{"slug":"silver-needle","name":"Silver Needle","steep_time":{"low_seconds":180,"high_seconds":300},"steep_temperature":{"low_c":75,"high_c":85,"low_f":167,"high_f":185},"web_url":"https://timebeforetea.com/teas/silver-needle","title":"How to Brew Silver Needle","description":"Steep Silver Needle for 3m – 5m at 75°C – 85°C (167°F – 185°F). A step-by-step brewing guide from Time Before Tea.","steps":[{"name":"Measure your tea","text":"Use about one teaspoon of Silver Needle leaves per 8 oz cup."},{"name":"Heat the water","text":"Bring fresh water to 75°C – 85°C (167°F – 185°F). Water that is too hot will scorch the leaves."},{"name":"Steep","text":"Pour the water over the leaves and steep for 3m – 5m. Start at the shorter time and taste as you go."},{"name":"Strain and serve","text":"Remove the leaves as soon as the steep is done so the tea does not turn bitter."}],"faqs":[{"question":"What temperature should water be for Silver Needle?","answer":"167–185°F (75–85°C). Fresh Silver Needle is best around 175°F (80°C). Without a thermometer, boil the water and let it rest four to five minutes."},{"question":"How long should you steep Silver Needle?","answer":"3 to 5 minutes. Silver Needle is slow to brew, so start around 4 minutes and adjust to taste."},{"question":"How much Silver Needle should I use?","answer":"About 2–3 g per 8 oz (240 ml) cup, which is usually two heaping teaspoons because the buds are so light."},{"question":"Does Silver Needle have caffeine?","answer":"Yes. Despite white tea's gentle reputation, buds can contain as much caffeine as other teas or more. A cup usually has about 25–50 mg, though cool water and the slow extraction often keep it lower."},{"question":"Why is Silver Needle so expensive?","answer":"It's made only from unopened buds, hand-picked during a short window in early spring. It takes a very large number of buds to make a small amount of tea."},{"question":"What's the difference between Silver Needle and White Peony?","answer":"Silver Needle is made only from buds and is the most delicate white tea. White Peony includes the bud and one or two young leaves, giving a fuller, fruitier cup at a lower price."}],"product_handles":[],"store_available":false}