Description

 Organic Gunpowder Green Tea – 珠茶

Gunpowder tea is a robust green tea that has a slightly smoky flavor.  Gunpowder tea, also known as Zhu Cha 珠茶 (pearl tea) because of the unique shape that the leaves have from being rolled into pellets. Traditionally grown in the Zhejiang province of China, it has been enjoyed by tea drinkers as early as the Tang Dynasty around 620 AD.  The English named it “gunpowder” tea because the shiny, dark green pellets of tea reminded them of the black powder used in their guns.  

Gunpowder tea is produced by first withering the fresh tea leaves and then steaming them before they fully ferment.  The steamed leaves are then rolled into tight pellets and dried.  Rolling the leaves into pellets helps Gunpowder tea retain its aroma and flavor while protecting the leaves from damage.  Shiny pellets indicate that the tea is fresh; older Gunpowder tea will lose its luster and become dull from oxidation.

The rich and smoky flavor of Gunpowder tea is popular around the world, especially in Central Asia where they blend their tea with spearmint and sugar to make “Moroccan Tea”.   The robust flavor of Gunpowder makes it a good compliment to meals such as grilled vegetables, salmon, or chicken.  Steep for 2 minutes in 180° F (82° C) water to enjoy the best flavor of this ancient green tea.

Features

• Ideal Steep Temperature = 150-160ºF (65-71ºC)
• Low Caffeine Content = 30-40mg per cup
• 4oz bag = 40-50 cups
• Origin: Zhejiang Province, China