White Monkey Tea (Bai Mao Hou)
Tender spring buds, fresh fragrance, and elegant sweetness from Fujian’s mountains.
- Category: Green tea (Camellia sinensis), minimally oxidized.
- Origin: China — Fujian Province, especially Taimu Mountain.
- Harvest: Early spring (first flush), made from young buds and first leaves covered in fine white hairs.
- Grade: Supreme White Monkey; High-grade Bai Mao Hou; Standard White Monkey
Tasting Profile
Brewing Guide
- Tea-to-water ratio~3–4 g leaves per 200 ml water.
- Water temperature75–80 °C (167–176 °F) to preserve delicate flavors.
- Steeping timeFirst infusion: 1.5–2 minutes; subsequent infusions: 30–60 seconds.
- Infusions2–3 infusions; first is floral-sweet, second develops nutty depth, third lighter and refreshing.
Background & Story
White Monkey Tea, known in Chinese as Bai Mao Hou (“white-haired monkey”), is a rare and elegant green tea from Fujian Province, particularly the misty slopes of Taimu Mountain. Despite its name, it is not a white tea but a green tea, though its appearance often leads to confusion. The name comes from the fine silvery-white hairs that cover the tender buds and young leaves, giving them a fuzzy look reminiscent of monkey fur.
The origins of White Monkey Tea date back several centuries, with local legends claiming that it was so delicate and difficult to harvest that trained monkeys were once used to pick the highest buds from mountain cliffs — though this is more folklore than fact. In truth, the tea’s reputation comes from the painstaking hand-plucking process, where only the finest buds and first leaves of early spring are selected.
What makes Bai Mao Hou distinctive is its combination of the freshness of green tea with some of the sweetness and soft body reminiscent of white teas. The minimal oxidation process preserves its natural character: the leaves are withered, pan-fired, and carefully shaped, retaining their downy hairs and delicate flavors. When brewed, White Monkey yields a pale jade liquor with a floral fragrance, sweet vegetal taste, and lingering chestnut-like finish.
White Monkey Tea is highly valued among tea connoisseurs for its rarity and elegance. Production is limited to early spring harvests, and authentic Bai Mao Hou from Fujian is prized for both its beauty and refined flavor. Its balance of floral, fruity, and nutty notes has earned it recognition as one of Fujian’s specialty teas.
Today, White Monkey continues to be enjoyed as a bridge between green and white teas — a delicate, refreshing brew that captures the essence of spring and the artistry of Chinese tea tradition.
Benefits
- Rich in antioxidants that help protect cells from oxidative stress
- Supports heart health by aiding circulation and balancing cholesterol
- Provides calm focus with gentle caffeine and L-theanine synergy
- May aid digestion and metabolism due to catechins and polyphenols
- Light, refreshing, and gentle on the stomach, suitable for daily drinking
Serving Suggestions
Pairings
- Light seafood dishes such as steamed shrimp or scallops
- Fresh fruit, especially pears, apricots, or melon
- Mild cheeses like goat cheese or fresh mozzarella
- Simple stir-fried greens such as bok choy or spinach
- Delicate pastries or almond cookies for a sweet contrast
Teaware
- Glass teapot or tall glass (to admire the silvery, downy buds unfurling)
- Gaiwan (for precise brewing and aroma appreciation)
- Fairness pitcher (cha hai) (to evenly distribute the delicate liquor)
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 cup brewed White Monkey Tea (240 ml)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 0 | 0% |
| Total Fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Sodium | 0 mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 0 g | 0% |
| Protein | 0 g | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 3–6 mg | 5–8% |
| Vitamin A (beta-carotene) | Trace | <1% |
| Calcium | 2–4 mg | <1% |
| Potassium | 20–35 mg | <1% |
| Magnesium | 2–4 mg | 1% |
| Caffeine | 20–30 mg | — |
| L-theanine | 6–10 mg | — |
| Catechins (EGCG) | 25–45 mg | — |
| Polyphenols | 60–90 mg | — |
| Chlorophyll | Present (moderate-high) | — |
**Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
† Functional compounds such as caffeine, L-theanine, catechins, polyphenols, and chlorophyll do not have established %DV but contribute to White Monkey Tea’s antioxidant, digestive, and calming health benefits.