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 gunpowder pellets used for cannons. This rolling method of shaping tea is most often applied either to dried green tea or Oolong tea.
Rolling tea leaves into gunpowder tea renders the leaves less susceptible to physical damage and allows them to retain more of their flavor and aroma. Because of its tightly rolled shape, Gunpowder is known in China as "Pearl Tea". During the infusion the pellets gracefully unfurl and create a strong-tasting, dark-green tea.
This Temple of Heaven is the highest grade Gunpowder available. It is made from smaller size leaves than other Gunpowder. Besides differing by quality, the brew is more delicate than other lower grade gunpowders and its delicacy can be noted by being slightly more aromatic while maintaining its complexity.
Ingredients
100% Green Tea
Directions
Use one half teaspoon per 6 oz. cup; heat fresh water until it is steaming briskly (not boiling); let steep for 2 min.
