How do you brew Shou Mei (Longevity Eyebrow)?

Brew Shou Mei (Longevity Eyebrow) at 185°F (85°C). For gongfu style, steep 45-60 seconds; Western style, 3-5 minutes. Use Gaiwan or glass — loose and forgiving with 2-3g per 200ml. Expect 4-6 infusions.

Where is Shou Mei (Longevity Eyebrow) from?

Shou Mei (Longevity Eyebrow) is produced in Fuding and Zhenghe, Fujian. Spring and autumn, older leaves and buds. The most forgiving and affordable white tea.

How much does Shou Mei (Longevity Eyebrow) cost?

Entry-level Shou Mei (Longevity Eyebrow) costs $8-15 / 100g (standard). Premium grades run $25-50 / 100g (aged Shou Mei, pressed cakes).

How do you brew Shou Mei (Longevity Eyebrow)?

Brew Shou Mei (Longevity Eyebrow) at 185°F (85°C). For gongfu style, steep 45-60 seconds; Western style, 3-5 minutes. Use Gaiwan or glass — loose and forgiving with 2-3g per 200ml. Expect 4-6 infusions.

Where is Shou Mei (Longevity Eyebrow) from?

Shou Mei (Longevity Eyebrow) is produced in Fuding and Zhenghe, Fujian. Spring and autumn, older leaves and buds. The most forgiving and affordable white tea.

How much does Shou Mei (Longevity Eyebrow) cost?

Entry-level Shou Mei (Longevity Eyebrow) costs $8-15 / 100g (standard). Premium grades run $25-50 / 100g (aged Shou Mei, pressed cakes).

White Tea ← All famous teas

Shou Mei (Longevity Eyebrow) 寿眉

Fruity, honeyed, earthy, fuller body

Fuding and Zhenghe, FujianCaffeine: LowBeginner: ★★★★★

Water Temp

185°F (85°C)

Infusions

4-6

Harvest

Spring and autumn, older leaves and buds. The most forgiving and affordable white tea.

Entry Price

$8-15 / 100g (standard)

Flavor Profile

Taste & Aroma

AromaDried fruit, hay, faint honey, light earth

TasteRicher and earthier than other whites, with dried-fruit sweetness and a soft, mellow finish

ColorGolden amber, brighter than Silver Needle

BodyMedium, round, more substance than younger whites

Brewing Guide

How to Brew It

Water

185°F (85°C)

Vessel

Gaiwan or glass — loose and forgiving

Gongfu Time

45-60 seconds

Western Time

3-5 minutes

Ratio

2-3g per 200ml

Infusions

4-6

Read the general brewing guide →

Buying Guide

How to Buy Shou Mei (Longevity Eyebrow) Without Getting Scammed

The Chinese tea market is vast and unregulated. Here's exactly what to look for — and what to run from.

Entry Level

$8-15 / 100g (standard)

Premium / Collector

$25-50 / 100g (aged Shou Mei, pressed cakes)

Quality Check

Larger, darker leaves mixed with buds. Dry aroma should be clean and fruity. Aged Shou Mei (white tea cakes) is a legitimately aged category with honeyed, dried-fruit depth.

Common Scams

Lower-quality grades sold as premium. Shou Mei with a stale, dusty smell has been poorly stored.

Search keywords that find the real thing

Shou Mei white teaShoumeilongevity eyebrow teaaged white teaFujian white tea

For the general principles behind every one of these checks — harvest dates, origin specificity, red flags — read our complete buying guide.

History

Where It Comes From

The everyday white tea of Fujian — made from the older leaves that younger-white-tea production leaves behind. Historically the tea of farmers and tea houses, it's now valued both as an affordable daily drink and, pressed into cakes, as one of the few whites that age into something new.