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Zhenghe Silver Needle

Zhenghe Silver Needle

White Tea

China — Zhenghe, Fujian

Oxidation: none

Harvest: spring

15-25 mg/cup
🌡75-85 °C
3-5 min
🔄3 infusions

Tasting Profile

Aroma

Robust, fruity with stronger character

Flavor

Fuller, fruitier than Fuding version

Mouthfeel

Light to medium-bodied

Aftertaste

Fruity, lasting finish

Brewing Guide

Temperature

75-85°C

167-185°F

Steep Time

3-5 min

Leaf Amount

2g / 100ml

Max Infusions

3

About This Tea

From the renowned tea-growing region of Zhenghe, Fujian in China comes Zhenghe Silver Needle, a tea prized by connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike. The leaves are minimally processed — simply withered and dried with little manipulation, allowing the natural character of the leaf to shine through, a method that has been refined over centuries to capture the essence of the terroir in every cup. The specific microclimate of Zhenghe, Fujian — its rainfall patterns, altitude, and soil composition — contributes to a flavor profile that cannot be truly replicated anywhere else in the world.

The sensory experience of Zhenghe Silver Needle begins with its aroma — robust, fruity with stronger character. Upon tasting, one discovers fuller, fruitier than fuding version. This complexity of flavor makes Zhenghe Silver Needle a fascinating tea to explore, as each brewing reveals new nuances and subtleties that reward attentive drinkers. The tea is moderate in caffeine with 15-25 mg per cup, providing gentle alertness without the jitters, adding to its versatility as a daily companion.

Chinese tea culture, one of the oldest and most sophisticated in the world, has elevated tea preparation and appreciation to an art form spanning thousands of years.

Preparing Zhenghe Silver Needle requires attention to temperature and timing. Water at 75°C to 85°C brings out the best qualities of the leaf, while steeping for 3 to 5 minutes achieves the ideal balance of flavor and body. A ratio of 2.0g per 100ml of water is recommended. With up to 3 possible infusions, each cup provides a new opportunity to appreciate the nuances of this exceptional tea.

In the modern tea landscape, Zhenghe Silver Needle occupies a special position. As consumers worldwide develop increasingly sophisticated palates, this tea has found appreciation far beyond its traditional home in China. Specialty tea shops, online retailers, and dedicated tea communities have made it more accessible than ever, while maintaining respect for the traditional craftsmanship that defines its production. For those discovering Zhenghe Silver Needle for the first time, it offers a gateway to understanding the incredible diversity and depth that the world of tea has to offer.

Health Benefits

Highest antioxidant content among true teas due to minimal processing
Contains gentle amounts of caffeine for mild, sustained energy
Rich in catechins that may support skin health and anti-aging
May help protect against oxidative stress and cellular damage
Provides gentle, natural hydration with beneficial compounds

Caffeine Deep Dive

compared to coffee (95 mg)

Zhenghe Silver Needle20 mg
Coffee95 mg

Based on the FDA guideline of 400 mg/day, you can safely drink up to 20 cups per day.

Track your daily intake with the Caffeine Calculator →

Serving Suggestions

Pairs Well With

Light pastriesFresh fruitsMild cheeseSteamed fishDelicate desserts

Recommended Teaware

Porcelain gaiwanGlass tea pitcherSmall ceramic cups

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Nutrition Facts

Per 240ml serving
Calories2 kcal
Caffeine15-25 mg
L-Theanine15-28 mg
Polyphenols120-220 mg
EGCG (Catechins)15-30 mg
Vitamin C1-2 mg
Protein0.3 g
Total Carbohydrates0.4 g
Total Fat0 g
Potassium20 mg
Magnesium3 mg
Calcium3 mg
Sodium1 mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Zhenghe Silver Needle taste like?
Zhenghe Silver Needle has a Fuller, fruitier than Fuding version taste with Robust, fruity with stronger character aroma. The mouthfeel is Light to medium-bodied with Fruity, lasting finish aftertaste.
How much caffeine is in Zhenghe Silver Needle?
Zhenghe Silver Needle contains 15-25 mg of caffeine per cup.
What temperature should I brew Zhenghe Silver Needle at?
Brew Zhenghe Silver Needle at 75-85°C for 3-5 minutes.
What are the health benefits of Zhenghe Silver Needle?
Key health benefits of Zhenghe Silver Needle include: Highest antioxidant content among true teas due to minimal processing, Contains gentle amounts of caffeine for mild, sustained energy, Rich in catechins that may support skin health and anti-aging.
What foods pair well with Zhenghe Silver Needle?
Zhenghe Silver Needle pairs well with: Light pastries, Fresh fruits, Mild cheese, Steamed fish, Delicate desserts.