
Banana Bread & Silver Needle: A Match Made in Tea Heaven
Let’s talk about an indulgent yet elegant pairing: moist banana bread paired with delicate Silver Needle white tea. At first glance, it may seem simple, but this combo hits all the right notes.
1. What makes Silver Needle so special
Pure, refined flavour: Made only from unopened buds (no leaves), Silver Needle white tea offers a delicate bouquet of floral, fruity (think melon, pear), and subtle hay-like and grassy undertones.
Silky texture & low caffeine: Its creamy mouthfeel and mild stimulatory effect (15–40 mg caffeine) create a soothing, uplifting sip.
Healthful yet light: Packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, it’s a guilt-free companion to a sweet treat.

2. Flavor pairing principles
Drawing from tea‑pairing guidelines:
Match on intensity: Light teas like Silver Needle shine alongside delicately sweet foods, not against rich or spicy ones.
Complement or contrast: Shared sweet‑fruity notes complement, while the tea’s gentle astringency balances the cake’s richness.
3. Why banana bread works beautifully
Sweet and subtly spiced: The soft sweetness and warm spice of banana bread (cinnamon) echo Silver Needle’s fruity and floral profile.
Creamy crumbiness: The bread’s buttery, cake-like texture harmonizes with the tea’s velvety mouthfeel.
Cleansing finish: Each sip of Silver Needle refreshes the palate, cutting through lingering sweetness.

4. Brewing tips for perfection
Water temp & time: Brew at around 85 °C for 1-2 minutes
Multiple infusions: High-quality Silver Needle can be steeped 3-4 times, each sip revealing fresh floral and fruity layers.
Serve warm, freshly baked: Pair with slightly cooled banana bread so both textures are at their best.

Banana Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup (180g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- 1 cup (200g) caster sugar
- 2 eggs
- 3 very ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk (or substitute 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice + 1/2 cup milk)
Instruction
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease bottom and edges of one loaf pan with butter.
- Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt together in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar. Mix in the eggs. Puree the bananas with a fork and add them to the mixture. Pour in the buttermilk.
- Add dry ingredients, alternating until incorporated. Do not over mix.
- Bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack and cool completely before serving.

Silver Needle
A Symphony of Elegance - Crafted from only young tender buds for purest expression in every sip.