Gunpowder Green Tea

Gunpowder Green Tea is a Tea made from leaves shaped into small, round pellets. These pellets unfurl before one's eyes when brewed, creating a beverage noted for its grassiness and earthiness. This particular beverage comes from the Zhejiang province, south of Shanghai, China. It is our 'house' Gunpowder Tea, and is also our most popular.

Research suggests that Gunpowder can support a healthy and active lifestyle, with benefits including improved cardiovascular health and weight loss. Its prevalence in antioxidants is the leading factor contributing to its outstanding medicinal qualities.

Here at The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company, we pack all of our Loose Teas, Tisanes and Coffees fresh to order. This is our way of guaranteeing not only quality but also consistency, with our Gunpowder Green Tea being no exception. Start brewing today.

Why is it called Gunpowder Tea 

Why "Gunpowder" Tea? There are a few theories. However, no one knows with any certainty. The first theory is that an English clerk gave it this name after seeing the strange shape of the leaves. According to this tale, he thought the Tea resembled the appearance of lead shots used in muskets. Another theory suggests that the word "gunpowder", when spoken in the correct dialect, sounds like the Mandarin Chinese phrase for "freshly brewed".

About Gunpowder Tea

The Chinese first produced this beverage, also known as "Pearl Tea" or "Bead Tea", during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE). Today, provinces making it include Zhejiang, Guangdong, Anhui, Hunan and Fujian.

There is also Formosa Gunpowder, which comes from Taiwan. Then there is Moroccan Mint Tea, which is an infusion made with Chinese leaves and peppermint. However, it's true home is indeed Zhejiang, with this particular Tea maintaining its traditional roots.

Useful Information 

Type of Tea: Green Tea.

Origin: Zhejiang province, China.

Brewing Instructions: Brew with fresh water at temperatures between 75 and 80 degrees. Infuse for 1 to 3 minutes, being sure not to burn or over-brew the leaves.

How to Serve: Some choose to add spearmint or peppermint to make Moroccan Mint Tea. Others add honey or lemon. We, however, recommend serving it without any accompaniments.

Tasting Notes: This Tea has a grassy-earthy fusion of flavour with every sip, and a refreshingly mellow aftertaste to finish.

Colour in Cup: Golden-yellow liquor, light in tone.

Health Benefits of Gunpowder Green Tea 

Gunpowder Green Tea contains one particularly beneficial antioxidant, Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). This compound can combat free radicals in the body. Free radicals the product of natural, though harmful, human oxidation.

By combating free radicals, oxidation slows down. By slowing oxidation, one reduces the risks of developing several chronic conditions. Some preliminary research even goes as far as to suggest it might help prevent cancer.

Until we know more, however, we do not endorse this Tea, or any Tea, for cancer. Nevertheless, we support ongoing research which looks more promising with each year.