At a glance: Organic Grade 1 Gunpowder green tea from China, leaves rolled into tight pearls. Brew at 80°C (175°F), 2 to 3 minutes, 12 to 15 g per litre. Perfect on its own or as a base for mint tea.
Grade 1 Gunpowder: a Chinese green tea rolled into pearls
Gunpowder is perhaps the most recognisable of all Chinese green teas. Its leaves, rolled by hand or by machine for more standard grades, resemble tiny pellets of gunpowder, hence the name.
We have selected a grade 1, a superior quality with fine, uniform and lustrous pearls. This level of sorting ensures a balanced cup, free from excessive bitterness.
Grown according to organic farming principles, this Chinese tea preserves the fresh, vegetal character typical of green tea while developing the subtle smoky note that defines Gunpowder.
A staple of loose-leaf tea, it appeals equally to curious newcomers and long-time enthusiasts.
The aromatic profile of Grade 1 Gunpowder
With the first infusion, the pearls slowly unfurl. The liquor takes on a bright yellow-green hue, and the aroma rises, herbaceous and clean.
On the palate, the opening is crisp and lightly astringent, followed by gentle notes of dry hay and a subtly smoky finish. This is a tea with character, never harsh when brewed with care.
Top notes: cut grass, fresh green.
Heart notes: dry hay, light smoke.
Base notes: soft minerality, refreshing finish.
This aromatic structure makes it an excellent choice for lovers of green tea with a traditional profile, with no added flavourings.
Composition: the simplicity of a pure tea
The ingredients list for this tea comes down to one line: organic Gunpowder green tea. No added flavourings, no additives, no blending.
This commitment to purity is deliberate. A grade 1 Gunpowder needs nothing added: to do so would be to mask the quality of the leaf itself.
We source our batches from long-standing partner producers in China, in the historic Gunpowder-producing regions. Origin is everything here: Chinese terroir gives this tea its distinctive signature.
Brewing: how to prepare Grade 1 Gunpowder
A great cup of Gunpowder comes down to four simple but essential parameters.
Water: use low-mineral water, ideally filtered, heated to 80°C (175°F). Water that is too hot will release too many tannins and leave the cup bitter.
Dosage: use 12 to 15 g per litre, roughly one heaped teaspoon for a large mug.
Time: steep for 2 to 3 minutes. The pearls will gradually unfurl. You can re-steep the same leaves a second time, extending the steeping time slightly.
Equipment: a teapot with a wide-basket filter or a roomy infuser allows the pearls to open fully. Avoid small, tightly packed infuser balls.
For a traditional mint tea, double the dose and add a generous handful of fresh mint at the end of the infusion, with a little sugar to taste.
For more on the best moments to enjoy green tea, visit When to drink green tea.
Varieties and alternatives in Chinese green tea
Gunpowder is one of the pillars of Chinese green tea, alongside Chun Mee, Lung Ching and jasmine-scented teas.
If you enjoy the roundness of this tea but are looking for more floral delicacy, explore our Jasmine Chun Hao green tea, which brings together green leaves and fresh jasmine blossoms.
For a more delicate, vegetal profile, our Tianzhu green tea offers a gentle cup, ideal for pure tasting.
And for those drawn to more contemporary fruity blends, our Lolita green tea plays a light, indulgent tune.
Explore our full selection of green teas to continue the journey.
The benefits of Gunpowder green tea
Like all green teas, Gunpowder is rich in catechins, polyphenolic compounds whose antioxidant properties have been widely studied.
The EFSA has assessed several claims related to green tea, particularly around polyphenols and metabolism. The scientific data is compiled on PubMed, which references hundreds of studies on the subject.
Gunpowder also contains caffeine, which provides a gentle, steady lift without the jitteriness sometimes associated with coffee.
For a deeper look at the virtues of this drink, visit our complete guide to green tea, or our article Which green tea for weight management if you are interested in its role within a balanced lifestyle.
No health claim replaces a varied diet and a healthy way of living: this tea is a daily pleasure, not a remedy.
Savour it as part of your daily ritual, in the morning for a gentle start or in the afternoon as the perfect companion to a quiet break.
Storing loose-leaf Gunpowder
To keep this tea at its best, store the leaves in an airtight container, away from light, heat and moisture.
Avoid the refrigerator: temperature fluctuations encourage condensation and dull the aromas.
A well-stored green tea retains its full aromatic character for 12 to 18 months after opening.
Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of Gunpowder tea?
Gunpowder is rich in catechins and polyphenols, natural antioxidants. It also contains caffeine for a gentle lift. Studies referenced on PubMed extensively document these compounds.
How do you prepare Gunpowder tea?
Heat low-mineral water to 80°C (175°F). Use 12 to 15 g of leaves per litre. Pour over the pearls and steep for 2 to 3 minutes before straining.
How much does Gunpowder tea cost?
The price of a Gunpowder varies by grade and origin. Our organic grade 1 sits in the premium loose-leaf segment, offering outstanding value for a certified organic Chinese tea.
Where does Gunpowder tea come from?
Gunpowder originates from China, where it has been produced for several centuries. Our tea comes from partner producers practising organic farming in China's historic production regions.
What types of Gunpowder tea are there?
Several grades exist, distinguished by the size and uniformity of the pearls. The grade 1 we offer features fine, uniform pearls, a superior quality for a balanced infusion.
How do you brew Gunpowder tea?
Use a teapot with a wide-basket filter to allow the pearls to open fully. 80°C (175°F), 2 to 3 minutes, 12 to 15 g per litre. The leaves can be re-steeped a second time.
What do people think of Gunpowder tea?
Enthusiasts love its versatility: wonderful on its own, it is also the traditional base for mint tea. Its lightly smoky character wins over those who seek a green tea with real personality.
Our commitment and our sources
Julien Huot, founder of Thés & Traditions, personally selects every batch in close collaboration with our partner producers in China. Grade 1 is a demanding standard: we turn away any batches where the pearls are uneven or broken.
Information relating to polyphenols and food safety is verified against the EFSA and ANSES guidelines.
Our tea is packed in France, in full compliance with European organic standards. Every batch is traceable back to its origin.
