Gunpowder green tea is a type of tea in which each leaf has been rolled into a small round pellet, resembling grains of gunpowder. This rolling method of shaping tea is most often applied to dried green tea, although it can also be applied to oolong tea. Gunpowder tea production dates back to the Tang dynasty in China, and it was first introduced to Taiwan in the nineteenth century. Rolling the leaves renders them less susceptible to physical damage and breakage and allows them to retain more of their flavor and aroma.
Gunpowder green tea is one of the strongest green teas in the world, with a deeper yellow color and stronger light smokey note. It is believed to be one of the oldest green tea types in the world and one of the first green teas exported from China. Gunpowder green tea is usually made with green tea leaves that originate from the Camellia sinensis plant. It is a versatile tea that can be drunk with milk, blended, added to cocktails, or cold-brewed.
Gunpowder green tea has a high caffeine content compared to other green teas, so it is best enjoyed at the proper time of day. It is also known for its potential health benefits, including improved brain function, fat burning, and reduced risk of certain diseases. Moroccan mint tea, a famous tea tradition in some countries, is made with Gunpowder tea and fresh mint.