How do you brew Silver Needle (Bai Hao Yin Zhen)?

Brew Silver Needle (Bai Hao Yin Zhen) at 175°F (80°C). For gongfu style, steep 45-60 seconds; Western style, 3-5 minutes. Use Glass or porcelain gaiwan with 2g per 200ml. Expect 3-5 infusions.

Where is Silver Needle (Bai Hao Yin Zhen) from?

Silver Needle (Bai Hao Yin Zhen) is produced in Fuding and Zhenghe, Fujian. Early spring, only the unopened bud. Harvested for just 2-3 days per year on each bush.

How much does Silver Needle (Bai Hao Yin Zhen) cost?

Entry-level Silver Needle (Bai Hao Yin Zhen) costs $15-25 / 100g (standard grade). Premium grades run $50-100+ / 100g (Fuding origin, pure bud, early spring).

How do you brew Silver Needle (Bai Hao Yin Zhen)?

Brew Silver Needle (Bai Hao Yin Zhen) at 175°F (80°C). For gongfu style, steep 45-60 seconds; Western style, 3-5 minutes. Use Glass or porcelain gaiwan with 2g per 200ml. Expect 3-5 infusions.

Where is Silver Needle (Bai Hao Yin Zhen) from?

Silver Needle (Bai Hao Yin Zhen) is produced in Fuding and Zhenghe, Fujian. Early spring, only the unopened bud. Harvested for just 2-3 days per year on each bush.

How much does Silver Needle (Bai Hao Yin Zhen) cost?

Entry-level Silver Needle (Bai Hao Yin Zhen) costs $15-25 / 100g (standard grade). Premium grades run $50-100+ / 100g (Fuding origin, pure bud, early spring).

White Tea ← All famous teas

Silver Needle (Bai Hao Yin Zhen) 白毫银针

Soft, melon, hay, natural sweetness

Fuding and Zhenghe, FujianCaffeine: LowBeginner: ★★★★★

Water Temp

175°F (80°C)

Infusions

3-5

Harvest

Early spring, only the unopened bud. Harvested for just 2-3 days per year on each bush.

Entry Price

$15-25 / 100g (standard grade)

Flavor Profile

Taste & Aroma

AromaFresh hay, honeydew melon, faint floral

TasteGentle sweetness, melon, light cream, minimal astringency

ColorVery pale straw, almost colorless, crystal clear

BodyVery light, silky, almost water-like

Brewing Guide

How to Brew It

Water

175°F (80°C)

Vessel

Glass or porcelain gaiwan

Gongfu Time

45-60 seconds

Western Time

3-5 minutes

Ratio

2g per 200ml

Infusions

3-5

Read the general brewing guide →

Buying Guide

How to Buy Silver Needle (Bai Hao Yin Zhen) Without Getting Scammed

The Chinese tea market is vast and unregulated. Here's exactly what to look for — and what to run from.

Entry Level

$15-25 / 100g (standard grade)

Premium / Collector

$50-100+ / 100g (Fuding origin, pure bud, early spring)

Quality Check

Entirely silver-white buds, plump and uniform, covered in fine white down. Avoid buds with green or brown discoloration. Dry aroma should be clean and sweet, never musty.

Common Scams

Yunnan Silver Needle (Yue Guang Bai) is sometimes sold as Fujian Silver Needle but uses a different cultivar. Aged Silver Needle is a legitimate category but verify storage conditions.

Search keywords that find the real thing

Silver Needle white teaBai Hao Yin ZhenFuding white teapremium white tea

For the general principles behind every one of these checks — harvest dates, origin specificity, red flags — read our complete buying guide.

History

Where It Comes From

The pinnacle of white tea, made exclusively from unopened buds harvested in early spring. Originated in Fuding, Fujian in the late 18th century. White tea is the least processed of all tea types, simply withered and dried, preserving the leaf's natural character. Often called the champagne of teas.