Yunnan White Tea is a white tea made from wild arbor tea trees in Xigui, Yunnan Province — a very different growing environment from the typical Fujian white teas. Where Fujian white teas tend toward delicate and floral, Yunnan's ancient trees produce something bolder: citrus and woody notes with a hint of mint and a honey-like sweetness underneath.
This 2021 spring harvest is compressed into small biscuit-shaped pieces — a piece for each gongfu brewing session. The arbor trees grow naturally without pesticides, and their deep root systems draw up minerals that you can taste in the cup. Four years of ageing has smoothed out the tea's character while keeping its distinctive Yunnan personality.
How it tastes
More structured than a typical white tea. You'll notice citrus first, then a woody quality and a hay-like freshness. The honey sweetness comes through as an aftertaste and builds with later infusions. If you're used to Fujian white teas and want something different, this Yunnan version might surprise you.
Racheal from Adelaide tried a sample when she was visiting Hobart and had to reorder online afterwards — she said it's become one of her favourites. We hear this a lot with the Yunnan White Tea. It's different enough from typical white teas that people remember it.
A note from Joanne: "Yunnan white teas have a distinct character that comes from those old arbor trees — there's a depth and body you don't get from bush-grown tea. I like to brew this one with slightly hotter water than I'd use for Silver Needles or White Peony. It can handle it, and the heat brings out the honey notes. If you've only tried Fujian white teas, this Yunnan version is worth exploring — it's a different experience."
Available at our Salamanca Tea Bar — come try before you buy.
Tea profile
Taste: Citrus, woody, mint, honey sweetness
Type: White Tea
Origin: Xigui, Yunnan Province, China
Ingredients: 100% tea leaves from pesticide-free arbor tea trees
Harvest: Spring 2021
No artificial flavours, colours or preservatives.
Brewing instructions
Western brewing: ¼ piece (approx. 1.8g) per 250ml teapot. 95°C water. Steep 3 minutes — up to 3 infusions.
Gongfu brewing: 1 piece (approx. 7g) per 150ml teapot. Pre-warm the vessel. 95°C water, steep 40 seconds for the first 4 infusions, add 10 seconds from the fifth. Up to 10 infusions.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place away from light and moisture.
Curious how different white teas compare? Our Fujian Wild White Peony ($29) is a good contrast — lighter and more floral where this Yunnan tea is bold and structured.
