Fresh and delicate this white tea is made from young, unopened buds and is a perfect example of the superior teas produced in Indonesia.
Flavour
Floral and fruity with notes of honeysuckle, white grape, honeydew melon and peach, with a smooth and mellow sweetness.
Harvest
Jambi province, Sumatra
Kayu Aro tea plantation, Mount Kerinci
Processing
Dried naturally using sunlight or indoors at lower temperatures for up to 40 hours; buds are then placed carefully on bamboo racks in a temperature controlled 40C room that is well ventilated with fans; slight oxidation occurs naturally during the withering process
Elevation
1,600 metres
After infusing the downy buds don’t let the light honey coloured liquor fool you. Colour is not indicative of flavour and this high grown Silver Needle tea from the second highest tea plantation in the world delivers more than what you’re expecting.
The floral aroma from the dry buds and the infusion is fresh and enticing. Smooth and fruity with flavours of peach, white grape and melon balance the honeysuckle notes and your taste buds are reminded of why this is the sweetest of the white teas.
When Indonesian Silver Needle is cold brewed, the floral and sweet fruit flavours are intensified. Be sure to try cold brewing, as it is our preferred way to enjoy this tea.
White tea is typically too delicate to pair with strong foods and with its fruity and floral flavours, this tea is asking to be served after dinner with a light dessert, such as a sponge cake with fresh fruit and whipped cream. Serve this with a young soft cheese and you have a delicious digestif.
3g per 250 mls (1 cup)
First infusion: rinse leaves with 85oC water for 10 seconds and discard water
Infuse for 21/2 - 3 minutes at 85oC
Additional infusions: gradually increase steeping time with each infusion
4.5g per 250 mls (1 cup)
Weigh desired amount of tea leaves and place in a pitcher; add cold filtered water and stir; seal pitcher with a lid
Brew for 4 to 5 hours in the fridge
Pour through a strainer to remove tea leaves and serve cold brewed tea over ice
You may enjoy this tea more cold brewed as the fruit and naturally sweet flavours are stronger.
Post cold brewing: tinfuse the tea again in cold filtered water for 5+ hours and again in hot water for 3+ minutes to enjoy second and third brews. Then remove as much moisture as possible from the tea and grind it into a paste to use as a face mask as Silver Needle is a cooling tea and has anti-inflammatory properties that can help with skin problems.
3g per 250mls (1 cup) of room temperature water
Brew in a tea flask at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Taste as it's brewing and strain the tea when you like the flavour. White tea is perfect for ambient brewing.
Because of the tropical rainforest climate, it is generally hot and humid throughout the year. However, the tea garden's elevation can lead to changing weather conditions with frequent rainfall and cooler temperatures. It receives ample sun exposure throughout the year, especially in the dry season from May to September. Wet season is from November to March with more than 4,000mm annual rainfall.
Mt. Kernci is part of Kerinci Seblat National Park on Sumatra and is home to diverse flora and fauna.. The tea garden benefits from this natural, untouched environment and produces pure tea that reflects the terroir.
