Some white teas are pressed into large book-sized bing. This one has been pressed into thin 7-gram wafers, cut, and 'bound' in individual wrappers in a pocket-sized box, like so many pages of a tiny tea tome. The book-themed individual packaging makes it the perfect tea for travel and obviates the need for measurement: simply use a whole slice or break one in two for your gongfu cha session. Available as a single slice, in cartons of 6 slices, and boxes of 4 cartons.
This Shou Mei-grade white tea from Yunnan has been slightly aged, and the variegated leaves exude a gentle infusion with a nice balance of starchiness and acidity. Aromas of cooked apricots, a hint of yeast, and a touch of florality and peppercorn enliven the long and otherwise clean finish—think of wandering an outdoor market on a fine spring day. Perhaps a perfect white tea for a summer picnic or a late-night comfort when travelling distant lands.
See Slices of Sheng and Slices of Shu for pu'er with the same style of pressing.
Start with one minute. Increase the brewing time for each subsequent infusion or two.
For best results in gongfu cha, brew in a gaiwan or an Yixing teapot.