Song Zhen Green Pine Silver Needle, a relative newcomer in the long history of Chinese tea, is a complex and robust green tea grown and produced in the northern district of Fujian province in China, high in the mountains giving the tea leaves a deep silvery-sage green color. With long and thin leaves (resembling pine needles), this tender and delicate tea is harvested only once a year in the early Spring. One bud and two leaves are plucked when there is fine downy hair on the buds. The finished product is a silver and green needled tea that locals call ‘Song Zhen’ or Pine Needle.

We were pleased to have found this Song Zhen Green Pine Needle green tea that is made from a hybridised varietal. The result is a green tea that does not have much harshness or astringency yet has all the complicated and thick flavours of much stronger green teas. If you like a green tea that has lots of flavour and complexity, this one will not disappoint!

The leaves of this Song Zhen Green Pine Needle resemble long dark green and silver needles and have a fresh floral aroma. When brewed, the tea leaves unfurl from the needle shape and produce a light golden liquor with a green tint. The aroma is slightly vegetal with hints of umami and chestnut. The flavour is full bodied, complex and woody for a green tea, with a slightly metallic aftertaste. Overall it’s vegetal with creamy and floral notes. A deep and complex flavour, rather than light and refreshing like a lot of other green teas. A very fine Fujian green tea and a satisfying experience!