Fujian white tea is a type of white tea that is grown and produced in the Fujian province of China.
There are four main grades of Fujian white tea:
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Bai Hao Yin Zhen (Silver Needle)
Bai Hao Yin Zhen, commonly known as Silver Needle, is the highest grade of Fujian white tea, made from only the tender buds of the tea plant. They are typically long, slender, and covered with fine white hairs, giving them a silvery appearance. This appearance is the source of the tea’s name, “Silver Needle”.
It has a delicate, sweet flavor and a light, smooth texture.
Like many other teas, Bai Hao Yin Zhen (Silver Needle) has a legend behind it.
Bai Mu Dan (White Peony)
Bai Mu Dan, also known as White Peony, is another well-known variety of white tea, originating from the Fujian province of China.
Unlike Bai Hao Yin Zhen, which is made strictly from the unopened buds, Bai Mu Dan includes a mix of both buds and young leaves. This grade is picked according to a one bud to two leaf ratio.
It has a slightly stronger flavor than silver needle, with a fuller body and a slight hint of floral notes.
Bai Mu Dan also has a legend behind it.
Gong Mei (Tribute Eyebrow)
Gong Mei, also known as “Tribute Eyebrow”, is the third type of white tea on this list. It is thought to rank after Bai Hao Yin Zhen (Silver Needle) and Bai Mu Dan (White Peony) in terms of perceived quality.
The leaves of Gong Mei are generally smaller and more irregular in shape compared to Bai Hao Yin Zhen and Bai Mu Dan. The color can vary, often showcasing a mix of green, brown, and white hues, with the characteristic white fuzz less prominent than in Bai Hao Yin Zhen.
It has a darker color and a bolder flavor than the previous grades, often with a slightly earthy and woody taste.
Shoumei (Noble, Long Life Eyebrow)
Shoumei, often translated as “Noble, Long Life Eyebrow”, is often considered to be the lowest grade of Fujian white tea, made from the larger, darker, and more mature leaves of the tea plant that are not suitable for the higher grades.
Shoumei offers a fuller, richer flavor profile than the more delicate white teas. It tends to have a stronger, more robust taste with earthy, fruity, and sometimes slightly nutty or woody notes. The aroma can be more pronounced and varied, reflecting the mature nature of the leaves used in its production.
However, it’s important to mention that even though shoumei is the lowest grade of Fujian white tea, it’s not necessarily a low-quality tea.
