Our supreme grade of White Peony tea leaves (Pai Mu Tan) comes from the hometown of White Tea, in Fujian Province China, where it has been so named due to the larger leaves of the Camellia Sinensis tea plant cultivar having a similar appearance to the petals from the White Peony flower. Hand picked on an early Spring morning with experience that has been handed down through the ages, the highest quality whole supple young leaves are collected before being naturally withered and dried in the sun. This simple, natural process, free of oxidization, allows White Tea leaves to be deficient in caffeine and preserve all its nutrients when it was first picked, including active enzymes, antioxidants, and polyphenols. Of which, the pharmacological benefits are said to be vast and may have cancer-fighting properties. Once the leaves have dried, they have a plush, downy white whole-leaf appearance full of tender leaves and snowy silvery buds. When brewed, a golden peach infusion is produced that has the aroma of a fresh orchid. Upon the first sip, you will be greeted with a uniquely 'plush' mouthfeel partnered with light floral notes and honeyed pear. With this white tea being low in caffeine, tea drinkers can enjoy White Peony at any time of day or night, unlike black and green teas. Alternatives to this Chinese loose leaf tea For another outstanding white tea from Fujian, our Jasmine Silver Needle is a beautifully fragrant example of a luxury white tea. Fujian is also famous for its green teas, and our Jasmine Dragon Pearls and Jasmine Green Tea are both beautifully floral examples of the style. Most of the best white teas are produced in China, but try the delicate and honey-like Rare Ceylon Silver Tips from Sri Lanka for a wonderful exception.
