Gunpowder (Zhucha)

Gunpowder tea is a green tea from the Ning Bo region that has been tightly rolled into small pellet shaped balls resembling old time gunpowder, it can also be referred to as 'Pearl Tea'. In china this green tea is called Zhucha.

REGION:
Ning Bo (china)

PRESENTATION:
Small pin head sized pellets, Grey to dark green in color.

HAND ROLLED:
The high quality grades of gunpowder green tea are hand rolled.
In areas where labor is cheaper than machines, each leaf will be hand rolled. This will result in a much subtler and smoother flavor and a longer more remarkable aftertaste. Hand rolled gunpowder tea has a grayer appearance and each pellet is smaller in size.

MACHINE ROLLED:
Lower quality gunpowder tea is machine rolled.
Machine rolled leaves are often much harsher in taste and often comprised of older, larger leaves.

SIZE:
The smaller the diameter of the rolled balls the higher the quality and the higher the price.
The smallest ~ 1/6 inch
The largest ~ 3/8 inch ( 2.25 / 6 ) - Imperial Gunpowder.
The larger the leaf the looser the roll.

QUALITY:
The best quality leaves are the smaller, newer leaves closer to the tip of the branch.
The bigger, older leaves furthest away from the tip have a much harsher flavor.
The best quality Gunpowder Green Tea is more expensive and rare.
The smaller more expensive leaves are often hand rolled, while the larger less expensive leaves can be machine rolled.

INFUSED:
When infused in water the gunpowder green tea pellets unfurl and release a copper/green color.

TASTE:
Strong pleasant flavor with a long aftertaste.

SPECIAL PROPERTIES:
Gunpowder green tea is high in fluoride and great for preventing tooth decay.