Gun Powder Green Tea

Gunpowder tea is a form of green Chinese tea produced in Zhejiang Province of China in which each leaf has been rolled into a small round pellet. It is believed to take its English name from the fact that the tea resembles the black gunpowder that used to be used in pistols.

Gunpowder tea production dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618–907) but it was first introduced to Taiwan in the 19th century. Gunpowder tea leaves are withered, steamed, rolled, and then dried.

Although the individual leaves were formerly rolled by hand, today most gunpowder tea is rolled by machines. Although higher grades such as this one are still handrolled.
Rolling renders the leaves less susceptible to physical damage and breakage and allows them to retain more of their flavour and aroma.

A high quality gun powder tea will have shiny small pellets. Gun powder green tea is the most common tea used in Moroccan tea rituals but normally has mint leaves, sugar or honey added to it. When offered tea during a tea ritual it is polite to drink at least two cups so as not to offend your host.

Brewing Guide

3-4g in an average sized teapot, use boiled water cooled to 75˚C. Infuse for 2-4 minutes, depending on taste. Re-steep up to 3 times.

Store in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight.