White TeaChina

Silver Needle Tea

Bai Hao Yin Zhen

SweetFloralSmooth

Silver Needle is the most delicate white tea, made only from downy spring buds.

Silver Needle tea — loose leaves
White TeaDelicate · Soft · Sweet
Light body
Tea TypeWhite TeaDelicate · Soft · Sweet
OriginFujian, China
OxidationLowUnroasted
BodyLight
CaffeineMedium30–55 mg / cup

Flavor Profile

What does Silver Needle taste like?

Silver Needle is the most delicate white tea, made only from downy spring buds. The infusion is pale and quietly sweet — melon, cucumber water, and a soft honey finish — with a silky, weightless body. It rewards patient brewing and close attention; drinkers used to bold teas may find it subtle at first. Quality buds should be visibly fuzzy and silvery.

Flavor NotesStrongest first
Sweet5 / 5
Floral4 / 5
Smooth3 / 5
Fresh2 / 5

Bar length reflects the relative prominence of each flavor note (dominant first), not a laboratory measurement.

Origin

Fujian, China

Authentic Yin Zhen comes from Fuding or Zhenghe in Fujian.

The birthplace of tea, producing every major tea style from green to dark.

Fujian, China

Brewing Guide

How to Brew Silver Needle

Tea Amount3 g
Water250 ml
Temperature80–85°C
Steep2–3 min
Re-steep2–3 times

Brewing parameters are a starting point and can be adjusted to taste.

Caffeine

Caffeine in Silver Needle

Medium

Typical brewed serving

30–55mg per cup

Silver Needle is a medium-caffeine white tea. A typical brewed serving contains about 30–55 mg of caffeine.

Values can vary depending on quantity, brewing time, serving size, and preparation method.

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Side by Side

Want to see how Silver Needle compares?

Put Silver Needle next to Bai Mu Dan and compare flavor, origin, caffeine, and brewing side by side.

FAQ

Silver Needle Tea FAQ

Quick answers about Silver Needle tea, drawn from its flavor, origin, caffeine, and brewing profile.

What is Silver Needle tea?

Silver Needle is the most delicate white tea, made only from downy spring buds. It is also known as Bai Hao Yin Zhen.

Does Silver Needle tea have caffeine?

Yes. Silver Needle is a medium-caffeine tea, typically 30–55 mg per brewed serving.

What does Silver Needle tea taste like?

Silver Needle is known for a profile led by Sweet, Floral, and Smooth, with a light body.

How do you brew Silver Needle tea?

Use about 3 g of tea per 250 ml of water at 80–85°C, steeping for 2–3 minutes. It can be re-steeped 2–3 times.

Is Silver Needle tea bitter?

Bitterness is not a defining note of Silver Needle; its profile centers on Sweet, Floral, and Smooth.