White Peony (Bai Mudan)

About this tea

White Peony (Bai Mudan) represents the perfect balance in white tea production - more robust than Silver Needle yet maintaining white tea's characteristic delicacy. Created in the 1920s in Fujian Province as a more accessible alternative to Silver Needle, White Peony has become the most popular premium white tea worldwide. The name derives from the tea's appearance when brewed - the bud and two leaves unfurl like a blooming peony.

Production follows the 'one bud, two leaves' plucking standard, harvested slightly later than Silver Needle when the first leaves have emerged. This combination of silvery buds and darker green-brown leaves creates visual contrast and flavor complexity. The withering process, lasting 24-48 hours, allows enzymatic changes that develop the tea's characteristic fruity notes. Careful temperature control during drying preserves both the white down on buds and the integrity of the leaves.

The flavor profile offers more body than Silver Needle while maintaining elegance: initial sweetness reminiscent of fresh apricots and honey, followed by subtle notes of cucumber, melon rind, and fresh straw. The presence of leaves adds a pleasant, mild astringency and vegetal undertones that balance the sweetness. Premium grades exhibit a creamy mouthfeel and complex progression from fruity to floral to slightly mineral. The liquor is pale gold with exceptional clarity.

Brewing recommendations: Use 1 heaping teaspoon (4g) per 250ml cup with water at 85°C (185°F), steeping for 4 minutes. The tea is forgiving and won't easily become bitter. For gongfu style, use 3-4 grams for multiple infusions. Can yield 4-5 flavorful infusions, with later steepings revealing different characteristics - more mineral and woody notes emerge.

Versatile enough for any time of day, White Peony pairs wonderfully with Asian cuisine, particularly dim sum, sushi, and light stir-fries. Also excellent with fresh salads, mild cheeses, and stone fruits. Makes exceptional iced tea - cold-brewing overnight brings out natural sweetness. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it's valued for its cooling properties and is drunk in summer for refreshment. The moderate caffeine content (20mg per cup) provides gentle energy without jitters.