Fujian Fuding

China

Fuding in northeastern Fujian is the recognized origin of Chinese white tea and home to the Da Bai (Big White) cultivar that defines the category. The coastal proximity provides cooling maritime breezes that moderate summer temperatures, while the acidic granitic soils contribute to the delicate mineral sweetness in the cup. Silver Needle, made exclusively from plump spring buds, is the most prized white tea in the world. Fuding white teas are also renowned for their aging potential, developing honeyed, date-like sweetness over years of careful storage.