When considering the southeastern Fujian province of China, it’s a well-known fact that most people first think of its luxurious white teas. The counties of Fuding, Shuijie/Jianyang, and Zhenghe are renowned for their magnificent mountainous terroir, ideal for producing the highest quality white teas.
White tea is the least processed tea in comparison to other types of tea. There are two main types of white tea produced in China today, the traditional budset style and the modern “new style.” The traditional style has only the buds with the downy white fine hairs, while the modern style is made from the first leaf set of the tea plant. Both styles exhibit the exquisite flavors of Fujian Province.
The traditional budset white tea has a distinct characteristic. Picked early in the spring before they develop into leaves, the young buds have a silvery, downy white hair-like appearance. During plucking, the weather conditions have to be ideal, with no dew, rain or frost occurring. The tea bushes, most of them being of the Da Hao (Big Sprout) varietal, are shaded for the last three weeks of growth before harvesting the buds. Once harvested, the buds are dried outside in a shaded pavilion, which encourages rapid drying of the buds without the need for applied heat.
The main difference between white and green tea is that white tea has no de-enzyming process (applied heat to halt oxidation), as for green tea, so it is allowed to oxidize slightly. This results in very different flavor profiles. White teas have wonderfully subtle flavors and smoothness with no vegetal character. Many have hints of melon, honey sweetness, stone fruit, and slight toasty qualities.
We invite you to find out which style of white tea is uniquely yours; please enjoy our carefully selected authentic teas of Fujian Province.
This tea is a stunning blend of traditional-style and “new style” white tea, with both buds and leave sets. Worthy of a king, it has a honeyed melon sweetness that is extraordinary. The cup is velvety smooth, just like the downy buds themselves. For connoisseurs and novices alike, this tea is one to make time for and savor.
Special Grade Shou Mei White tea
Shou Mei translates to “long-life eyebrow,” describing the curve of the leaf. With its full-bodied cup and lovely undertones of fruity sweetness, it is a favorite of many.
Pai Mu Tan (Bai Mu Dan) translates to “white peony.” This tea is a very careful plucking that combines both buds and leaves. The meticulous effort in its processing results in a cup with an outstanding balance of earthen notes and spice, with hints of melon dancing alongside.
Fuding China White Tea Cake (2016)
This aged tea cake from Fuding county is something of grandeur to be shared and enjoyed with good friends. The cup is silken, and the flavors are a symphony, each note working harmoniously to create a cup to be treasured.
Works Cited
Heiss, Mary Lou, and Robert J. Heiss. The Story of Tea, : A Cultural History and Drinking Guide. 10 Speed Press, 2007.