Steenbergs Organic Gunpowder

Organic Gunpowder is the classic Chinese green tea for the British. Though it was likely first made as far back as the Tang Dynasty, it was one of the first teas exported by the British in the eighteenth century. Gunpowder is easily recognisable as its leaves are dark green, small and shiny pellets. Gunpowder makes a green brew with a slight cloudiness and hints of orangey-yellow. Its taste is bitter with a spicy astringency.

Tea brewing: Put 1 tsp of Gunpowder per cup into the pot. Bring a kettle of freshly drawn water to the boil, leave to cool for a bit (80C) then pour this heated water over the tea leaves. Put the lid on the pot and leave to brew for 4 – 5 minutes.

Tasting notes: green liquor that’s a bit cloudy and maybe orangey-yellow, with a very evident bitterness – refreshing.