Tea Collection: Jasmine Silver Needle

Inside the Tea

Jasmine Silver Needle begins its story in the stillness of early spring, when the first downy buds of the tea plant appear beneath soft Fujian light. These tiny buds are gathered by hand at dawn, when their moisture is highest and their fragrance the most delicate. They are pale, slender, almost weightless—like the season’s first breath suspended between winter and warmth. On their own, these buds form one of the gentlest white teas in the world. But their destiny is not quiet solitude. It is transformation.

When night falls, fresh jasmine blossoms—picked the same afternoon—begin to open. The flowers release their perfume only in darkness, and it is in this moment that the tea buds and blossoms meet. The buds absorb the unfolding fragrance in slow waves, each round of scenting deepening the impression without overwhelming the tea’s natural softness. The blossoms are then removed before repeating the ritual again and again, sometimes as many as six or seven times. The result is not simply jasmine-scented tea, but jasmine intertwined with white tea’s own quiet sweetness, as though the two were growing from the same branch.

The liquor itself is pale gold, almost luminous. The aroma rises gently: clean florals, hints of honey, and a sweetness that seems to brighten with each breath. On the palate, Jasmine Silver Needle feels like silk—soft, rounded, with a transparency that makes its flavours drift rather than strike. The jasmine appears first, but not sharply; it is more like a warm breeze brushing past the senses. The natural sweetness of the buds follows, delicate and almost melon-like. Then comes a calm, cooling finish, as though the tea were exhaling slowly.

There is a quiet ritualistic beauty in brewing this tea. Even the sound of the water pouring over the buds feels softer, more restrained. As the buds float, rise, and settle, they evoke a sense of unhurried grace—an invitation to match the tea’s pace. Whether prepared gongfu-style for clarity or steeped Western-style for gentleness, Jasmine Silver Needle rewards slowness. It is best enjoyed in a space where light can fall on the cup and where silence, or something close to it, surrounds the drinker.

Historically, jasmine tea was considered a luxury reserved for courts and poets. The jasmine scenting techniques developed in Fujian are centuries old, and Silver Needle—made only from the plant’s unopened buds—remains its most delicate expression. It is a tea of intentional craftsmanship: many hands, many nights, countless blossoms, all working toward a fragrance that feels effortless.

A cup of Jasmine Silver Needle does not demand attention; it simply holds a quiet presence. It is the kind of tea that brightens a reflective morning or softens an evening when the world needs to fade just a little. More than anything, it feels like an exhale—a reminder that gentleness can be powerful, and subtlety can be profound.

What People Notice Most Often

  • Soft, lingering jasmine fragrance without sharpness

  • Naturally sweet, airy white-tea body

  • Silky, light texture that floats on the palate

  • Extremely clean and refreshing finish

  • Calming, almost meditative effect

  • Very low bitterness, even when slightly over-steeped

  • Works beautifully as both gongfu and Western-style brew

  • Premium feel due to careful scenting and hand-picked buds

  • Ideal for quiet mornings or evening wind-down

  • Appreciated by both beginners and seasoned tea drinkers

Editorial Snapshot

Overview

Jasmine Silver Needle is a premium white tea from Fujian, crafted entirely from young spring buds and repeatedly scented with night-blooming jasmine blossoms. Known for its purity, softness, and floral sweetness, it is considered one of the most refined expressions of jasmine tea. The result is a delicate, luminous cup that blends craftsmanship with quiet beauty.

The Experience

Light, silky, and gently aromatic, Jasmine Silver Needle offers fragrance without heaviness and sweetness without excess. Each sip feels like a slow breath—a calming, graceful tea with remarkable clarity.

Brew Notes to Try

Gongfu Brew
Concentrates floral clarity and the honey-like sweetness of the buds.

Western-Style Steep
Produces an even softer cup with a rounder, more mellow body.

Cold Brew
Accentuates its fruit-like sweetness and creates a refreshing, perfume-like aroma.

Low-Temperature Steep (70–75°C)
Ideal for maximum purity and minimal bitterness.

Higher-Temperature Steep (80°C)
Enhances jasmine intensity without compromising smoothness.

Why People Love It

Jasmine Silver Needle is cherished for its elegance and restraint—a tea that feels luxurious without trying to be. Its floral sweetness, gentle texture, and calming finish make it one of the most comforting white teas available. Whether enjoyed as an everyday ritual or saved for quiet, meaningful moments, it leaves a lingering sense of serenity.

Good to Know

  • Best brewed between 70–80°C

  • Steeping time: 1–3 minutes (Western) or multiple short infusions (gongfu)

  • Very low caffeine

  • Considered a premium-grade tea

  • Store away from strong scents to preserve jasmine fragrance

  • Naturally forgiving for beginners

  • Excellent for those who prefer subtle floral teas

  • Ages gently if stored well

Where It Comes From

Fujian Province, China
Traditional jasmine-scenting region
White tea category: Silver Needle (Bai Hao Yin Zhen)
Harvest: Early spring buds, scented over multiple nights

Nicholas lin

I own Restaurants. I enjoy Photography. I make Videos. I am a Hungry Asian

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