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White tea guide

White Tea: Steeping Times and Varieties

White tea needs gentle heat and a short steep. Start at 175°F for two minutes, then adjust the next cup to taste.

Water temperature175°F
Steep time2:00
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Know your white tea

Silver Needle

Buds only, the most delicate white tea. Sweet, floral, almost translucent cup.

White Peony

Buds and young leaves. Fuller body than Silver Needle, melon and honey notes.

Shou Mei

More mature leaves, darker cup. Nutty, woody, with a natural sweetness.

Gong Mei

Similar to Shou Mei, slightly different leaf grade. Earthy, mellow.

Brewing white tea

Minimal processing — just wither and dry — preserves the highest antioxidant levels of any tea. Naturally lower in caffeine.

Gentle heat protects the delicate buds. Start at 175°F for two minutes. Longer steeps bring out honey notes without bitterness.

Five cups to try

  1. 1. A Silver Needle moment

    Buds only, 175°F, two minutes. Sweet, floral, meditative.

  2. 2. A White Peony daily

    Buds and leaves, 175°F, two minutes. Fuller, honey-melon notes.

  3. 3. A Shou Mei long steep

    Three minutes at 185°F brings out nutty depth.

  4. 4. A Gong Mei cold steep

    Cool water overnight. Mellow, naturally sweet.

  5. 5. A white tea blend

    Jasmine-scented or fruit-blended. Same gentle brew parameters.

Sources: Art of Tea steeping guide. Recommendations are starting points; check your tea package for variety-specific guidance.