• Loose leaf white tea - Silver Needle tea
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Silver Needle

Silver Needle

Silver Needle is a premium white tea made from the first flush spring buds of the tea plant. Hand harvested in Yunnan, China, it represents one of the highest-grade white teas in our collection and showcases the precision and care of traditional Chinese tea craftsmanship.

£12.00 GBP
£12.00 GBP
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Delivery & returns

Free standard delivery for orders over £40. We aim to deliver your Waterloo Tea order quickly and securely. For full details on shipping options, delivery times, and our returns policy, please visit our Delivery Information page (link the delivery information page). 

Packaging

Our teas are designed with sustainability in mind. Loose leaf teas and tea bags are packed in recyclable pouches, and our tea bags are fully compostable, perfect for your home food waste bin.

Storage

Store your tea in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep pouches sealed between uses to preserve flavour and character. Most teas remain enjoyable after their best-before date, though blends with added flavours may lose their intensity after this date.

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Description

Silver Needle is composed entirely of unopened spring buds, harvested at the peak of early spring. Focusing on these young buds allows the tea to convey the purity and character inherent to the plant, without the need for blending or additional flavouring.

This tea is considered one of the highest-grade whites in our collection, alongside Bai Mu Dan, and is valued not only for its rarity but also for the meticulous care required in its production. The precision in harvesting and handling means that every cup reflects the skill of the pickers and the subtle qualities of Yunnan’s high-altitude environment.

Silver Needle offers a structured, contemplative tea experience. It provides an opportunity to appreciate the craftsmanship and tradition behind China’s premier white teas, highlighting how careful cultivation and handling of the earliest spring buds can produce a tea of remarkable purity and refinement.

Origin

Silver Needle comes from Yunnan, a province with a long history of producing premium teas. This white tea is harvested from high-altitude gardens where early spring buds are often cloaked in clouds and mist, slowing growth and concentrating the plant’s natural qualities.

The cultivation of Silver Needle follows traditional local practices, with each bud carefully hand-picked to ensure uniformity and purity. Historically, these teas were reserved for imperial households and tribute collections, underscoring the high regard for their delicate, unblemished buds.

The combination of altitude, seasonal climate, and meticulous harvest techniques results in a tea that reflects Yunnan’s heritage while maintaining a distinct identity among white teas.

Processing

Silver Needle is made exclusively from the first flush spring buds of the tea plant. Skilled pickers harvest only the youngest, unopened buds to maintain consistency and quality.

After plucking, the buds undergo a careful withering process, traditionally laid out in natural airflow to reduce moisture while preserving the integrity of each delicate bud. This slow, gentle withering allows the tea to retain its structure and develop subtle complexity without oxidation.

Once adequately withered, the buds are lightly dried using low heat. This minimal handling preserves the natural appearance of the tea, giving the characteristic “silver needle” look, while locking in the essential qualities of the fresh leaf. This approach is what distinguishes Silver Needle as a premium-grade white tea and why it is so prized among collectors and enthusiasts.

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