This variety belongs to the so-called white teas. The advantage of this variety is the maximum preservation of the natural, natural taste of the plant. Therefore, this tea is slightly oxidized, only 5-7% fermentation. Oxidize it naturally, by alternating movement from the sun to the shade. Then dried in an oven, sorted and packaged. The raw material is not subjected to the twisting process. Such tea has a refined taste and exquisite aroma, which is why it was so valued by the Chinese emperors.

There are six types of white tea. The most expensive and elite is Bai Hao Yin Zhen (silver needles with white pile). This name is due to the fact that the thin greenish-silver buds of the tea tree, which look like needles, are pubescent with a white pile that protects the buds from the cold. For this variety, only buds are harvested; even one young leaf is not allowed.

For Bai Hao Yin Zhen, only the best raw materials are used – tips collected from Da Bai tea bushes growing in Fujian Province. That is why this variety is included in the list of sacred teas of China.

The Chinese legend says that in the village, which was located in the province of Fujian, the inhabitants expected a quick death, as the only river in the vicinity dried up. The sages said that if a daredevil who finds a miracle plant in the mountains, guarded by a black dragon, sprinkles the juice of this plant into the river, then the water will return. Many residents tried to find this plant, but were turned into stones by the dragon on the road. One girl, whose brothers also became stones, decided to try her luck. She found the plant and, thanks to her dexterity, was able to kill the dragon. The plant not only returned water to the river, and revived people turned into stones, but also turned out to be a remedy for many diseases. This was the Da Bai tea tree.

Production technology

Raw materials are harvested by hand, they do it early in the morning from 5 to 8 in the morning. Collection takes place at the end of March or at the very beginning of April. Harvesting takes place only in dry sunny weather, because if at that time the wind suddenly blows or it starts to rain, then the entire crop will die. Tea picking workers are not allowed to eat strong-smelling foods (such as onion, garlic, spices, etc.) and drink alcohol the day before, as this may spoil the aroma of the tea leaves.

Even the best collectors tea, a day can collect no more than 500 grams of kidneys. The fact is that in order to better preserve the integrity of the kidney, it is cut off along with the stem, which is then removed at the plant. Collect the kidneys very carefully and carefully.

The industrial production of this tea began only about 200 years ago, but it is reliably known that this tea existed already in the 12th century. In confirmation of this fact, the mention of it in the treatise is the Debate on Tea. Bai Hao Yin Zhen was considered a national treasure of the country and was drunk only at the court of the emperor. Until 1796, there was an embargo on the export of this variety, and death awaited violators. Therefore, those daredevils who still decided to take tea to other countries asked for a lot of money for it. But tea became widely known outside of China only after the embargo was lifted.

Brewing a drink

When brewed, tea needles become vertical and somewhat resemble stalagmites. The color of the resulting drink is golden, transparent. The taste is delicate, sweetish with hints of flowers and light honey, the aroma is refined, refined. The taste of Silver Needles is so pleasant that this tea should be enjoyed without any snacks or sweeteners.

You need to brew it thoughtfully, it is believed that women do it better. Since it is they who have better developed intuition, and they are able to feel the drink. Approximately 5-7 grams of tea is taken for 250 ml of water. Water should be at a temperature of about 75-80 degrees. Insist it longer than other white teas – about 5 minutes. Before cooking, it is better to rinse both the cup and the teapot with boiling water. The drink looks more beautiful in white porcelain cups.

In order to fully experience the beauty of white tea, you should not eat strong-smelling and spicy dishes before drinking tea.

Beneficial features

Bai Hao Yin Zhen is considered very useful, thanks to a unique manufacturing technology that allows you to save a maximum of antioxidants. It helps well with various diseases, and also has a cooling property, so it can be used as a mild antipyretic. Removes toxins from the body, cleansing and promoting weight loss. Reduces blood glucose and cholesterol levels. Has antimicrobial activity. It has a good effect on the skin, slowing down the aging process.

Often this tea is called natural living water, for the healing effect that it has on the body. It is better to drink it in the morning, enjoying the pleasant aroma and taste.