White Peony Tea Special Grade

A delicate, spring-harvested White Peony tea from Fuding, with floral notes and gentle honey sweetness

White Peony Tea Special Grade, traditionally known as Bai Mudan (白牡丹), is a fine Chinese white tea produced in Fuding, Fujian Province. Made from carefully selected spring buds and young leaves, it offers a delicate floral aroma, gentle natural sweetness and a smooth, refreshing character. Its balance of freshness and flavour makes it an appealing choice for anyone who enjoys the subtle qualities of traditional loose leaf white tea.

Harvested in early April around the Qingming Festival, this Special Grade White Peony follows the traditional plucking standard of one tender bud accompanied by two young leaves. The unopened buds are covered in fine silvery-white hairs, while the surrounding leaves display soft shades of green and grey. This combination of buds and leaves gives Bai Mudan its distinctive appearance and contributes to a fuller, more rounded flavour than the predominantly bud-based Silver Needle white tea.

Fuding is one of China's best-known white tea-producing regions, with a long tradition of cultivating and processing Bai Mudan. Unlike green tea, which is typically heated to prevent oxidation, traditional white tea is gently withered and dried. This relatively simple process allows the leaves to develop their natural character, preserving their delicate fragrance while encouraging a subtle depth of flavour.

When brewed, the leaves gradually unfurl to produce a clear, light apricot-yellow infusion. Fresh floral notes are complemented by hints of spring greenery, soft honey sweetness and a delicate fruity character. The liquor is smooth and lightly rounded, with a clean finish that makes this tea enjoyable throughout the day.

White Peony offers an interesting balance between the delicate elegance of Silver Needle and the fuller, more mature leaf character of Shou Mei. Its combination of tender buds, young leaves and gentle processing creates a tea with enough complexity to reward careful brewing, while remaining approachable for those discovering Chinese white tea for the first time.

Origin: Fuding City, Fujian Province, China
Tea Type: White Peony (Bai Mudan) White Tea
Grade: Special Grade
Harvest Time: Early April, around the Qingming Festival
Plucking Standard: One tender bud with two young leaves
Processing: Traditionally withered and gently dried
Form: Loose leaf white tea
Available Sizes: 50g, 125g and 250g

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Tasting Notes

• Aroma: Delicate spring flowers, fresh greenery and a gentle honey-like fragrance
• Flavour: Smooth, mellow and naturally sweet, with soft floral notes, subtle fruitiness and a refreshing green character
• Liquor Colour: Clear, light apricot-yellow with a delicate golden tint
• Mouthfeel: Soft, silky and lightly rounded, with a clean, refreshing finish and lingering sweetness

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Brewing Recommendations

• Tea-to-water ratio: 3–4g of loose leaf tea per 250ml of water
• Water temperature: 85–90°C
• Steeping time: 2–3 minutes for the first infusion, adjusting to your preferred strength
• Further infusions: Approximately 3–5 infusions, increasing the steeping time by 30–45 seconds with each subsequent brew

Brewing Tip: White Peony is particularly attractive when prepared in a glass teapot, allowing you to watch the silvery buds and young leaves gradually unfold. For a lighter, more delicate infusion, begin with a shorter steeping time. If you prefer a fuller flavour, allow the leaves to infuse a little longer rather than using excessively hot water.

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Key Features

• Traditional Special Grade White Peony (Bai Mudan) white tea from Fuding, Fujian Province, China
• Harvested in early April around the Qingming Festival, when tender spring growth is selected for processing
• Carefully picked to the traditional standard of one tender bud and two young leaves
• Distinctive silvery-white buds and soft grey-green leaves, characteristic of quality Bai Mudan white tea
• Gently withered and dried using traditional white tea processing methods
• Delicate floral aroma with hints of fresh greenery, subtle fruitiness and natural honey sweetness
• Clear apricot-yellow infusion with a smooth, silky texture and refreshing finish
• A balanced white tea with more body than Silver Needle while retaining a delicate, refined character
• Suitable for multiple infusions, allowing the flavour to develop gradually with each brew
• Available as loose leaf tea in 50g, 125g and 250g sizes

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Storage Tips

Store White Peony tea in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, moisture and strong odours. Keep the loose leaves in an airtight, food-safe container to protect their delicate floral aroma and prevent them from absorbing surrounding smells. Avoid storing the tea near coffee, spices or other strongly scented products.

Although White Peony is particularly enjoyable when fresh, well-made white tea can also develop a different character through careful ageing. Over time, its bright floral notes may become softer, while deeper, sweeter flavours can emerge. The results depend on the quality of the tea and the conditions in which it is stored.

For the freshest floral character, store the tea carefully and enjoy it while its delicate spring fragrance is at its best. If keeping it for longer, maintain stable, dry storage conditions and avoid unnecessary exposure to air and humidity.

Explore more traditional Chinese varieties in our white tea collection, including Silver Needle, Gongmei and aged Shou Mei.