Shou Mei

Caffeine Content: Low

Ingredients: White tea

Flavor Profile: Robust - Smooth - Vegetal

Brewing Instructions: 

Amount: 1-2 teaspoons per 8oz

Water Temperature: 175-185°

Steep Time: 3-5 minutes

Shou Mei White Tea is a robust, smooth, and deeply satisfying tea that bridges the delicate essence of white tea with the fuller, more developed character of an oolong. Harvested from the later flushes of the white tea plant, it offers a richer body and a more pronounced flavor than other white teas, with subtle vegetal undertones and a mellow earthiness. This makes it an excellent choice for those who appreciate complexity and depth in their cup.

Key Characteristics:

Leaf & Processing Notes:

• Mature White Tea Leaves & Buds: Shou Mei is made from more mature leaves and fewer buds, which gives it its distinctive strength and bolder profile. The leaves are naturally sun-dried and minimally processed, preserving their organic shape and producing a tea that feels grounded and full-bodied.

Flavor Profile:

• Robust & Smooth: Unlike many white teas that are light and airy, Shou Mei leans into a richer, more robust body. It carries a silky mouthfeel with minimal astringency, making it exceptionally smooth and easy to drink.

• Vegetal Depth: Hints of steamed greens, hay, and a subtle nuttiness create a savory backbone to the flavor, delivering a natural, earthy freshness that lingers on the palate.

• Oolong-Like Complexity: With oxidation levels slightly higher than typical white teas, Shou Mei exhibits a taste profile reminiscent of lightly roasted oolong—warm, woodsy, and gently floral, with a faint sweetness in the finish.

Brewing Tips:

• Water Temperature: Use water heated to 175–185°F (80–85°C) to bring out the nuanced flavors without overwhelming the delicate leaf structure.

• Steeping Time: Steep 1–2 teaspoons per 8 oz of water for 3–5 minutes. A shorter steep yields a lighter cup, while a longer steep will draw out its deeper, more oolong-like qualities.

• Multiple Infusions: This tea is well-suited for multiple steepings. With each infusion, different layers emerge—from vegetal notes to light florals and mellow earth tones.

Health Benefits:

• High in Antioxidants: As a white tea, Shou Mei retains a wealth of polyphenols that may help neutralize free radicals, support cellular health, and promote glowing skin.

• Gentle Energy Boost: Naturally low in caffeine compared to black or green tea, it provides a calm, sustained alertness without the jitters.

• Hydration & Detoxification: Its clean, refreshing flavor makes it an ideal companion for daily hydration and gentle detox support, especially when sipped throughout the day.

• Supports Digestion: The slightly woody and vegetal notes in Shou Mei can offer mild digestive benefits, particularly when consumed after meals.

Serving Suggestions:

• Plain & Pure: Best enjoyed without additives to appreciate its natural flavor complexity.

• Hot Only: While Shou Mei can be chilled, its layered profile shines most when served hot, allowing its warm, oolong-like notes to bloom fully.

• Perfect for Mindful Moments: Ideal for quiet mornings, reflective afternoons, or any moment when you want to slow down and enjoy a rich, grounded cup.

Why Shou Mei?

Shou Mei is perfect for tea drinkers who enjoy the subtle elegance of white tea but crave a deeper, more complex flavor. It offers a bridge between the lightness of traditional white teas and the toasted richness of oolongs, delivering a full-spectrum experience in every sip. Whether you’re transitioning from green or oolong teas or exploring white teas for the first time, Shou Mei offers a distinctive, satisfying infusion that honors both tradition and depth.