Special Gunpowder Green Tea – Temple of Heaven

Chinese Loose Leaf Green Tea – Online Sale

Origin: China
Harvest: 2025

Gunpowder Green Tea Temple of Heaven – Description

Discover the authentic taste of Chinese tea tradition with our Special Gunpowder Green Tea – Temple of Heaven, available online at Terza Luna. This premium loose-leaf green tea, characterised by its tightly rolled leaves resembling small pearls, represents one of the finest expressions of tea craftsmanship from Zhejiang province.

Each cup delivers the pure essence of Chinese green tea, offering freshness, intensity and a timeless character appreciated by tea lovers worldwide.

What Is Gunpowder Green Tea?

Gunpowder green tea is instantly recognisable thanks to its unique appearance: dark green leaves with silvery highlights, carefully rolled into compact pellets resembling grains of gunpowder, from which its Western name derives.

In China, this tea is traditionally known as “Zhu Cha”, meaning pearl tea, a name that perfectly reflects the elegance of each leaf. The Temple of Heaven grade represents one of the most refined qualities, obtained through careful selection of leaves from the 2025 harvest.

During infusion, the pearls slowly unfurl, revealing whole bright green leaves that release a rich, enveloping aroma. This rolling technique not only enhances visual appeal but also helps preserve essential oils and aromatic compounds within the leaf.

Origins and History of Gunpowder Tea

Gunpowder tea dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), when tea masters in Zhejiang developed this innovative rolling technique. Originally known as pearl tea, it represented the height of tea-processing artistry.

The name “Gunpowder” emerged in the 18th century, when British traders noticed its resemblance to gunpowder grains. From there, the name spread across Europe through maritime trade routes.

Processing of Gunpowder Green Tea

Production begins with early-morning leaf harvesting, followed by gentle withering and steaming to prevent oxidation and preserve the vibrant green colour.

The defining step is rolling: each leaf is shaped into a compact sphere, forming a natural capsule that protects aroma and freshness. Final controlled drying stabilises the tea, allowing it to maintain its sensory qualities longer than many other green teas.

Aroma and Taste

Gunpowder green tea offers a fresh, lively profile with intense vegetal notes reminiscent of freshly cut grass. The infusion displays a bright golden-yellow colour with green reflections.

On the palate, it opens with a brisk, invigorating attack, followed by a full body and mineral depth. The finish reveals subtle smoky and metallic notes, balanced astringency and a long, evolving aftertaste.

How to Prepare Gunpowder Green Tea

• Water temperature: 80°C

• Dosage: 3 g per cup (200 ml)

• Infusion time: 3–4 minutes

• Reinfusion: suitable for 2–3 infusions, increasing time gradually

Gunpowder Tea and Moroccan Mint Tea

Gunpowder green tea is the traditional base of Moroccan mint tea (Atay). Its strong character perfectly balances fresh mint and sugar, forming an iconic ritual throughout the Maghreb.

It is also ideal for iced tea, plant-based milk preparations and creative alcohol-free cocktails.

Storage

Thanks to its rolled shape, Gunpowder tea retains freshness exceptionally well.

• Store in an airtight container

• Keep in a cool, dry place away from light and strong odours

Properly stored, it can maintain quality for 2–3 years.

Special Gunpowder Green Tea – Online Sale

Our Special Gunpowder Temple of Heaven comes directly from Zhejiang province and reflects meticulous leaf selection and traditional processing.

Order online from Terza Luna and experience one of the most iconic Chinese green teas.