Golden Needle is made with only the newly sprouted tips. Although, Yunnan is known for its 'gold tip teas', we usually find a lot of variation in the flavor profile, depending on the specific region within Yunnan. High quality Gold tips are made in the early summer months of May and June. The Cangyuan area in Yunnan is near the Chinese - Burma border and home to a high elevation, remotely located tea garden. Our grower has been propagating tea at this garden for about twelve years. Due to the remote location, it is usually difficult to find seasonal tea pickers and the tea plants have undertaken a slightly 'wild-grown' character, which we like. Older tea plants, produce less yield, but significantly better flavor profiles.

Water Temp °F (°C)	Quality of Water	Quantity of Leaf (tsp / 8oz water)	Steep Time (minutes)	Infusions
180°F (82°C)	Best with Spring water	1	3-4	1

Water temperature of 180 to 200 F is sufficient to bring the rich character of the leaf. Some recommend water at a full, rolling boil, but in our opinion boiling reduces the oxygen content in good water and gives the tea a “flatter� taste as opposed to a more “lively� taste from slightly cooler water. Chinese black teas with small leaf brew faster than those with larger leaves and require shorter steeping times. We suggest steeping one teaspoon per 8 ounce cup of water for 3 to 4 minutes. A minute or so longer if you wish to add milk (a longer steeping time is needed to acquire enough astringency to balance the milk).