White tea · Yunnan, China
Moonlight White
Yunnan white tea with silver buds and dark leaves, creating a visually striking and smooth, sweet tea.
How to brew
| Leaf | Water | Temperature | Time | Infusions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western | 4 g | 250 ml | 88°C / 190°F | 3 min | 4 |
| Gong Fu | 7 g | 100 ml | 88°C / 190°F | 20 s + | 10 |
About this tea
Moonlight White (Yue Guang Bai) represents Yunnan's unique contribution to white tea tradition, crafted from the same ancient tea trees that produce renowned Pu-erh. This visually dramatic tea, with its contrast of silvery-white buds against dark purple-black leaves, earned its poetic name from the traditional moonlight withering process. Created in the early 2000s, it quickly gained recognition for bringing Yunnan's distinctive terroir to white tea production.
The tea is made from the large-leaf Yunnan varietals, particularly from ancient tea trees in Jinggu County. Traditional processing involves withering the leaves under moonlight to prevent direct sun exposure, which would alter the delicate enzymatic processes. This extended, gentle withering (48-60 hours) allows the backs of leaves to darken while preserving the silvery buds, creating the striking two-toned appearance. Some producers combine moon and indoor withering for consistency.
The flavor profile is distinctively Yunnanese: more robust than Fujian whites with natural sweetness reminiscent of raw honey and sugarcane. Notes of dried apricot, hay, and a characteristic Yunnan 'thickness' create a full-bodied yet smooth experience. There's often a subtle camphor or medicinal quality - prized by connoisseurs - and a cooling sensation typical of high-quality whites. The tea produces a golden-amber liquor, darker than typical whites, with an almost syrupy texture.
Brewing recommendations: Use 1 heaping teaspoon (4g) per 250ml cup with water at 88°C (190°F), steeping for 3 minutes. The robust leaves handle slightly higher temperatures well. For gongfu style, use 4-5 grams with multiple infusions. This tea excels with multiple infusions, easily yielding 6-8 steepings with evolving flavors. Some tea lovers brew it like a light Pu-erh with quick rinses.
Perfect for white tea newcomers who find Silver Needle too subtle, or Pu-erh lovers exploring whites. Pairs beautifully with Yunnan cuisine, mushroom dishes, aged cheeses, and dried fruits. Also excellent with chocolate, where its robustness complements rather than disappears. The tea ages wonderfully, developing deeper honey and fruit notes over 5-10 years. Moderate caffeine (18mg) makes it suitable throughout the day.
Increase water temperature with each infusion, starting at 80°C and gradually increasing to 95°C or even boiling for later steeps
Caffeine, in context
Per 250 ml cup, brewed as directed.
Flavor profile
- smooth
- honey-like
- fruity
- mellow
Health benefits
- antioxidants
- relaxation
- skin health
- gentle energy
Pairs wonderfully with
- dried fruit
- nuts
- dark chocolate
- cookies
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Frequently asked questions
Can you re-steep Moonlight White?
Yes — Moonlight White gives 10 good infusions. Start at 20 seconds and add a little time to each round.
How much caffeine is in Moonlight White?
18 mg per 250 ml cup — Low caffeine.
What water temperature does Moonlight White need?
88°C / 190°F. Hotter water pulls out bitterness; cooler water under-extracts the leaf.
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