Shoumei White Tea

Shoumei, one of the esteemed varieties of white tea, boasts a rich history deeply rooted in China's ancient tea traditions. Originating from Fujian province, Shoumei primarily hails from regions such as Fuding, Zhenghe, Songxi, and Zherong counties, where the optimal climatic conditions contribute to its exceptional quality. The history of Shoumei can be traced back to the ancient tea-making practices that have been passed down through generations in these areas.

Initially, the tea leaves used for Shoumei were primarily sourced from the "Cai tea" variety, which was later replaced by the larger-leaved "Dabai" and "Dabaihao" cultivars for the production of higher-grade teas like Silver Needle and White Peony. The smaller-leaved "Xiaobai" (or "Cai tea") was then reserved for crafting Shoumei, a testament to its historical significance within the pantheon of white teas.

Legends and Stories

While definitive legends specific to Shoumei may not be as prevalent as those surrounding other tea varieties, the folklore surrounding white tea in general imparts a mystical charm to Shoumei's history. One widely circulated tale speaks of a time when white tea was first discovered in the ancient imperial gardens of Fujian. According to the story, the emperor, upon tasting this delicate brew, was so enamored that he decreed it a royal tribute, solidifying its place as a prestigious beverage enjoyed only by the nobility.

Moreover, the legend of Shoumei's royal connections extends to the Qing dynasty, when Shoumei tea, along with other superior white teas, was gifted to esteemed guests and used in diplomatic exchanges, further enhancing its reputation as a symbol of luxury and refinement.

Cultural Significance

Shoumei holds a unique cultural significance within Chinese tea culture. As one of the "big four" white teas (alongside Silver Needle, White Peony, and Gongmei), Shoumei embodies the essence of simplicity and purity that white tea is renowned for. Its large, unfurled leaves and full-bodied flavor make it a favorite among tea connoisseurs seeking a more robust white tea experience.

Moreover, Shoumei's production process, which involves minimal intervention and emphasizes natural withering and drying, aligns with traditional Chinese philosophical principles of harmony with nature. This holistic approach to tea making reflects a deep respect for the earth and its bounty, a value deeply ingrained in Chinese culture.

In contemporary times, Shoumei has become synonymous with health and wellness. Its high levels of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals have earned it a reputation as a natural health tonic, further solidifying its place in Chinese tea culture as a beverage that not only satisfies the palate but also nourishes the body and mind.

Modern Appreciation

In recent years, Shoumei has gained increasing popularity beyond its traditional markets, attracting tea enthusiasts worldwide. Its distinct flavor profile—characterized by a mellow sweetness, hints of fruit, and a lingering aftertaste—has captivated palates across continents. As people become more health-conscious, Shoumei's reputation as a healthy beverage choice has only grown.

Moreover, the art of brewing Shoumei has evolved to suit modern lifestyles. While traditional methods involving Gaiwan and Yixing teapots remain popular, Shoumei is now enjoyed using a variety of brewing methods, including steeping in mugs and French presses. This versatility has made Shoumei accessible to a wider audience, fostering a global appreciation for this timeless tea.

In conclusion, Shoumei, with its rich history, cultural significance, and modern appeal, stands as a testament to the enduring charm of Chinese tea culture. As the world continues to rediscover the joys of traditional teas, Shoumei remains a stalwart in the pantheon of elite white teas, offering a delightful blend of flavor, health benefits, and cultural heritage.

Shipping Methods, Duration Estimates & Fees

1. Shipping Methods

4px as our logistics partner to ship out AllenTeas products. They will choose the carrier that they think works best for our customers.

Where does AllenTeas ship to? For tea products, the following countries can be shipped：

North America
Canada, Mexico, United States

South America
Brazil, Chile, Colombia

Europe
Austria, Belgium, Belarus, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom

Asia
Afghanistan, China, Georgia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Laos, Macao SAR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Kyrgyzstan

Africa
Egypt, Morocco, South Africa

Oceania
Australia, New Zealand

Delivery Scope Notes:

United States: Mainland, all territories outside the mainland, and overseas military postal addresses.
United Kingdom: Mainland and the Channel Islands, Isle of Man.
France: Mainland only, postal codes starting with 01-95. Delivery to overseas territories is not available, including Corsica, Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana, Réunion, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Mayotte.
Other countries: Mainland only.

2. Duration Estimates

The expected delivery time is between 8 to 20 days for most countries, unless stated otherwise during checkout.

Fulfillment time takes 1-3 business days.

Total transit time is: Fulfillment time(1-3 business days) + Transit Time(8-20 days).

3. Fees

We offer free worldwide shipping for orders over $30.
For orders below $30, the flat rate is $7.

Note: We always work hard to dispatch your order as fast as possible (usually the next working day), but we can’t control delays due to custom clearance (especially during the shopping high season). When you place an order, please take into account the possibility for delays.

Order Processing Speed

All products offered in our online store are in stock unless stated otherwise. Thus, orders are processed usually the next business day. Orders placed during the weekend are processed on Monday.

Unfortunately, in rare cases products may run out of stock. In such situations, we'll have to wait for restocking and it may take 2-4 working days to process your order.

Shipping Confirmation with Trace & Trace Number 

All orders are packed with care to guarantee safe delivery. When your order is dispatched, we'll send you a shipping confirmation the next day by email, which includes an online tracking number. If you haven't received your shipping confirmation, please check if it landed in your junk folder.

All parcels can be tracked on the Track your Order page. Once your parcel has arrived in your country, you may also use the tracking number on the website of your local post.

Customs

From 1 July 2021, the Valued-Added Tax (VAT) on cross-border business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce activities in the European Union (EU) has to be applied on all goods that are sold online to EU.

For most non-EU countries you don't have to pay any taxes when receiving the parcel. However, sometimes local authorities may require you to pay custom taxes. As an importer, you're responsible for paying customs taxes and import fees if the arise.

For many EU countries, we've started offering tax inclusive shipping, meaning you don't have to pay tax when you receive the parcel. Taxes are included, if its stated in the selected shipping method.

Country Specific Information

South Korea:For shipping to South Korea please make sure you mobile phone number is correct as this will be used for identification purposes at the customs. Ideally, please also fill in a Personal Customs Clearance Code in the VAT field of the address details. For more information about personal custom clearance code you can visit this page on customs.go.kr.

Brazil: For shipments to Brazil it's mandatory to add your personal Tax number to your shipping details. You may fill your tax number in the second address line or the company name field.

Japan: For shipments to Japan it's mandatory to provide the shipping address in Japanese language.

Türkiye: Personal ID number (tax number) is required. You may fill your tax number in the second address line or the company name field.