Silver Needle White Tea (Baihao Yinzhen) — Bulk from Fuding, China
Silver Needle (白毫银针, Baihao Yinzhen) is the highest grade of Chinese white tea — plump spring buds covered in silvery down, simply withered and dried with no rolling or roasting. Pale apricot liquor, melon-honey sweetness and a cooling freshness. We supply Fuding and Zhenghe origin, current-year spring crop, with EU MRL testing and anti-moisture export packing to protect the down.
Product Specification
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| English name | Silver Needle White Tea (Baihao Yinzhen / Bai Hao Yin Zhen) |
| Chinese name | 白毫银针 (福鼎白茶) |
| Category | White tea, GB/T 22291 |
| Origin | Fuding & Zhenghe, Ningde, Fujian, China |
| Harvest | Early spring, buds only (single bud plucking) |
| Main markets | Europe, North America, Japan, Southeast Asia |
| Minimum order | 200 kg per grade |
Grades & Styles — How to Choose
| Grade / Style | Grade & harvest | How to identify |
|---|---|---|
| Special grade (Ming Qian) | Pre-Qingming early spring buds | Fat buds, dense silver down, melon-honey sweetness |
| Grade 1 | Late March–April buds | Slightly slimmer buds, clean fresh profile, better value |
| Aged Silver Needle | 1–3+ years natural aging | Darker liquor, jujube and honey notes, mellow body |
Liquor: pale apricot-gold, clear | Aroma: melon, cucumber, white flowers | Taste: silky, sweet, cooling with soft honey finish
Buyer checklist: real Silver Needle is buds only — watch for blends with leaf (that is White Peony). Confirm plucking year and down coverage; moisture ≤ 8.5% and sealed foil packing are critical for shelf life.
Technical Parameters (per lot COA supplied)
| Parameter | Specification | Method / Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture | ≤ 8.5% | GB 5009.3 |
| Total ash | ≤ 6.5% | GB 5009.4 |
| Buds (whole-bud ratio) | ≥ 90% | Manual sorting |
| Water extract | ≥ 30% | GB/T 8305 |
| Pesticide residue | EU MRL (EC 396/2005) compliant | SGS / Intertek per lot |
Packing & Supply Terms
- 5 kg aluminum-foil bags with PE liner inside export cartons
- OEM 50–100 g retail pouches / tins available (MOQ 200 kg)
- Container loading: 20GP ≈ 8–10 MT
- Lead time: new-crop pre-booking 20–30 days; stock 7 days
- Payment: T/T (30/70) or L/C at sight; FOB Fuzhou / Xiamen
Certifications & Export Documents
Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Certificate of Origin (CO / Form A / RCEP as applicable), Phytosanitary Certificate, per-lot COA (moisture, ash, pesticide residue EU MRL Reg. EC 396/2005), Health Certificate. Halal certificate available for Islamic markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Silver Needle vs White Peony — what is the difference?
Silver Needle is pure unopened buds (highest grade, delicate melon-honey cup). White Peony (Bai Mu Dan) is bud + one or two leaves — fuller body, stronger flavor, lower cost. Many buyers stock both as good-better tiers.
Can you supply aged white tea?
Yes — we hold 1-, 3- and 5-year aged Silver Needle and Shou Mei. Aged white tea commands premium pricing and is popular in Hong Kong, Malaysia and now Europe.
How is white tea packed to protect the buds?
5 kg foil-lined bags with nitrogen flush option, plus rigid cartons. The white down (hao) is fragile — we avoid deep-pile bulk bags for top grades.
Is Fuding or Zhenghe better?
Fuding is the classic origin with floral, fresh profile; Zhenghe gives a slightly darker, mellower cup. We offer both with origin declaration.
What is the MOQ?
200 kg per grade; 50–200 g samples free, courier collect.
Request a Quote
Contact Smileaf Tea (Xiamen, China) for FOB prices, free samples (50–200 g, courier collect) and OEM/private-label solutions. Related products: White Peony (Bai Mu Dan), White Tea Grade Guide, Specialty Tea Guide