What's in a Name? White Peony

One of our most popular teas is our White Peony King, which has a very soothing, calming, and fresh taste. Interestingly enough, though, it is not scented with any peony flowers! Why then is this tea called White Peony?

There are a few possible reasons why this tea is called white peony, or bai mu dan, but first let me explain this tea. Traditionally white peony refers to a white tea from the da bai or da hao cultivars, with a plucking standard of the top bud and 2-3 small leaves that grow near the top of the plant. It is a pure tea that is not scented and does not have any herbs mixed in with the tea leaves.

One possible reason this tea is called white peony is because the white tea varietal grows flowers that smell very similar to peonies. For this reason, if you have a very discerning palate you can actually taste some slight flower notes that the growing tea leaves have absorbed from the tea flowers that grow from the same plant.

Another reason could be because tea traders likely added peony to the title in order to make the tea sound appealing and attractive to potential purchasers. Peonies are considered to be the national flower of China, and with this tea being so highly regarded, a highly valued title was added (peony) to show just how much people thought of the tea. Also, since peonies were considered flowers of the wealthy, this name likely conveyed the idea that this was a premium and exclusive tea.

White Peony tea is now enjoyed all over the world and we'd love to share some of ours with you if you've never tried it. Stop by the store anytime to pick some up, or check it out on this site!