Shou Mei is a very fragrant tea with a very fruity, sweet, full bodied taste. This is a great tea for making iced tea.

Chinese white teas are known for cooling (Yin) properties and are considered detoxifying and refreshing. Recent research at the University of Oregon reports that white teas, in comparison to other tea, have the highest concentration of the anti-oxidant group known as "catechins", almost three times that in green tea. White teas have less caffeine, approximately 10 mg compared to 30 in green tea, 50 in black tea and 110 in brewed coffee. The absence of fermentation, withering, rolling and oxidation of the leaves allows white tea to contain a concentration of polyphenols, a possible anti-cancer agent. Recent health research results have pointed to Chinese white tea as potentially having the largest amount of health benefits of any of the Chinese teas made from Camellia sinensis

White tea is very different from other types of tea such as green or black tea. White tea leaves are plucked from a special varietal tea bush called Narcissus or chaicha bushes. Secondly the leaves are not steamed or pan-fired (the process used in green teas) or fermented and fired (the process used in black tea). The leaves are naturally withered and dried in the sun.

Shou Mei is one of the lower grades of white tea, but despite this it has the properties attributed to white teas. The leaves for Shou Mei are plucked during late April, May, and June. The lack of processing and hand selection is evident in the leaf appearance of Shou Mei as it is somewhat mixed, flaky, and flat. This Shou Mei has a more pronounced taste profile - almost oolong tea-like. Many white tea drinkers prefer this cup due to more 'substance' to the taste compared to other white teas.

Brewing Instructions:
When preparing by the cup, this tea can be used repeatedly (à la chinoise)- about 3 times. The secret is to use water that is about 180 degrees F or 80 degrees C. Place 1-2 teaspoons of leaves in your cup and let the tea steep for 3 minutes. Then begin enjoying a cup of enchantment - do not remove the leaves from the cup. Once the water level is low - add more water, and so on - until the tea flavor is exhausted. Milk or sugar will mask the delicate characters of this tea and are not recommended. Look at the pattern of the leaves - they foretell life.

Item Number: BT27           Brand:  Plum Flower

Size: 4 oz

Price: $9.40