How much tea leaves to use

Dear Mr. Tea,

Back in February I had my first experience with Silver Needle white tea. I really liked it and was told that I have to double the amount of leaves per cup since it's a lighter tea. My question is, since the leaves are oddly shapped, I can't really get a rounded teaspoon like that of other teas such as Rooibos. I'm a poor college student and since white tea is a more expensive tea, I want to get the best cup without using too much and cause a waste of leaves. Is there a better way to get a more accurate measurment?

Thanks for your input,
Seth

Dear Poor College Student Seth,

I am so happy to hear you are in school - I hope they can help you with your shapping and measurment problem.

But I digress. I do not want you wasting your extra pennies and dimes on more white tea than you need.

One needs about 2.5 grams of tea per 8 oz of water. I use a traditional British means of measurement for white tea - my larger wooden scale. I place 1 American dime, which needs to be dated after 1853 and before 1965 (at which time their weight became 2.27 grams) on one side of the scale, and on the other side my silver needle tea. Once they balance out, it's time for tea! Don't BURN it! And for heavens sake if your tea weighs more than a duck, it is right out!

Alright - I understand that this method, established by Sir Monty Python circa 1975 may not be seen as a traditional British method of tea measurement, but I revel in all processes of making tea - regardless of how silly.

Happy Halloween - BEWARE OF THE WITCHES!
Mr. Tea
AKA Sir Not-Appearing-In-This-Article