Gunpowder Teas; A Better Version of Green Teas?
If you love green tea, you don’t want to miss out on one of its oldest variants called gunpowder tea.
Also known as Zhu Cha or Pearl Tea, this treasured green tea that has been cherished for centuries.
Learn more about this unique tea on today’s blog.
What is gunpowder tea?
Originating from China, gunpowder tea is a unique kind of green tea that has tightly rolled leaves turned into small round pellets.
Since the loose-leaf teas look like gunpowder grains, it was named after it. This tea undergoes an intensive rolling process to protect the natural flavor, aroma, and freshness of the tea.
Besides, now, gunpowder tea is also one of the cultural traditions in North Africa.
What does gunpowder tea taste like?
Gunpowder tea commonly has a bold and smoky flavor with a slightly nutty flavor. You may experience an astringent or bitter aftertaste.
However, the taste profile could vary due to the production of the tea type. Some gunpowder tea could be grassy, brisk, mellow sweet, or have a clean finish.
How much caffeine is in gunpowder green tea?
Several factors could determine the caffeine content in gunpowder green tea. But, on average, the caffeine could range from 25 mg to 40 mg in an 8 fl oz cup.
How to brew gunpowder tea?
You’ll Need
- 1-2 teaspoons of quality gunpowder tea leaves
- Filtered water
- Gaiwan or teapot
Instructions
- Firstly, boil the water.
- Pour a little amount of hot water into your teapot or gaiwan. Then, discard the water.
- This will preheat your utensil.
- Now, put 1-2 teaspoons of gunpowder into the teapot infuser or gaiwan.
- Rinse the tea leaves using the hot water to awaken the leaves. (Optional)
- Pour hot water into the teapot or gaiwan. Then, let it steep for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Finally, pour tea into your cup.
Gunpowder Green Tea Benefits
Improves Immunity
Gunpowder green tea consists of polyphenols and antioxidants that may help to strengthen the immune system. According to research, people who drank green tea had higher levels of virus-fighting cells.
Prevent Cancer
Studies have found that green tea contains anti-carcinogenic properties. Drinking gunpowder green tea might help in preventing different types of cancer like colon, lung, mouth, etc.
Diabetes Management
Gunpowder green tea’s catechin and alkaloid properties might help to maintain the blood sugar level, contributing to diabetes management.
Weight Loss
Gunpowder green tea contains a greater percentage of caffeine. That’s why it might be effective in burning fat, ultimately decreasing weight. A study discovered that gunpowder tea had the capacity to burn 2 times more calories than the other tea types.
Gunpowder Tea FAQs
How long does it take to steep gunpowder green tea?
Since gunpowder green tea has a bitter aftertaste, it’s usually steeped for 2 to 3 minutes. But, it’s solely up to you to adjust the timing as you wish.
Is gunpowder green tea good for weight loss?
Yes, since gunpowder green tea is rich in catechins and theanine, it might be helpful for weight loss. These antioxidant properties are known for contributing to fat oxidation and weight management.
