Slices of Bai Cha

Some white teas are pressed into large book-sized bing. This one has been pressed into thin 7-gram wafers, cut, and 'bound' in individual wrappers in a pocket-sized box, like so many pages of a tiny tea tome. The book-themed individual packaging makes it the perfect tea for travel and obviates the need for measurement: simply use a whole slice or break one in two for your gongfu cha session. Available as a single slice, in cartons of 6 slices, and boxes of 4 cartons.

This Shou Mei-grade white tea from Yunnan has been slightly aged, and the variegated leaves exude a gentle infusion with a nice balance of starchiness and acidity. Aromas of cooked apricots, a hint of yeast, and a touch of florality and peppercorn enliven the long and otherwise clean finish—think of wandering an outdoor market on a fine spring day. Perhaps a perfect white tea for a summer picnic or a late-night comfort when travelling distant lands.

See Slices of Sheng and Slices of Shu for pu'er with the same style of pressing.