Shoumei tea

Shou Mei

Type:	White
Other names:	Sow Mee, Longevity Eyebrow, 壽眉, 寿眉
Origin:	China
Quick description:	A fruity furry white tea that is a chaotic mix of tips and upper leaf, it has a stronger flavor than other white teas, similar to Oolong

Shoumei (simplified Chinese: 寿眉; traditional Chinese: 壽眉) is a white tea that is produced from naturally withered upper leaf and tips, with a stronger flavor reminiscent of lighter Oolong teas. It is mostly grown in the Fujian Province or Guangxi Province in China. Because it is plucked later than Bai Mudan, the tea may be darker in color, but it should still have a proportionate green color. Some lower grades of Shou Mei may be golden in color with a lot of black and red leaves, making a darker brew with more depth.

Technically this tea, being a fourth grade tea, is a by-product of Bai Hao Yinzhen tea production and uses Da Bai or Large White leaves.

Tasting and brewing

The tea can be brewed very differently and you will find that there are many combinations that yield interesting results, but it is important to use good mineral water to bring out the sweetness and aroma of the tea and not to overbrew or make a bitter and very strong brew.