Tea Cultivar · Camellia sinensis var. sinensis
Fuding Da Bai
- Origin
- China - Fujian (Fuding)
- Registered
- 1985 (national)
- Primary use
- white tea, green tea
Overview
Fuding Da Bai is one of the two foundational Fuding white tea cultivars (alongside Fuding Da Hao / Da Bai Hao) and is sometimes treated as the broader category encompassing both. Native to the Tai Lao mountain area of Fuding County, it was designated a national-grade cultivar by China's National Crop Variety Approval Committee in 1985. It is widely planted in Fujian and has been introduced to many other Chinese provinces as a high-quality, high-yielding sinensis selection.
Characteristics
A large-leafed sinensis with thick, plump buds, broad oval leaves, and an upright vigorous habit. It produces large, fleshy buds in early spring with a dense covering of white pekoe hairs, ideal for Silver Needle production. Cold tolerance is moderate; the plant thrives in Fujian's humid coastal climate and at moderate elevations.
Flavor profile
As white tea, Fuding Da Bai yields a delicate, clean cup with honeyed melon, fresh hay, and a soft floral perfume - slightly lighter and more floral than Zhenghe Da Bai. As fresh white tea it is gentle and sweet; with age it develops dried apricot, honey, and herbal complexity.
Where it grows
Fujian (Fuding) · Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan (introduced)