In the world of White Tea, there is a role often misunderstood—the Shoumei. It seems to be frequently regarded as a “low-end tea,” with its raw materials considered inexpensive. But is this really the case? Let's unveil the mystery of Shoumei together and explore the story behind it.
Shoumei, a name that sounds like a venerable elder with long, refined eyebrows, gives off an impression of steadiness and warmth. Its appearance isn't particularly outstanding; one bud with three or four leaves, with obvious stalks and broad, round leaves. Compared to the plump buds of Baihao Yinzhen (Silver Needle) and the one bud with one or two leaves of Baimudan (White Peony), it does indeed appear somewhat “unremarkable.” This is why Shoumei occupies a lower position in the “pecking order” of white teas and is viewed by some as the “lowest grade” of white tea.
However, is Shoumei really a low-end white tea? In fact, once we delve deeper into Shoumei, we discover many lesser-known advantages. Firstly, the production volume of Shoumei is very large, accounting for more than half of the total production of white tea. This makes Shoumei the most common and accessible variety of white tea, allowing more people to experience the unique flavor of white tea. Secondly, the price of Shoumei is relatively low, making it the preferred choice for many tea enthusiasts who are new to white tea. Although the price of Shoumei cannot match that of Baihao Yinzhen and Baimudan, its quality is by no means inferior. Shoumei has a rich, mellow taste, a strong aroma, and a lingering sweetness, offering excellent value for money. Lastly, Shoumei has great potential for aging. After years of storage, the taste of Shoumei becomes even richer and the aroma more intense, making it popular among seasoned tea drinkers.
So, why is Shoumei misinterpreted as a “low-end tea”? This is mainly due to a lack of in-depth understanding of white tea and a surface-level perception of Shoumei. In the past, the picking standards for Shoumei were not strict, leading to lower-quality Shoumei entering the market and affecting its overall image. Additionally, some merchants, in pursuit of profit, mixed Shoumei with other varieties of white tea for sale or passed off lower-grade Shoumei as higher-grade white tea, further contributing to consumers' misconceptions about Shoumei.
To help more people understand Shoumei, we need to strengthen the dissemination of knowledge about white tea. Educating consumers about Shoumei's picking standards, manufacturing processes, and quality characteristics will enable them to correctly recognize Shoumei and choose the right white tea for themselves. At the same time, we also need to enhance Brand building for Shoumei so that consumers can trust and recognize its brand. Only then can Shoumei shed its label as a “low-end tea” and become a shining gem in the world of white tea.
In summary, although Shoumei lacks the noble aura of Baihao Yinzhen and Baimudan, it possesses its own unique charm. It is the “Cinderella” of white teas, waiting for us to discover its Beauty. Let's step into the world of Shoumei together, savor its flavor, and appreciate its charm.