Shou Mei

from €7.00

Shou Mei is a traditional white tea from Fujian, produced from more mature leaves and buds harvested later in the season. Its name, meaning “Longevity Eyebrow,” comes from the shape of the twisted leaves, which resemble the elegant eyebrows of elderly sages in Chinese art. Compared with Silver Needle and White Peony, Shou Mei has a fuller body, deeper color, and a stronger, more rustic flavor. When brewed, it yields a rich amber liquor with bold notes of dried fruit, honey, and wood, making it a robust and warming expression of white tea.

Gram:

Shou Mei is a traditional white tea from Fujian, produced from more mature leaves and buds harvested later in the season. Its name, meaning “Longevity Eyebrow,” comes from the shape of the twisted leaves, which resemble the elegant eyebrows of elderly sages in Chinese art. Compared with Silver Needle and White Peony, Shou Mei has a fuller body, deeper color, and a stronger, more rustic flavor. When brewed, it yields a rich amber liquor with bold notes of dried fruit, honey, and wood, making it a robust and warming expression of white tea.

  • The leaves are long and curved, resembling the eyebrows of wise elders in traditional Chinese paintings. The name Shou Mei (Longevity Eyebrow) reflects this resemblance and symbolizes health and long life.

  • Shou Mei is unique among white teas because it uses more mature leaves. This gives it a stronger body and deeper flavor than Silver Needle or White Peony. It is also affordable and well-suited for aging—many tea drinkers value aged Shou Mei for its complexity and traditional health benefits.

  • Rich amber liquor; bold and full-bodied; notes of dried fruit, honey, wood, and herbs; slightly earthy with a warm, lingering finish.

Recommended Gongfu Brewing Method

Recommended Teaware:
Porcelain gaiwan (best for clarity and fragrance).

Water Temperature:
80 °C

Brewing Instructions:

  1. Tea-to-water ratio: 1 g of tea per 30 ml (1:30).
    Example: 5 g for a 150 ml gaiwan.

  2. First infusion: Steep for ~30 seconds at 80 °C, then decant fully.

  3. Subsequent infusions: Increase steeping time by 10 seconds with each round.

Shou Mei can be brewed 4–5 times, gradually revealing floral sweetness, dried-fruit depth, and a smooth, refreshing finish.

Essential Info

Chinese Name: 寿眉 (Simplified & Traditional)

Region: Fujian Province, China
Harvest Time: 2024

Description:
Shou Mei, or Longevity Eyebrow, is a later-harvest white tea made from mature leaves and buds. Its twisted leaf shape gives the tea its name, and its character is bold, rustic, and warming. It brews into a rich amber liquor with a stronger body than Silver Needle or White Peony, offering flavors of dried fruit, honey, and wood. Affordable and age-worthy, Shou Mei is prized for its robust taste and comfort.

Tasting Profile:
Color: Rich amber
Body: Bold, warming, rustic
Notes: Dried fruit, honey, wood, gentle herbs
Finish: Strong, lingering, comforting

 

You Might Also Like