Gunpowder

What Exactly is Gunpowder Tea?

Gunpowder tea, known as "zhū chá" (珠茶) in Chinese, is a type of green tea that originates from China. It is named for its unique appearance, as the leaves are rolled into tight, round pellets that resemble grains of gunpowder. This distinct form gives gunpowder tea its name and also contributes to its unique characteristics and qualities.

Characteristics of Gunpowder Tea

Gunpowder tea is known for several distinctive characteristics:

• Appearance: The tea leaves are rolled into small, shiny, and tightly compacted pellets that resemble grains of gunpowder.
• Colour: The dried pellets have a dark green colour, while the brewed tea typically has a yellow-green hue.
• Aroma: Gunpowder tea has a fresh, slightly smoky aroma due to the pan-firing process. This smokiness is more pronounced in some varieties than others.
• Flavour: The flavor of gunpowder tea is robust and bold, with a slight smokiness and a hint of sweetness. It can have a slightly astringent or bitter taste if over-steeped, but when brewed correctly, it offers a smooth and refreshing flavour profile.
• Mouthfeel: The tea has a thick, full-bodied mouthfeel compared to other green teas, which is partly due to the tightly rolled leaves that unfurl slowly during brewing.

Types and Varieties

There are several grades and varieties of gunpowder tea, each differing in quality and flavour. The most common types include:

• Pingshui Gunpowder: Named after the Pingshui region in Zhejiang, this is one of the most well-known varieties. It is characterized by its tightly rolled pellets and rich, smoky flavour.
• Temple of Heaven Gunpowder: Known as the highest grade of gunpowder tea, it is highly sought after for its superior quality and smooth taste.
• Formosa Gunpowder: Produced in Taiwan, this variety is known for its unique flavour profile, which is milder and less smoky compared to Chinese gunpowder tea.

Organic Gunpowder Tea Process

Making organic gunpowder tea involves several steps to ensure its distinctive rolled pellet form and maintain its organic integrity. First, organically grown tea leaves are withered to reduce their moisture content. Next, the leaves are steamed to soften them, making them pliable for rolling. Once softened, the leaves are rolled into small, tight pellets, a step traditionally done by hand but is now mostly performed by machines for all but the highest grades of tea. After rolling, the tea is dried to lock in its shape and preserve its flavour. This rolling and drying process helps protect the tea from physical damage during packaging and storage while allowing it to retain its robust flavour and aroma while adhering to organic standards.

History of Gunpowder Tea

Gunpowder tea, known in Chinese as 珠茶 (zhū chá) or "pearl tea," has a rich history that dates back to the Tang dynasty (618–907). This unique tea gets its English name from the resemblance of its rolled leaves to gunpowder pellets or from a Chinese phrase that phonetically resembles "gunpowder." The leaves are rolled into small, compact pellets, a method primarily used for green tea and sometimes oolong tea. This rolling technique helps the tea retain its flavour and aroma, ensuring a fresh and robust brew. While the rolling was originally done by hand, it is now typically performed by machines, except for the highest grades of gunpowder tea. This traditional tea has remained a popular choice for centuries, celebrated for its distinctive appearance and enduring taste.

Wholesale/Bulk Organic Gunpowder Tea Options

You can now purchase Organic Gunpowder Tea in wholesale and bulk quantities from Shanti Tea Importers, making it an ideal option for tea retailers and brands in the United States and Canada. This tea, known for its robust, slightly smoky flavour and distinctive pellet shape, is produced using organically grown leaves to ensure the highest quality and adherence to organic standards. Available for private and white-label customization, Organic Gunpowder Tea from Shanti Tea Importers allows you to tailor the packaging and branding to suit your specific needs. By partnering with Shanti Tea Importers, you can offer your customers a high-quality, enjoyable tea while enhancing your brand's product offerings.