Shou Mei White Tea

Shou Mei – Aged White Tea with Deep Warmth (寿眉)

Matured Wisdom | Autumn Harvest | Rich, Earthy Sweetness

A humble leaf that grows wiser with time.

What Is Shou Mei?

Shou Mei (寿眉), meaning “Longevity Eyebrow,” is a late harvest white tea made from mature leaves and buds, traditionally from the Fuding Da Bai cultivar (福鼎大白茶樹) in Fujian Province. Compared to Bai Mu Dan or Baihao Yinzhen, Shou Mei is picked later in the season—resulting in larger, thicker leaves with greater complexity and body.

This particular aged Shou Mei has developed a deeper character through natural aging, creating a warming cup with a mellow, honeyed aroma, gentle spice, and smooth earthy sweetness. It is beloved in both traditional Chinese medicine and tea connoisseurship for its grounding Qi and nourishing properties.

If you'd like to know what drinking this tea is like, you can read this: Shou Mei: The Rustic Beauty of White Tea.

Why You’ll Love Shou Mei

• Aged white tea with deep, rich flavor
• Naturally sweet and smooth with no bitterness
• Warming and grounding, perfect for cooler weather
• Traditionally believed to strengthen Qi and nourish Yin
• Affordable way to experience aged white tea

Tasting Notes

• Aroma of dried fruit, aged wood, and sweet herbs
• Flavor of baked apricot, honeyed roots, and warm hay
• Smooth body with gentle spice and earthy depth
• Lingering sweetness that coats the tongue
• Comforting, mellow Qi—like an autumn blanket

Tea Profile

• Type: Aged White Tea (白茶)
• Name: Shou Mei (寿眉)
• Origin: Fuding, Fujian Province, China
• Cultivar: Fuding Da Bai
• Harvest: Autumn pluck (larger mature leaves)
• Altitude: 800–1000 meters
• Appearance: Brown-green large leaves with some silver buds
• Liquor: Amber-gold with slight copper hue
• Collected: 2025

Processing

• Plucking – Late season, with broader, mature leaves
• Withering – Natural sunlight drying over longer periods
• No rolling or firing – Minimal intervention preserves essence
• Aging – Naturally aged for warmth and medicinal depth

Health Benefits

In traditional understanding, aged white tea gains strength with time and is especially valued for its warming and tonifying properties:

• Supports digestive health and fluid metabolism
• Aids in clearing internal heat while nourishing Yin
• Helps soothe the lungs and throat
• High in polyphenols and aged antioxidants
• Often used in TCM for seasonal transitions

Brewing Instructions

Gongfu Method (5 oz / 150 ml)

• Tea amount: 5–6 grams
• Water temperature: 95–100°C / 203–212°F
• Rinse: Optional (quick 3–5 seconds)
• Infusions:
• 1st: 20 sec
• 2nd: 30 sec
• 3rd–6th: Increase gradually
• Tip: Try brewing in clay or glass to emphasize warmth

Cup Method (8.8 oz / 250 ml)

• Tea amount: Adjust based on personal preference for tea strength.
• Water temperature: 95°C / 203°F
• Steep time: 2.5–4 minutes
• Re-steep: Up to 3 times
• Note: Longer steeps bring out aged wood and honey tones

Cultural Significance

Shou Mei is often referred to as “the tea of everyday wisdom.” In Daoist and folk tradition, it is considered a tea for longevity—a simple but profound leaf that matures with grace.

Unlike the prized buds of Silver Needle or the balanced elegance of Bai Mu Dan, Shou Mei is loved for its rustic charm, deep character, and warming nature. In China, it’s often brewed strong and shared with family, especially during seasonal change or cool evenings.