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Gong Mei

贡眉, Gongmei, Tribute Eyebrow

7.1/10 editor's score

A Chinese white tea similar to Bai Mudan but with three to four leaves. White tea is produced mostly in Fujian.

White teaValueFujian
↓ Jump to brew guideAbout this teaCompare

Based on published sources, not yet tasted.

Dry leaf of Gong Mei, top-down

What you need

3 g leafGong Mei
300 ml water85 to 90°C
Steep 3:002 steeps
LiquorPale gold to amber
Served inGaiwan (lidded bowl)

At a glance

A Chinese white tea similar to Bai Mudan but with three to four leaves.

CaffeineLow to medium~15 to 35 mg, our estimate
Beginner fit8.5 / 10From the editor's score
HarvestSpringSpring leaf.
Pairs withFruit, Mild cheese, Light cakesLess good with heavy spice
Grown atFujian hillsVarious regions, Mostly Fujian
Served inGaiwan (lidded bowl)Porcelain bowl, lid and saucer

About Gong Mei

What sources say about the taste

Sources describe its leaf grade; the taste depends on age and grade.

01 · Aroma

First sip

Lift the cup and smell before you drink.

02 · Taste

Middle

Let it sit on the tongue for a moment.

03 · Finish

Finish

What stays after you swallow.

Hover or tap a noteBigger image and more dots mean a stronger note.

Notes and intensities are an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not our own tasting.

Where it grows

Various regionsMostly FujianCHINA
Leaf
Like Bai Mudan, with three to four leaves 1
Grade
Third of four traditional grades 1
Made
Mostly in Fujian 1
Type
White tea 1

More from Various regions and China.

History and culture

Chinese white tea has four traditional grades: Baihao Yinzhen, Bai Mudan, Gongmei and Shoumei 1.

Editor's score

7.1/10

Weighted across six criteria: flavour 30%, heritage 20%, availability 15%, value 15%, beginners 10%, versatility 10%.

Based on published sources, not yet tasted. Rates the tea style, not a brand. How we score →

1086Flavour & complexity: 6.5Origin & heritage: 7.0Availability: 6.5Value: 8.0Beginner-friendliness: 8.5Versatility: 7.5Flavour 6.5Heritage 7.0Availability 6.5Value 8.0Beginners 8.5Versatility 7.5
Taste profile and caffeine

Profile is an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not a lab measurement or our own tasting.

Caffeine

Brewed coffee~95 mg
Black tea (average)~47 mg
Green tea (average)~28 mg
Gong Mei~15 to 35 mg

Our estimate. Per 8 fl oz (240 ml) cup. Coffee and tea averages from Mayo ClinicC.

Harvest calendar

Our general guide for Chinese white tea. Tap a month or a season.

Cultivars and plant

Camellia sinensis grown mostly in Fujian 1.

How it is made
01Plucking

Buds with three to four leaves 1.

02Withering

Withered.

03Drying

Dried.

Dry leaf and liquor
Dry leafOpen leaves with a few buds.
LiquorPale gold to amber.
After steeping
Wet leafSoft green-brown leaves.

The colour swatch is an approximate guide, not a photograph.

Food pairings and storage

Works well

  • Fruit
  • Mild cheese
  • Light cakes

Best avoided

  • Heavy spice

Pairings are general suggestions from the tea's style, not tested matches.

Storage

  • Airtight, opaque tin or pouch, away from light, heat, moisture and strong smells.
  • Keep it out of the fridge unless fully sealed, to avoid condensation.
  • Most loose tea is at its best within a year. Note the harvest date on the tin.
Grades and fakes

Third of the four traditional grades 1.

How to spot a poor or fake one

  1. Region shown is an approximate area.
  2. Often good value.
FAQ
Gong Mei or Bai Mudan?

Gong Mei has more leaf: three to four leaves rather than two 1.

Find it inWhite teasTeas from ChinaVarious regionsWhite teaValueFujian

Sources

  1. Wikipedia, "White tea". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_tea
  2. Mayo Clinic, "Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more". www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20049372

Scores and content updated 30 Oct 2026.