What Makes White Monkey Green Tea Special
White Monkey (Bai Mao Hou) is a Chinese green tea from the Wuyi Mountains of Fujian province, grown at elevations of 3,000 to 5,000 feet. The name comes from the downy white hairs on the young tea leaves, which resemble a monkey's hand. The leaves are plucked early in the morning during the first two weeks of the growing season, taking only the first two leaves and a bud. This careful harvest gives the tea a delicate, fresh sweetness.
The tea is gently steamed and dried, resulting in a pale green infusion with light buttery notes, subtle apricot undertones, and a green vegetal finish. Its soft, clean flavor makes it a great choice for anyone exploring Chinese green teas.
How to Brew White Monkey Green Tea
Follow these steps for a clean, well-balanced cup. The measurements come from the tea's preparation instructions.
- Heat the water: Bring water to just below boiling, about 175°F. Using water that is too hot can make the tea taste bitter.
- Measure the tea: Use 1 to 2 heaping teaspoons of White Monkey green tea per 8 oz of water. Adjust based on how strong you like your tea.
- Steep for 3 to 4 minutes: Pour the hot water over the leaves and let them steep for 3 to 4 minutes. A shorter steep gives a lighter cup; a longer steep brings out more body.
- Strain and serve: Pour the tea through a strainer into your cup. The leaves can be resteeped once or twice for a milder second cup.
White Monkey Green Tea at a Glance
- White Monkey - Bai Mao Hou: Ingredients: Bai Mao Hou green tea from China. Steep directions: steep 1-2 heaping teaspoons of tea per 8 oz below boiling water, 175°F, for 3-4 minutes. These are the official preparation guidelines for a clean, flavorful cup.
White Monkey - Bai Mao Hou - White Monkey - Bai Mao Hou: Tasting notes: delicate butter greens. Description: light-bodied with light buttery notes, subtle apricot undertones, and a green vegetal finish. This flavor profile helps you know what to expect and whether it suits your taste.
Tips for the Best Results
Use filtered or spring water for the cleanest taste. The tea's delicate character comes through best without off-flavors from tap water.
If you prefer a lighter cup, start with 1 heaping teaspoon and a 3-minute steep. For more body, use 2 heaping teaspoons and steep closer to 4 minutes.
White Monkey is available in a 50g (1.8 oz) size, which gives you several servings to experiment with your preferred strength.
