I got the shipment from specialteas.com on Saturday. So far I've only had the Green #538 China Spring Blossom Pekoe and the White #551 China Silver Needle White.
China Silver Needle White
First Infusion: aprox. 2 heaping tsp. tea in a 6oz cup (preheated), water heated till steaming. Steeped for 3 minutes. Strained into another cup (preheated).
Grassy taste, very slight sweetness. Aroma of fresh cut grass.
Second Infusion: Same prep with the leaves from first infusion. Much better than first. Sweetness more pronounced, still grassy.
Overall an ok cup-o-tea. I'll finish what I have, but it will not be a staple.
China Spring Blossom Pekoe
First Infusion: aprox. 2 heaping tsp. in a 12oz mug (preheated), water heated till steaming. Steeped for 4-5 minutes. Strained into another cup (preheated).
Sweet and slightly nutty. Some astringancy. Sweet aroma. Light body.
Will try with a second infusion and post final comments.
No question that white tea isn't everyone's cuppa. But if sufficient sample remains, I'd recommend a 4 or even 5-min initial steeping before you make
a final judgment.
As for the 538, I find that 2 - 2.5 minutes gives me a happier brew.
- Richard (who's finishing off a mug of 619 between sentences )