This was included in a White Tea sample pack gifted me by a friend who was trying to turn me on to loose-leaf tea. It may be because I’m so new to teas, but I found this tea, often described as “subtle” far too mild for my tastes. I could barely distinguish this from hot water. Drinkable, but not something I’d like to try again. I liked the White Symphony in the sample pack much more, and later tried White Peony and found I also prefer it to Silver Needle.
Preparation
Comments
just looking at your brewing note….I don’t know how much you used, but the silver needle has most of its surface area concealing inside it, meaning it needs longer steeps. I would suggest for a better cup, take a clear, heat resistant glass cup and add about 3-4grams (about a 1tbsp-1.5tbsp) in 185 degree water. Cover the cup and watch the needles ‘rain’ to the bottom of the cup. Let steep about 5-7 minutes or until most of the needles have sank to the bottom. Drink. I think you will find it to be a better cup.
I always follow the instructions on the package—which usually means a teaspoon per cup of water, or two teaspoons sometimes in cases were the tea leaves are, shall we say, not the kind that easily lie on the spoon.
The thing is, this was part of a sample pack, and I clearly preferred “White Symphony” (which seems to be a combo of silver needle and white peony) and later TeaSource’s White Peony. So I doubt I’ll revisit the Silver Needle. If I ever do, I’ll keep your advice in mind.
just looking at your brewing note….I don’t know how much you used, but the silver needle has most of its surface area concealing inside it, meaning it needs longer steeps. I would suggest for a better cup, take a clear, heat resistant glass cup and add about 3-4grams (about a 1tbsp-1.5tbsp) in 185 degree water. Cover the cup and watch the needles ‘rain’ to the bottom of the cup. Let steep about 5-7 minutes or until most of the needles have sank to the bottom. Drink. I think you will find it to be a better cup.
I always follow the instructions on the package—which usually means a teaspoon per cup of water, or two teaspoons sometimes in cases were the tea leaves are, shall we say, not the kind that easily lie on the spoon.
The thing is, this was part of a sample pack, and I clearly preferred “White Symphony” (which seems to be a combo of silver needle and white peony) and later TeaSource’s White Peony. So I doubt I’ll revisit the Silver Needle. If I ever do, I’ll keep your advice in mind.