2022 China New Design Gunpowder Tea - China Green Tea Gunpowder Temple of Heaven – Goodtea

Detail

Gunpowder tea production dates back to the Tang Dynasty 618–907. It was first introduced to Taiwan in the nineteenth century. Gunpowder tea leaves are withered, steamed, rolled, and then dried. Although the individual leaves were formerly rolled by hand, today all but the highest grade gunpowder teas are rolled by machines. Rolling renders the leaves less susceptible to physical damage and breakage and allows them to retain more of their flavor and aroma. In addition, it allows certain types of oolong teas to be aged for decades if they are cared for by being occasionally roasted.

Shiny pellets indicate that the tea is relatively fresh. Pellet size is also associated with quality, larger pellets being considered a mark of lower quality tea. High quality gunpowder tea will have small, tightly rolled pellets.The tea is divided into several grades using a combination of numbers and letters. As an example 3505AAA is considered the highest grade while 9375 is a relatively lower grade.

To make this tea each silvery green tea is withered, fired and then rolled into a tiny ball, a technique perfected over centuries to preserve freshness. Once in the cup with hot water added, the leaves of the shiny pellets unfurl back into life.

When brewed, The liquor is yellow, with a strong, honeyed and slightly smoky flavor that lingers on the palate.

A particularly bright, clean variety with a smooth sweetness and a smoke-tinged finish-beautiful brewed lightly for clarity of taste.