of caffeine in a prepared cup varies with the tea material, leaf quantity, water temperature and steeping time. If you are avoiding caffeine entirely, choose a naturally caffeine-free herbal infusion rather than white tea. When Is the Best Time to Enjoy Silver Needle?Silver Needle is particularly rewarding when you have time to appreciate a subtle, aromatic cup. Its delicate floral sweetness makes it an elegant choice for afternoon tea, while its soft texture and clean finish also suit a quiet morning tea session. Serve it plain to experience the honeydew, orchid and wildflower notes without distraction. For food pairings, consider lightly flavoured pastries, simple sponge cake, delicate shortbread or fresh fruit. These allow the tea's gentle sweetness to remain noticeable. It also makes a thoughtful gift for someone who enjoys premium loose-leaf tea or is beginning to explore traditional Chinese white tea. Ingredients and StorageIngredients: 100% Yunnan Silver Needle white tea buds (Camellia sinensis). No added flowers, fruit, honey, sugar or flavourings. Store the tea in a clean, dry, airtight container away from direct sunlight, moisture, excessive heat and strong odours. Handle the delicate buds gently and reseal the packaging after each use to help preserve their floral fragrance. Enjoy within the recommended shelf life for the best expression of the tea's current aroma and flavour. Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is Silver Needle white tea?Silver Needle, or Bai Hao Yin Zhen, is a Chinese white tea made from tender unopened tea buds. It is recognised for its silvery appearance, delicate aroma and smooth flavour. Where does this Silver Needle come from?Our Silver Needle comes from Yunnan Province in south-west China. What does Bai Hao Yin Zhen mean?The name means “White Hair Silver Needle”, referring to the fine white hairs and slender shape of the tea buds. What does Silver Needle taste like?Our Yunnan Silver Needle offers wildflower, orchid, honeydew melon and fresh-hay notes, with gentle sweetness and a creamy, silky mouthfeel. Is Silver Needle the same as White Peony?No. Silver Needle is made from unopened buds, while White Peony generally includes both buds and young leaves. Is Silver Needle white tea naturally sweet?Yes. It can have a delicate natural sweetness. Our selection has soft honeydew and floral notes without added sweeteners. How much Silver Needle should I use?Start with approximately 2g per 150–200ml of water for Western-style brewing. Weighing the buds gives more consistent results than measuring by teaspoon. What temperature should I brew Silver Needle at?Start with water at 75–80°C for a gentle Western-style infusion. How long should Silver Needle steep?Steep for approximately 3–5 minutes, depending on your preferred strength. Can I brew Silver Needle more than once?Yes. The buds can be reinfused. Increase the steeping time gradually as the flavour becomes lighter. Does Silver Needle contain caffeine?Yes. It is made from tea buds and naturally contains caffeine. What pack sizes are available?Choose from 50g, 125g and 250g loose-leaf packs. Discover the Delicate Beauty of Yunnan Silver NeedleOur Organic Silver Needle White Tea brings together the elegance of early-spring buds, the distinctive white tea traditions of China and a beautifully delicate flavour profile. With wildflower fragrance, honeydew melon sweetness, soft meadow-hay notes and a silky finish, it is a tea that rewards thoughtful preparation and unhurried enjoyment. Choose it for a gentle everyday tea ritual, a special Gongfu session or a thoughtful gift for someone who appreciates exceptional loose-leaf tea. For a fuller white tea style, explore our White Peony Special Grade. For a mellow aged white tea with citrus, discover our Gongmei White Tea with Tangerine Peel. Browse more delicate and distinctive selections in our White Tea Collection. Choose your 50g, 125g or 250g pack and enjoy the gentle floral sweetness and silky character of Yunnan Silver Needle White Tea. Organic Silver Needle White TeaFloral & Naturally Sweet Discover the elegance of authentic Bai Hao Yin Zhen, crafted from tender spring tea buds in Yunnan. This exquisite organic white tea offers delicate floral aromas, gentle melon sweetness and a beautifully smooth, silky finish. A wonderful introduction to the world of premium Silver Needle. Explore Tea →Yunnan Big Pekoe Bai Hao Yin ZhenDelicate & Smooth A distinctive Yunnan Silver Needle white tea made from tender, silvery tea buds and compressed into convenient 8g biscuits. Combining traditional white tea craftsmanship with an unusual presentation, this elegant tea offers a wonderful way to explore the character of Yunnan's prized silver buds. Explore Tea → | Regular price
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Available in stock (193)
Delicate wildflowers, sweet honeydew melon, fresh hay and an exceptionally silky finish. Discover the quiet elegance of our Organic Silver Needle White Tea, a premium loose-leaf Chinese white tea made from tender early-spring buds grown in Yunnan Province.
Known as Bai Hao Yin Zhen (白毫银针), Silver Needle is one of the most celebrated styles of Chinese white tea. Its name means “White Hair Silver Needle”, referring to the slender unopened buds covered in fine, silvery-white hairs.
These beautiful buds are the heart of the tea. Carefully selected during the first spring growth, they are gently withered and dried to develop a refined infusion that is fragrant, smooth and naturally sweet.
In the cup, our Yunnan Silver Needle reveals a soft floral aroma with notes of wildflowers, orchid, honeydew melon and fresh meadow hay. Its delicate sweetness is complemented by a creamy, velvety mouthfeel and a clean, lingering finish.
Unlike stronger black teas or grassy green teas, Silver Needle offers subtle layers of flavour that reward slower drinking. It is an excellent choice for anyone who appreciates gentle floral teas, premium Chinese loose-leaf tea or the beauty of traditional white tea preparation.
Enjoy it in a glass teapot to watch the silver buds slowly open, or brew it in a porcelain gaiwan for a series of delicate, aromatic infusions.
Tea Name: Organic Silver Needle White Tea
Chinese Name: Bai Hao Yin Zhen (白毫银针)
Tea Category: Chinese White Tea
Origin: Yunnan Province, China
Leaf Selection: Tender, Unopened Spring Buds
Harvest Season: Early Spring
Appearance: Slender Silver-White, Downy Buds
Processing: Withered and Gently Dried
Aroma: Wildflowers, Orchid, Honeydew Melon and Fresh Hay
Flavour: Delicate Floral Sweetness and Soft Melon Notes
Body: Light to Medium
Mouthfeel: Creamy, Smooth and Silky
Finish: Clean, Gentle and Lingering
Western Brewing: 2g / 150–200ml / 75–80°C / 3–5 Minutes
Gongfu Brewing: 4–5g / 100–120ml / 80–85°C / 20–30 Seconds Initially
Pack Sizes: 50g, 125g and 250g
Caffeine: Naturally Contains Caffeine
Silver Needle is a tea for those who appreciate delicate flavour, beautiful leaves and careful craftsmanship. Its character begins with the selection of tender spring buds and develops through the restrained processing used for traditional white tea.
The result is a beautifully balanced white tea with enough aromatic detail to make every brewing session feel special.
Silver Needle, or Bai Hao Yin Zhen, is a traditional Chinese white tea style distinguished by its use of unopened tea buds.
The name describes the appearance of the dry tea. Bai Hao refers to the fine white hairs covering the buds, while Yin Zhen means silver needle.
Unlike White Peony (Bai Mudan), which includes both buds and leaves, Silver Needle focuses on the tender bud itself. This gives the tea its characteristic slender appearance and especially delicate flavour.
Our selection comes from Yunnan Province, where tea-growing traditions extend across a diverse mountainous landscape. It is made from carefully selected early-spring buds that develop a soft, fragrant infusion after gentle processing.
Silver Needle is appreciated not for overwhelming strength but for subtle complexity: a hint of wildflower, a touch of melon sweetness, a creamy texture and a finish that lingers quietly on the palate.
One of the most striking features of Bai Hao Yin Zhen is the fine silvery down that covers the young buds.
These tiny hairs, known as trichomes, occur naturally on tender tea growth. They give the dry buds their soft, silvery appearance and are an important visual characteristic of Silver Needle.
When the tea is brewed, some of these fine hairs may become visible in the liquor. This is a natural feature of bud-rich tea, not necessarily a sign of dust or poor filtration.
The buds gradually soften in hot water, revealing their shape and releasing a delicate floral fragrance.
A transparent glass teapot is an especially attractive way to prepare Silver Needle, allowing you to enjoy the appearance of the leaves as well as the flavour of the infusion.
Yunnan Province in south-west China is renowned for its diverse tea-growing traditions, including Puer, Dianhong black tea and increasingly distinctive white tea selections.
While Silver Needle is historically associated with the white tea traditions of Fujian, Yunnan also produces beautiful bud-only white teas with their own regional character.
Our Yunnan Silver Needle is made from tender spring buds and offers an inviting combination of floral fragrance, soft fruit sweetness and a rounded, silky texture.
The tea's honeydew melon, orchid and fresh-hay notes make it particularly appealing to drinkers who enjoy white tea with a little more aromatic warmth.
Its Yunnan provenance also makes it an interesting comparison with the traditional Fujian white teas in our collection.
White tea is recognised for its relatively simple processing, allowing the natural qualities of the buds to remain at the centre of the drinking experience.
After harvesting, the tender Silver Needle buds are carefully withered to reduce moisture. They are then gently dried to complete the tea-making process.
Unlike conventional black tea, white tea is not deliberately rolled and fully oxidised to develop a dark, malty character. It also differs from green tea, which is typically heated early in processing to limit oxidation.
During white tea withering, gentle natural chemical changes can take place, contributing to the tea's aroma and flavour.
For Silver Needle, careful handling is particularly important because the unopened buds are delicate and their appearance is part of the tea's appeal.
The finished tea retains its distinctive silver-white down and produces a light, elegant infusion with floral, fruity and softly sweet notes.
Our Organic Silver Needle is a tea of gentle contrasts: fresh yet mellow, light in body yet beautifully textured, and delicately floral with a soft fruit sweetness.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Dry Bud Appearance | Long, slender buds with fine silvery-white down |
| Dry Aroma | Fresh hay, soft flowers and gentle sweetness |
| Infused Aroma | Wildflowers, orchid and honeydew melon |
| Opening Flavour | Light, delicate floral sweetness |
| Fruit Notes | Fresh honeydew melon |
| Herbal Notes | Soft meadow hay |
| Body | Light to medium |
| Mouthfeel | Creamy, velvety and silky |
| Finish | Clean, sweet and lingering |
The first infusion opens with a gentle wildflower fragrance and a subtle sweetness reminiscent of fresh melon.
As the tea develops, orchid-like floral notes become more apparent, supported by a soft, meadow-hay character.
The texture is one of Silver Needle's most enjoyable qualities. Rather than feeling thin or watery, a well-brewed cup can have a smooth, creamy quality that carries the delicate flavours across the palate.
Later infusions may reveal a different balance of sweetness, flowers and gentle herbal notes.
Honeydew melon, orchid and hay are natural tasting descriptions, not added ingredients.
Silver Needle rewards a gentle brewing approach. Begin with water at 75–80°C for a delicate Western-style infusion, allowing the buds time to release their fragrance without overwhelming their subtle character.
For a lighter, more floral cup, begin with three minutes. For a fuller, sweeter infusion, extend the time gradually towards five minutes.
Gongfu brewing can reveal subtle changes in the tea's floral, fruity and creamy character. Adjust the temperature and timing according to your preferred strength.
| Method | Tea and Water | Suggested Time |
|---|---|---|
| Western – Delicate | 2g / 200ml / 75–80°C | 3 minutes |
| Western – Fuller | 2g / 150ml / 75–80°C | 5 minutes |
| Gongfu – First Infusion | 4–5g / 100–120ml / 80–85°C | 20–30 seconds |
| Gongfu – Later Infusions | Same buds, fresh water | Increase gradually |
Brewing tip: Silver Needle buds are light and bulky, so weighing the tea is more reliable than measuring by teaspoon. Use a spacious infuser or teapot so the buds can open freely.
Silver Needle and White Peony are two of the best-known traditional Chinese white tea styles, but they differ in their leaf selection and drinking character.
Silver Needle (Bai Hao Yin Zhen) is made from tender unopened buds. It is prized for its delicate fragrance, smooth texture and refined sweetness.
White Peony (Bai Mudan) combines buds with young leaves, generally creating a fuller infusion with more pronounced leafy, floral and fruity notes.
Our Silver Needle comes from Yunnan, while our White Peony Special Grade is a Fujian white tea.
Choose Silver Needle for an elegant, bud-focused infusion with wildflower, honeydew and creamy notes.
Choose White Peony if you enjoy a slightly broader flavour profile and want to compare the effect of buds and leaves in white tea.
Fresh-style Silver Needle and aged white tea offer contrasting expressions of the white tea category.
Our Yunnan Silver Needle highlights delicate spring-bud fragrance, fresh floral sweetness and a silky mouthfeel.
White teas stored over time may develop deeper aromas, including dried fruit, honeyed warmth, wood and mellow herbal notes. Their exact character depends on the tea and its storage conditions.
For a richer white tea experience, discover our Gongmei Aged White Tea with Tangerine Peel, which combines mellow white tea with aromatic citrus peel.
For another distinctive Yunnan white tea format, explore the Great Tea White Tea Collection, including compressed white tea selections.
Loose Silver Needle allows you to appreciate the appearance of the individual buds before, during and after brewing.
Unlike compressed white tea, the buds can be measured and placed directly into a teapot or gaiwan without breaking apart a cake or biscuit.
Because the buds are relatively large and light, they benefit from generous space in the brewing vessel.
A glass teapot makes it easy to watch the buds soften and move through the water, while porcelain teaware offers a neutral brewing surface that allows the tea's subtle fragrance to remain at the forefront.
Loose-leaf Silver Needle is particularly enjoyable when you want a quiet, unhurried tea session centred on delicate aroma and texture.
Yes. Silver Needle is made from the buds of the tea plant, Camellia sinensis, and naturally contains caffeine.
Although its flavour is gentle, that does not mean the tea is caffeine-free or necessarily low in caffeine.
The amount of caffeine in a prepared cup varies with the tea material, leaf quantity, water temperature and steeping time.
If you are avoiding caffeine entirely, choose a naturally caffeine-free herbal infusion rather than white tea.
Silver Needle is particularly rewarding when you have time to appreciate a subtle, aromatic cup.
Its delicate floral sweetness makes it an elegant choice for afternoon tea, while its soft texture and clean finish also suit a quiet morning tea session.
Serve it plain to experience the honeydew, orchid and wildflower notes without distraction.
For food pairings, consider lightly flavoured pastries, simple sponge cake, delicate shortbread or fresh fruit. These allow the tea's gentle sweetness to remain noticeable.
It also makes a thoughtful gift for someone who enjoys premium loose-leaf tea or is beginning to explore traditional Chinese white tea.
Ingredients: 100% Yunnan Silver Needle white tea buds (Camellia sinensis).
No added flowers, fruit, honey, sugar or flavourings.
Store the tea in a clean, dry, airtight container away from direct sunlight, moisture, excessive heat and strong odours.
Handle the delicate buds gently and reseal the packaging after each use to help preserve their floral fragrance.
Enjoy within the recommended shelf life for the best expression of the tea's current aroma and flavour.
Silver Needle, or Bai Hao Yin Zhen, is a Chinese white tea made from tender unopened tea buds. It is recognised for its silvery appearance, delicate aroma and smooth flavour.
Our Silver Needle comes from Yunnan Province in south-west China.
The name means “White Hair Silver Needle”, referring to the fine white hairs and slender shape of the tea buds.
Our Yunnan Silver Needle offers wildflower, orchid, honeydew melon and fresh-hay notes, with gentle sweetness and a creamy, silky mouthfeel.
No. Silver Needle is made from unopened buds, while White Peony generally includes both buds and young leaves.
Yes. It can have a delicate natural sweetness. Our selection has soft honeydew and floral notes without added sweeteners.
Start with approximately 2g per 150–200ml of water for Western-style brewing. Weighing the buds gives more consistent results than measuring by teaspoon.
Start with water at 75–80°C for a gentle Western-style infusion.
Steep for approximately 3–5 minutes, depending on your preferred strength.
Yes. The buds can be reinfused. Increase the steeping time gradually as the flavour becomes lighter.
Yes. It is made from tea buds and naturally contains caffeine.
Choose from 50g, 125g and 250g loose-leaf packs.
Our Organic Silver Needle White Tea brings together the elegance of early-spring buds, the distinctive white tea traditions of China and a beautifully delicate flavour profile.
With wildflower fragrance, honeydew melon sweetness, soft meadow-hay notes and a silky finish, it is a tea that rewards thoughtful preparation and unhurried enjoyment.
Choose it for a gentle everyday tea ritual, a special Gongfu session or a thoughtful gift for someone who appreciates exceptional loose-leaf tea.
For a fuller white tea style, explore our White Peony Special Grade.
For a mellow aged white tea with citrus, discover our Gongmei White Tea with Tangerine Peel.
Browse more delicate and distinctive selections in our White Tea Collection.
Choose your 50g, 125g or 250g pack and enjoy the gentle floral sweetness and silky character of Yunnan Silver Needle White Tea.
Floral & Naturally Sweet
Discover the elegance of authentic Bai Hao Yin Zhen, crafted from tender spring tea buds in Yunnan. This exquisite organic white tea offers delicate floral aromas, gentle melon sweetness and a beautifully smooth, silky finish. A wonderful introduction to the world of premium Silver Needle.
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A distinctive Yunnan Silver Needle white tea made from tender, silvery tea buds and compressed into convenient 8g biscuits. Combining traditional white tea craftsmanship with an unusual presentation, this elegant tea offers a wonderful way to explore the character of Yunnan's prized silver buds.
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