After all of the cold, wintry weather we experienced here in the northeast before it was officially winter, we have been enjoying a stretch of milder weather during the holidays. With my windows opened wide, I can almost feel a hint of spring in the air.

This morning I am savoring a cup of China White Paklum Tips. From looking at my photo above, you can see why it is called white tea, with all of the downy white hairs on the leaf. These leaves are the newest growth on the plant, gentle and fresh.

In honor of the white tea, the winter and also the milder weather, I am sipping from my tea mug entitled “Snow, Spring, Earth”. I like to choose my tea mug, cup or bowl with the feeling I get from the particular kind of tea I’m going to brew. This mug is beautiful in the simplicity of its design much like white tea is beautiful in the simplicity of its processing. After the leaves and buds are plucked, they are laid out to wither and then roasted/heated to stop the natural oxidation which would occur.

The liquor is a muted yellow, sweet and silky on the tongue. The taste is mildly vegetal with light fruity, toasty notes. There is also a slight suggestion of cocoa in the aftertaste. The aroma is warm and comforting. As with all white teas, I steeped the leaves in 180 degree F water. Depending upon how delicate or strong you like it, you can brew the leaves anywhere between 3-5 minutes. I like a milder cup so I brew for 3 minutes. Mmmmmm…

A big congratulations to our boys from Foxboro, MA, the New England Patriots, for finishing their season last night undefeated. Go Pats!