Silver Needle is one of the rarest and most spectacular teas. The production of this tea merely makes up not even 0.1% of the tea produced in China. This needle shaped white tea is mainly produced in Fujian, China, which is famous for the outstanding quality of their white teas. To produce Silver Needle which is made exclusively from shoots that have not yet opened (this is where white tea reaches perfection). The tea then has to undergo the long-hour withering and sun drying. The unique processing steps is the tea is packed right after drying while still warm. This is vital to preserve its needle shape. When brewed, the buds point upwards, then the water-absorbed buds gradually sink downward to the bottom. Premium white tea is of jade colour (pale green). If the withering process is not properly conducted because of the tea is over dried, the colour of leaf will change into a grayish, yellowish or sometimes brownish and its flavour is obviously affected. The best Silver Needle tea is made only from straight hairy buds of jade colour.

China, Fujian province, Ningde prefecture, Fuding city