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White Peony (Bai Mu Dan)

White Peony (Bai Mu Dan) 白牡丹

Soft, fruity, floral, fuller body

Fuding and Zhenghe, FujianCaffeine: LowBeginner: ★★★★★

Water Temp

180°F (82°C)

Infusions

4-6

Harvest

Spring, one bud with one or two young leaves. Slightly later harvest than Silver Needle.

Entry Price

$10-20 / 100g (standard grade)

Flavor Profile

Taste & Aroma

AromaFresh wildflowers, ripe stone fruit, faint honey
TasteRicher than Silver Needle, clear fruity notes, honey sweetness, subtle floral finish
ColorPale golden, bright
BodyLight to medium, rounder than Silver Needle

Brewing Guide

How to Brew It

Water

180°F (82°C)

Vessel

Porcelain gaiwan or glass

Gongfu Time

45-60 seconds

Western Time

3-4 minutes

Ratio

2-3g per 200ml

Infusions

4-6

Read the general brewing guide →

Buying Guide

How to Buy White Peony (Bai Mu Dan) Without Getting Scammed

The Chinese tea market is vast and unregulated. Here's exactly what to look for — and what to run from.

Entry Level

$10-20 / 100g (standard grade)

Premium / Collector

$30-60 / 100g (Fuding origin, high proportion of buds)

Quality Check

Mix of silvery buds and green-brown leaves. Leaves should appear as if dancing when brewed. Dry fragrance should be fresh and mildly sweet, avoid smoky or stale notes.

Common Scams

Lower-quality production using summer or autumn leaves lacks the fruity sweetness. Machine-processed versions lose the leaf integrity and visual appeal.

Search keywords that find the real thing

White Peony teaBai Mu DanFuding white teabudget white tea

For the general principles behind every one of these checks — harvest dates, origin specificity, red flags — read our complete buying guide.

History

Where It Comes From

Bai Mu Dan means White Peony, the brewed leaves resemble peony petals floating in water. Second only to Silver Needle in white tea hierarchy but offers more flavor complexity at a friendlier price. A great everyday white tea.

Ideal For

Those who find Silver Needle too subtle. Great value daily white tea. Pairs beautifully with light foods.

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