Gunpowder green tea: origin, benefits, and preparation

Gunpowder is one of the most well-known Chinese green teas in Europe. Recognizable by its leaves rolled into small pearls, it has a strong and refreshing character that distinguishes it from Japanese green teas. Here is its history, profile, preparation, its role in mint tea, and what differentiates it from matcha. What is gunpowder green tea? Gunpowder is a Chinese green tea whose leaves are rolled, formerly by hand, now by machine, into small, tightly packed pearls. The English name "gunpowder" comes from the appearance of the rolled leaves, which resemble gunpowder pellets. Mainly cultivated in Zhejiang province, gunpowder is one of the most exported Chinese teas. The rolling technique gives it a long shelf life: the compacted leaves oxidize more slowly than flat leaves. The pearls then unfurl during infusion, gradually releasing their aromas. The aromatic profile of gunpowder Gunpowder has a more pronounced character than Japanese green teas. The taste is frank, slightly smoky, with a hint of astringency and a long finish. It is a tea distinguished by its potency rather than its subtlety. This robustness makes it an ideal tea for long preparations like mint tea, or for lovers of green teas with a strong character. For those who prefer delicate and nuanced teas, gunpowder will probably be too direct; a rounder Japanese profile like genmaicha with roasted rice would be more suitable. Gunpowder and mint tea Gunpowder is the traditional base for Maghrebi mint tea, making it one of the most consumed teas in the world, even if few people in France know its origin. Its robustness allows it to withstand a long infusion, sugar, and a large quantity of fresh mint without being overwhelmed. This pairing is no coincidence: a delicate green tea would be masked by the mint and sugar. Gunpowder's smoky and astringent character, however, stands up to the powerful aromas and gives the drink its structure. The benefits of gunpowder Like all green teas, gunpowder is rich in catechins, especially EGCG, and antioxidant polyphenols. Its caffeine content is moderate, 20 to 30 mg per cup, comparable to other green teas. Gunpowder also contains L-theanine, the amino acid that promotes a state of calm alertness. Its concentration remains lower than that of shaded Japanese green teas, gyokuro and matcha, because gunpowder tea plants are not shaded before harvest. Its effects are those of a classic green tea: antioxidant support, moderate stimulation, hydration. How to prepare gunpowder Gunpowder can withstand higher temperatures than Japanese green teas. Water at 80 or 85°C is suitable. Beyond that, the bitterness becomes unpleasant. Below that, the leaves do not unfurl properly. Use 3 to 4 g of tea per 200 ml of water. First infusion for 2 to 3 minutes. Gunpowder can be infused several times, up to 3 or 4 with the same leaves, slightly increasing the steeping time each time. For mint tea, add fresh mint leaves and sugar at the end of the infusion, then pour from a height into the glasses to create the characteristic foam. Gunpowder or matcha: two approaches to green tea Gunpowder and matcha share the same original plant, Camellia sinensis, but represent two opposing philosophies of green tea. Criterion Gunpowder Matcha Origin China Japan Cultivation In the sun Shaded before harvest Form Rolled leaves, infused Powder drunk whole Profile Smoky, astringent Umami, vegetal Concentration Moderate Very high Gunpowder is infused and then the leaves are discarded: only a portion of the nutrients are consumed. Matcha is ground with a stone mill and drunk whole, which provides 100% of the nutrients. As a result, matcha is much more concentrated in chlorophyll, L-theanine, and antioxidants. Gunpowder remains an excellent refreshing tea, but it does not play in the same nutritional category, as shown by the detailed benefits of green tea compared to those of matcha. Frequently asked questions about gunpowder Is gunpowder a Chinese or Japanese tea? Chinese. It is mainly cultivated in Zhejiang province. The term is English, but the origin is Chinese. Not to be confused with Japanese green teas, which have a very different profile. Why are gunpowder leaves rolled? For preservation: rolled leaves oxidize more slowly than flat leaves. It is also a visual signature. During infusion, the pearls unfurl to release their aromas. Does gunpowder contain a lot of caffeine? No, like all green teas, between 20 and 30 mg per cup. It is a tonic tea but without excessive caffeine. What is the difference between gunpowder and matcha? Huge. Gunpowder is infused, leaves discarded afterwards; matcha is drunk entirely as a powder. Gunpowder is Chinese, unshaded, more rustic. Matcha is Japanese, shaded, stone-ground, much more concentrated in nutrients and L-theanine. How to prepare mint tea with gunpowder? Steep gunpowder for 2 minutes in water at 85°C. Add a generous handful of fresh mint and sugar to taste. Mix, steep for another 1 minute. Filter and serve by pouring from a height to create foam. To discover a green tea of another dimension, more concentrated and richer, explore the TSUKI premium Japanese matcha collection.

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