Silver Needles from Doke is undoubtedly a very high-quality white tea, adding India to the list of countries producing this tea style outside of China, alongside Sri Lanka. Unlike in China’s Fujian province, where Bai Hao Yin Zhen is harvested once a year, in India the Silver Needles are picked twice annually. Another key difference for consumers is the price — the Indian tea is more than half the cost. It’s important to note that these teas are not interchangeable; both the Chinese and Indian Silver Needles have their own unique characteristics due to growing in completely different conditions and having distinct processing methods. Visually, the tea shows white fuzzy buds, some greener, others browner, with a light raspberry scent. When brewed, it develops citrus aromas combined with herbal and woody undertones, along with a slight astringency. Some compare the flavor evolution of this tea to the taste of Belgian beer.
