Black Gunpowder Tea

Black Gunpowder Tea (also known as “Black Pearls”) is a rare, extraordinary infusion from eastern Fujian province, China.

Although Gunpowder Tea is traditionally made using Green Tea leaves, this particular beverage undergoes oxidation and fermentation before being rolled and dried into small pellets.

The result is, put simply, exquisite. Every sip boasts a full-bodied flavour with smoky, floral undertones.

The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company pack Black Gunpowder Tea, like almost all of our products, fresh to order. This is our way of guaranteeing both quality and consistency with every cuppa brewed. Black Gunpowder Tea, in particular, goes above and beyond to impress casual drinkers and connoisseurs alike. Why not try it today?

More About Gunpowder Black Tea

The Chinese first produced Gunpowder Tea, then only a Green Tea, during the Tang dynasty (616-907 CE). It originates from Zhejiang province, although Guangdong, Anhui, Hunan and, of course, Fujian have all made their own varieties.

The latter province, in particular, has long specialised in the making of Gunpowder Black Tea. In fact, according to legend, Fujian is the home of all types of Black Tea.

The story goes that a group of farmers, set upon by bandits, made Black Tea by pure accident. Before the enemy could descend upon their crop, these workers hastily prepared their produce for market. They subsequently dried their leaves over pinewood fires, which kickstarted oxidation.

At first, they believed they’d ruin their crop. However, they had instead invented Lapsang Souchong - the first Black Tea.

This tale, if true, likely took place during the Qing dynasty (1644-1912). It would only be a matter of time before producers combined the methods of making Gunpowder Tea with those used for Black Tea.

Now, our very own Gunpowder Black Tea stands testament to that success. Buy and brew it today with The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company. You won’t be disappointed.

Useful Information

Type of Tea: Black Tea.

Origin: Fujian, China.

Brewing Instructions: Brew using freshly boiled water. Infuse for 3 to 5 minutes.

How to Serve: We recommend serving this Tea without any additions. However, some may choose to add milk, sugar, honey or lemon. The choice is yours.

Tasting Notes: Imparts strong, sharp, flavours with smoky, floral notes.

Colour in Cup: Coppery liquor, dark in tone.

Health Benefits: The antioxidants in Black Gunpowder Tea can, in fact, improve oral health. This is according to a study conducted in conjunction with the College of Dentistry at the University of Iowa and the Institute of Odontology at Göteborg University.

Both the US and Swedish researchers concluded that the polyphenolic compounds in Black Tea could kill or suppress cavity-causing bacteria.

Benefits of Black Gunpowder Tea

Furthermore, did you know that caffeine, too, can support health and wellbeing in a multitude of ways? According to research, the Effects of Caffeine improve life in small yet significant ways by, for example, boosting memory consolidation.

A study out of John Hopkins University in Baltimore, USA, can support this remarkable claim with evidence. It concluded that a 200 mg caffeine pill is all it might take to help those living with dementia. Pretty neat for your morning cuppa, huh?