How can you steep the perfect cup of white tea without it turning bitter?
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White Tea
White tea is a delicate and subtle tea variety that is minimally processed, making it one of the most natural types of tea available. It is known for its light and refreshing taste, as well as its high levels of antioxidants. White tea is made from young tea leaves and buds that are simply picked and left to wither and dry naturally before being heated to prevent oxidation.
Silver Needle
Silver Needle tea, known as "Bai Hao Yin Zhen," is one of the most prestigious and sought-after white teas in the world. Its origins trace back to the Fujian province of China, where it has been cherished for centuries for its delicate flavor, exquisite appearance, and numerous health benefits. Buy here
How to prepare Silver Needle
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Choose Quality Water Start with fresh, filtered water. The quality of water significantly affects the taste of the tea, so avoid using distilled or hard water. |
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Measure the Tea Use approximately 1-2 teaspoons (about 2-3 grams) of Silver Needle tea per 240 ml (8 ounces) of water. Adjust the amount based on your taste preference. |
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Water Temperature Heat the water to about 175°F (80°C). Silver Needle tea is delicate, and using boiling water can scald the leaves, resulting in a bitter taste. If you don't have a thermometer, bring the water to a boil and then let it cool for a minute or two. |
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Preheat Your Teaware Preheat your teapot or teacup by rinsing it with hot water. This helps maintain a consistent temperature during brewing. |
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Steeping Time Pour the hot water over the tea leaves and let it steep for about 2-3 minutes. The exact time can be adjusted to your preference; a shorter steeping time yields a lighter flavor, while a longer steep can bring out more intensity. Avoid over-steeping, as it can lead to bitterness. |
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Enjoying Your Tea Once the tea has steeped, pour it into your cup. Silver Needle tea can be enjoyed plain, without any added sweeteners or milk, to fully appreciate its delicate and subtle flavors. |
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Multiple Infusions Silver Needle tea leaves can often be steeped multiple times. With each infusion, slightly increase the steeping time. This allows you to enjoy different nuances of flavor from the same leaves. |