Moonlight White Tea: What It Is and How to Brew It

Quick answer

Moonlight white tea, also called yue guang bai tea, is a white tea from Yunnan Province in China. It is made from large, silvery buds and leaves that are sun-dried rather than fully oxidized, which gives it a soft, honeyed, sometimes fruity or floral flavor. Brew it with water around 185°F (85°C), use about 1 tablespoon of leaf per 8 ounces, and steep for 2 to 3 minutes to keep it smooth. It contains caffeine, though usually less than a comparable cup of black tea.

What is moonlight white tea?

Moonlight white tea is a white tea produced in Yunnan Province, China. The name comes from the silvery-white down on the buds, which can look like moonlight on the leaf. Unlike many white teas that are made mostly from buds, moonlight white tea often includes both buds and larger leaves. The leaves are withered and dried, traditionally in sunlight, which helps preserve a gentle, sweet character. The Chinese name, yue guang bai tea, is simply the transliteration of moonlight white tea.

What does moonlight white tea taste like?

Moonlight white tea typically tastes soft and slightly sweet, with notes of honey, hay, and sometimes a light fruitiness like apricot or melon. It can have a subtle floral or herbal edge, but it is rarely bitter when brewed correctly. The flavor is more delicate than a black tea but often fuller than a silver needle white tea because of the larger leaves in the blend. If you enjoy a smooth, gentle cup without added flavoring, this is a good choice.

How much caffeine is in moonlight white tea?

Moonlight white tea contains caffeine, because it comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. The exact amount varies with the leaf size, the amount you use, and how long you steep it. As a general guide, white tea usually has less caffeine than black tea but more than most herbal teas. If you are sensitive to caffeine, keep your steep time shorter and use slightly cooler water, or enjoy it earlier in the day. If you want a caffeine-free option, look for a flavored herbal blend instead.

How to brew moonlight white tea

Use about 1 tablespoon of loose moonlight white tea per 8 ounces of water. Heat the water to roughly 185°F (85°C). If you do not have a thermometer, bring water to a boil and let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes before pouring. Steep for 2 to 3 minutes, then taste. If you want a stronger cup, add a little more leaf rather than steeping longer, because a long steep can pull out bitterness. Moonlight white tea can often be re-steeped two or three times; add about 30 seconds to each subsequent steep.

What to look for when buying moonlight white tea

Look for large, intact buds and leaves with visible silvery down. The dry leaf should smell sweet and slightly fruity, not dusty or flat. Because moonlight white tea is not a flavored tea, the ingredient list should be simple: white tea. If you prefer a tea with added botanicals for a specific purpose, such as relaxation, a flavored herbal blend may suit you better. For example, our Moonlight blend is a flavored herbal with lavender, mint, chamomile, and honeybush, designed as a sleepytime tea. It is not the same as traditional moonlight white tea, but the name can be confusing, so check the ingredients to be sure you are getting what you want.

Moonlight white tea FAQ

Is moonlight white tea the same as Moonlight from Clipper Ship Tea Company?

No. Traditional moonlight white tea is a pure white tea from Yunnan. Moonlight from Clipper Ship Tea Company is a flavored herbal blend with lavender, mint, chamomile, and honeybush, and it contains no white tea. Check the ingredient list if you specifically want white tea.

Can I brew moonlight white tea with boiling water?

Boiling water can make moonlight white tea taste bitter and astringent. Let the water cool for a few minutes, or aim for 185°F (85°C). Cooler water protects the delicate sweetness.

Does moonlight white tea have caffeine?

Yes, because it is made from the tea plant. The amount is usually moderate and can be reduced by using less leaf or a shorter steep. If you need caffeine-free, choose an herbal blend.

Product facts

• Moonlight: Moonlight is a flavored herbal tea with tasting notes of lavender and mint, plus chamomile and honeybush for an earthy base. If you want a caffeine-free, relaxation-focused cup rather than a traditional white tea, this blend is a practical alternative.