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photograph by Melissa Placzek

:: Tea of the Week ::

Silver Needle White Fur

(Baihao Yinzhen)

White tea was originally only produced in China from two varieties of tea plant, but now some types are produced in other parts of the world. My favorite white tea is less common than White Peony (which is also very good.) Yinzhen was the prized tea of Chinese emperors. This beautiful tea was strictly reserved for the Chinese imperial family until just a few decades ago when it became available to the general public.

To create this tea, the most tender white buds are harvested only two days out of the year in the Fujian province of China. They still use the same, centuries old techniques to accomplish this, and the result is a gorgeous tea with an incomparable liquor.

Appearance: Silvery, tightly curled leaf bud with tiny white hairs on the underside.

Character: Pale, yellow infusion. Smooth, subtle flavor. Famous for it’s elegance and extraordinary purity. Very low in caffeine.

:: Tea Fact ::

Did you know there are other uses for tea besides drinking it?

Black tea will bring out the natural highlights in red, auburn or light brown hair.

Used, wet tea bags can be used to exfoliate skin before washing and moisturizing. The caffeine in tea is good for your skin and tightens pores. Place on eyelids for 15 minutes to reduce swelling.

Dry, herbal, tisane bags can double as drawer and closet sachets.

Cold, black or green tea reduces the sting of sunburn.

Used, wet tea leaves are a good fertilizer for the soil around rose bushes.

Dye fabrics a light taupe color with a solution of strong, black tea.

Re-hydrate dried fruits in cold tea before adding to cake.

~Melissa