Gunpowder Pinhead Green Tea

Gunpowder Pinhead Green Tea comes from the Zhejiang province of China. To make it, producers wither, steam then roll the leaves - just like any other Gunpowder Tea. So, what makes Gunpowder Pinhead Green Tea so special? Plenty.

The name "Pinhead" refers to the shape of the leaf after production. Indeed, many describe it as quite literally looking like the head of a pin. The tightness of the leaf ensures the quality of the Tea. It also produces a distinct, refined flavour of unparalleled boldness.

Some choose to add fresh mint to create an entirely different beverage: Moroccan Mint Tea. This is the national drink of Morocco, a wonderful and succulent combination of two great ingredients. Adding mint to Gunpowder Pinhead Green Tea, meanwhile, takes it above and beyond.

Each tiny pellet, whether you choose to enjoy it with mint or not, has a taste like no other. Expect refined grassy notes with slightly floral undertones. And even before taking the first sip, one can simply watch with awe as the Tea leaves beautifully unfurl before one's eyes. This happens while it brews, and it's quite a sight to see!

What is Gunpowder Tea?

The name "Gunpowder" describes the appearance of the leaves, which many suggest resembles the lead shots used in early muskets. When it comes to Gunpowder Pinhead Green Tea, this, of course, changes somewhat. Nevertheless, every Gunpowder Tea uses Tea leaves and young buds from the Camellia sinensis var sinensis plant. This is the Chinese species of the Tea plant.

Historians mostly agree that Gunpowder Tea originated from the Zhejiang province of China during the Tang dynasty (618-907 CE). To this day, Zhejiang remains one of the most important Chinese provinces for Gunpowder Tea production, including Gunpowder Pinhead Green Tea!

Useful Information 

Type of Tea: Green Tea.

Origin: Zhejiang, China.

Brewing Instructions: Brew using freshly boiled water left to cool to temperatures between 75 and 80 C. Infuse for 1 to 3 minutes.

How to Serve: This Tea suits the addition of either lemon or honey, or even both! Most, however, choose to drink it without such accompaniments.

Tasting Notes: Gunpowder Pinhead Green Tea first boasts a vegetal aroma with a subtle sweetness. This transcends in taste, combined with strong grassy overtones. Some may even recognise a wild floral undertone nestled between the notes, which leaves a refreshing aftertaste long after one has drained their cup.

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

Health Benefits of Green Tea

Flavonoids found in Gunpowder Pinhead Green Tea can improve endothelial function and flow-mediated dilation (FMD). This is because it improves bioactivity of the endothelium-derived vasodilator, ("vasodilation" refers to the widening of blood vessels) nitric oxide, by enhancing its synthesis, according to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. This is one of many ways that this beverage can improve cardiovascular health.