Pu-erh tea · Yunnan, China
Moonlight White Pu-erh
Beautiful silver and dark contrast leaves processed like white tea, sweet and creamy with honey notes.
| Leaf | Water | Temperature | Time | Infusions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western | 2.5 g | 250 ml | 85°C / 185°F | 50 s | 4 |
| Gong Fu | 4 g | 100 ml | 85°C / 185°F | 12 s + | 11 |
About this tea
Moonlight White Pu-erh showcases extraordinary visual beauty - silver-white buds on one side, dark leaves on the other, creating a moon-like contrast. This aesthetic marvel results from careful processing where leaves are withered face-down, preserving the silvery down on one side while the other oxidizes darker. The name captures both its appearance and the romantic tradition of moonlight withering.
Production requires perfect timing and weather conditions. Fresh leaves with abundant buds are carefully spread in thin layers and withered for 48-60 hours. Some traditional producers actually wither under moonlight, believing the gentler conditions preserve delicate flavors. The slow withering allows natural oxidation without human intervention. The resulting tea shows dramatic visual contrast - pure silver meeting dark bronze, often compressed into cakes that display this beauty.
Flavor profile combines delicacy with depth: initial honey sweetness without any bitterness, creamy texture reminiscent of milk oolong, and subtle melon and floral notes. The extended withering creates unique flavors - sweet hay, honeydew melon, and light cream. Zero astringency makes it immediately approachable. As it ages, the honey notes intensify while developing subtle fruit complexity. The transformation is gentler than traditional sheng but more dynamic than standard white tea.
Brewing recommendations: Use 1 teaspoon (4g) per 250ml cup with water at 85°C (185°F), steeping 50 seconds to preserve delicate sweetness. For gongfu style, use 5-6g per 100ml with soft water pour, steeping 25-30 seconds initially. Can yield 12-15 infusions of consistent sweetness. Avoid high temperatures which destroy subtle notes.
Perfect for romantic occasions or aesthetic tea ceremonies where visual beauty matters. The Instagram-worthy appearance and approachable flavor make it ideal for introducing newcomers to premium tea. Pairs beautifully with light desserts, honey cakes, and afternoon treats. This is poetry in tea form - where visual and gustatory beauty converge. Many consider Moonlight White the most visually stunning of all pu-erhs.
Caffeine, in context
Per 250 ml cup, brewed as directed.
Flavor profile
- honey
- melon
- sweet
- creamy
Health benefits
- antioxidants
- calm energy
- skin benefits
- hydration
Pairs wonderfully with
- melon
- light desserts
- honey cake
- afternoon tea
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Frequently asked questions
Can you re-steep Moonlight White Pu-erh?
Yes — Moonlight White Pu-erh gives 11 good infusions. Start at 12 seconds and add a little time to each round.
How much caffeine is in Moonlight White Pu-erh?
30 mg per 250 ml cup — Low caffeine.
What water temperature does Moonlight White Pu-erh need?
85°C / 185°F. Hotter water pulls out bitterness; cooler water under-extracts the leaf.