Organic White Peony (Bai Mu Dan)

Tea Garden: Jiu Feng Shan Tea Garden
Farming Methods: Organic farming. Hand-picked – one bud and one newly opened leaf
Production Methods: See below

Our Organic Bai Mu Dan (White Peony), from the Jiu Feng Shan Tea Garden – a certifed organic tea garden in North Fujian. The tea garden is locate right near the peak of Jiu Feng Shan, at an altitude of 1,300m ($,265ft).

Bai Mu Dan (White Peony) is one of the famous Chinese white teas. The name comes from the fact that when Bai Mu Dan is brewed, the green leaf and silver center bud will both open and it looks somewhat like a white peony. It is produced in the North area of Fujian province of China. The highest grade of Bai Mu Dan is made from the harvesting of one bud and one newly opened leaf. Lower grades are made by using one bud and two leaves. The leaf used for making Bai Mu Dan is more grown and developed than the tender leaf picked for Silver Needle white tea, which creates a fuller and stronger brewed flavour in Bai My Dan.

Bai Mu Dan is minimally oxidized. The harvested leaves and buds are usually naturally withered in the sun (although the more time consuming, indoor withering is now becoming more common.) As the withering process continues, the water content in the tea leaf cells is reduced and the cell membrane loses its function. The enzymes in the tea leaves interact with other the constituents which in turn creates the final taste and aromatic character of the tea.

The withered leaves often then undergo a light roast, or baking to be sufficiently dried. Traditionally baking is done by using charcoal heat. Throughout the process, the leaves are handled very gently to ensure the tea leaf shape is not damaged and remains as complete as possible. It is important that the tea leaves are heated evenly to ensure there is no smoky or burnt flavor in the finished tea.

Being one of the least processed of all teas, Bai Mu Dan is said to contains more anti-oxidants, polyphenols, catechins and EGCG than other teas

Suggested Brewing (adjust according to personal preferences)
Water Temperature: 75-85°C/167-176°F
Amount: 2-3g per 150ml teacup
Steeping Time: 2-3 minutes
# of Infusions: 2 infusions