Tea Cultivar · Camellia sinensis var. sinensis
Zhenghe Da Bai
- Origin
- China - Fujian (Zhenghe)
- Registered
- 1985 (national)
- Primary use
- white tea
Overview
Zhenghe Da Bai is the sister cultivar to Fuding Da Bai and the second of the two great Chinese white tea cultivars granted national-grade status in 1985. Native to Zhenghe County in northern Fujian, it produces a slightly different style of white tea than Fuding: bolder, deeper, and traditionally more sun-withered, which contributes to its richer character.
Characteristics
A large-leafed sinensis with broad, somewhat darker leaves and a more upright, taller habit than Fuding Da Bai - Zhenghe plants are sometimes described as 'small-tree' rather than pure bush form. It buds slightly later than Fuding Da Bai and produces somewhat smaller, denser buds. Cold tolerance is better than Fuding Da Bai's, which suits Zhenghe's higher-elevation, cooler microclimate.
Flavor profile
Zhenghe-style Silver Needle is deeper, more honeyed, and slightly woodier than Fuding Silver Needle, with stronger notes of dried apricot, beeswax, and toasted grain. White Peony from Zhenghe is fuller-bodied with pronounced date and floral-herb notes. Both age exceptionally well and are particularly prized for long-term storage.
Where it grows
Fujian (Zhenghe)