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January 17, 2005
Organic Silver Needle
Name: Organic Silver Needle
Kathy's Rating: 9.0/10.0
Company: Rishi Tea
Origin of tea: Fujian, China
Price: $25/4oz (113.4g/.25lb)
Tea form: Loose silver needle white tea.
What they say: Organic Silver Needle consists of only the young, silvery down-covered buds harvested in early spring. Silver Needle, known as Bai Hao Yin Zhen, is the most sought after white tea and only harvested for a few days each year in the northern districts of Fujian, China. The white tea bushes of Northern Fujian were domesticated from wild tea trees and exhibit silvery down-covered leaves that have been prized for their medicinal properties for more than 1000 years. Silver Needle has a clear, light golden infusion with a rich flavored body, unique savory aroma and sweet mellow finish.
Preparation method: Pour slightly below boiling water over tea. Steep for 4 minutes.
Review: Please see my review of TenRen's Silver Needle white tea for more background information. I prepared TenRen's Silver Needle white tea along with Rishi Tea's Silver Needle in order to cross compare. Both teas are wonderful and of high quality. Rishi Tea's Silver Needle made for a more visually striking infusion in that the buds are longer, larger, and greener, while TenRen's buds were more anemic looking. The taste of Rishi Tea's Silver Needle tea is more vegetal and earthy than sweet and smooth, which is also good in its own respect. It really depends on personal tastes. Personally, I preferred TenRen's Silver Needle just slightly over Rishi Tea's Silver Needle, but think everyone should try both.
Posted by Kathy at January 17, 2005 12:15 AM