Organic Gunpowder Green Tea Grade 1

Gunpowder is one of China's most iconic green teas. Its name comes from the shape of its leaves, each one hand-rolled into a compact little pearl reminiscent of gunpowder. Our Grade 1 selection gathers the finest, most uniform pearls, a sign of young leaves and careful craftsmanship.

Julien Huot chose this tea for its straightforward character: a pure, unfussy green tea with just enough personality to be enjoyed on its own or used as the base for a homemade mint infusion. For a greener, more vegetal profile, explore our organic Sencha as well.

The aroma profile of Grade 1 Gunpowder

Opening the packet, the dark green pearls release a dry, lightly smoky scent that hints at a tea with character. Once they meet hot water, they slowly unfurl and reveal their full bouquet.

On the nose: fresh, herbaceous notes with an almost mentholated quality, giving the cup its lively lift. In the heart: a rounded, lightly toasted woodiness, characteristic of leaves worked into pearls. On the finish: a clean, gently astringent close that naturally invites the next sip.

The liquor pours a deep golden yellow. This is a well-structured, clear cup that wears its controlled bitterness honestly, a mark of quality and a hallmark of good teas from this origin.

To learn more about green tea varieties and their profiles, visit our guide to green tea.

How to brew Grade 1 Gunpowder green tea

Preparation makes all the difference. Too hot or too long, and the cup turns bitter. Get it right, and this tea delivers its woody freshness and lovely length.

Amount: 12 to 15 g of pearls per litre of water, roughly one heaped teaspoon for a 250 ml cup. Water: low-mineral water brought to 80°C. Above that temperature, bitterness takes over.

Steeping time: 2 to 3 minutes. Start at 2 minutes for a bright, lively cup; extend to 3 minutes for a rounder, fuller result. Vessel: a glass or porcelain teapot works best, ideally with a wide strainer to let the pearls fully open.

The leaves hold up well to a second infusion. Paired with fresh mint, they make a wonderfully refreshing drink: try our Menthe de Marrakech, which follows that same tradition. To find the best moment in your day for green tea, see our guide When to drink green tea.

Storage

Packed in our workshop, this tea keeps best in its original tin or an opaque, airtight container, away from light, moisture and strong odours. Enjoyed within 18 months, it retains all its aromatic freshness.

Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of Gunpowder green tea?
It is a pure green tea, valued for its freshness on the palate and its beautiful golden liquor. For information on the general properties associated with green tea, see our article on green tea.

How do you brew Gunpowder green tea?
Use 12 to 15 g per litre, water at 80°C, and steep for 2 to 3 minutes. A glass or porcelain teapot shows off the unfurling pearls beautifully. The leaves can take a second infusion with a slightly longer steeping time.

Where does Gunpowder green tea come from?
Our Grade 1 Gunpowder is organically grown in China. The name refers to the shape of the leaves, tightly rolled into compact little pearls that resemble gunpowder. Grade 1 indicates the fineness and uniformity of those pearls.

Where can you buy quality Gunpowder green tea?
Look for an organic, loose-leaf Gunpowder, Grade 1, with tight, lustrous pearls. Make it part of your daily ritual and choose a loose-leaf format that preserves the integrity of the rolled leaves.