How to Brew White Peony (Bai Mu Dan) Perfectly – Step-by-Step Guide
White Peony, also known as Bai Mu Dan, is a highly prized white tea known for its natural sweetness, floral aroma, and smooth, delicate flavor. To fully experience its refined taste, it's important to brew it correctly — with the right water temperature, steeping time, and teaware. This guide will show you exactly how to brew White Peony perfectly.
If you don’t already have your tea, you can get premium loose-leaf White Peony: White Peony Bai Mu Dan Organic Loose Tea
What Makes White Peony Special?
White Peony (Bai Mu Dan) is made from young tea buds and leaves and is minimally processed to preserve its natural flavors. Its taste is light, floral, smooth, and slightly sweet — but because it's delicate, it must be brewed with care to avoid bitterness or flavor loss.
1. Prepare Your Equipment
Use clean, odor-free teaware. The best options include:
- Glass teapot with infuser
- Porcelain or ceramic teapot
- Gaiwan (traditional Chinese tea bowl)
- Mug with stainless steel tea infuser
A glass teapot with infuser is especially ideal as it lets you watch the leaves unfurl beautifully. Try this premium option: JOLIETTE Glass Teapot with Stainless Steel Tea Strainer
Tip: Pre-warm your teapot or cup with hot water to maintain a stable brewing temperature.
2. How Much Tea to Use (Leaf-to-Water Ratio)
| Brewing Style | Tea Leaves | Water Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Western Style | 2–3 g | 240 ml (8 oz) |
| Gongfu Style (Gaiwan) | 3–5 g | 100–120 ml |
White Peony leaves are light and fluffy, so if you don’t have a scale, use approximately 1.5–2 teaspoons per cup.
3. Ideal Water Temperature
The best water temperature for White Peony is 80–85 °C (175–185 °F).
Avoid boiling water as it scorches the delicate leaves and causes bitterness.
No thermometer? Boil water and let it cool for 1–2 minutes before pouring.
4. Steeping Time
| Infusion | Western Style | Gongfu Style |
|---|---|---|
| First Steep | 1.5–2 minutes | 30–45 seconds |
| Second Steep | 2.5–3 minutes | 45–60 seconds |
| Third Steep | 3–4 minutes | 60–90 seconds |
High-quality White Peony can be re-steeped 3–5 times. Each infusion brings new aromas and flavors — sweeter, deeper, or more floral.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Strain your tea, inhale the delicate floral aroma, and sip slowly. Good White Peony tea has a pale golden liquor with notes of honeysuckle, melon, or sweet hay.
Expert Tips for Perfect Results
- Use filtered or low-mineral water for a cleaner taste.
- Do not use boiling water — it damages flavor-sensitive compounds.
- Give leaves room to expand for proper infusion.
- Use a glass pot or gaiwan if possible — it lets you watch the leaves unfold beautifully. A premium option like the JOLIETTE Glass Teapot with Stainless Steel Infuser enhances both brewing and presentation.
Why This Brewing Method Works
White Peony tea is minimally processed, making its flavor compounds delicate and sensitive to temperature. Lower temperature and shorter steeping protect these aromas while allowing sweetness, smoothness, and floral complexity to emerge naturally.
Final Thoughts
Brewing White Peony is a mindful, gentle ritual. With the right water temperature, leaf ratio, and teaware, you’ll unlock its soft sweetness, smooth texture, and natural floral charm.
Get premium tea: White Peony Bai Mu Dan Organic Loose Tea
Brew it beautifully with: JOLIETTE Glass Teapot with Stainless Steel Tea Strainer