black tea Gunpowder

Gunpowder tea gets its name from the way its leaves are processed, resulting in a shape reminiscent of gunpowder: rolled into very small, tightly packed balls. To create this Chinese specialty of black tea (rather than the usual green tea), the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant are specially selected for their quality, size, and style. They must be suitable for first oxidation, then rolling, and finally drying. This meticulously executed process leads to the unique characteristics for which gunpowder tea is highly prized. It yields a dark infusion with a full-bodied, smooth flavor, pleasantly aromatic, and slightly smoky, with notes of dried fruit. The intense flavor combines with a delicate yet invigorating aroma, featuring a light smokiness mixed with sweetness.

Black Gunpowder Tea, sometimes also called Black Pearls, is highly prized by tea lovers for its uniqueness, both for its distinctive flavor and because it typically keeps longer than other teas. Perfect as a refreshing break or as a welcome drink, this black tea is perfect enjoyed on its own; for those who enjoy enriching its flavor, this black tea enhances its flavor with the addition of a splash of milk.

Gunpowder Black Tea Properties and Benefits

One of the reasons this tea is prized is its richness in antioxidants. These compounds can counteract free radicals, substances that cause oxidative stress and potential cellular damage. Black tea contains polyphenol antioxidants, including theaflavins, thearubigins, and several other catechins or flavonoids, which provide protection against cellular damage and aging. This black tea is a moderate source of caffeine, yet still acts as a tonic, capable of countering physical and mental fatigue with a boost of energy. The caffeine (theine) contained in black tea can stimulate the nervous system, promoting attention and concentration, without the immediate and overly stimulating effect of coffee. Its caffeine and polyphenol content also promotes weight management by stimulating fat metabolism, helping to burn and reduce fat cells.

From a digestive standpoint, black tea promotes normal intestinal function thanks to its antioxidant flavonoids. They promote the development of healthy intestinal bacteria and facilitate a laxative effect, useful as a natural remedy for mild constipation. Furthermore, black tea benefits not only the digestive system but also the urinary system, promoting the drainage of excess fluids. Its diuretic effect promotes the elimination of toxins and the reduction of water retention.

Black Tea Nutrients

It contains antioxidant components such as polyphenols, flavonoids, catechins, and flavanols, as well as providing nutrients such as B vitamins, enzymes, and minerals (calcium, zinc, magnesium, and potassium). Additionally, this black tea contains tannins and amino acids, including L-theanine, and methylxanthines—alkaloids that include caffeine (theine) and theophylline.

How to Make Gunpowder Black Tea Infusion

Place about 3-5 grams of black tea in a cup (250 ml) of water at 90-95°C. Let it steep for 3 to 5 minutes before drinking. The Gunpowder ritual involves taking a pinch of tea and dropping it into a porcelain cup to hear the tinkling of the leaves as they hit the bottom. The boiling water causes the leaves to slowly sink to the bottom, opening like flowers and creating attractive patterns—a dimension of visual beauty that adds to this tea's value. Since this black tea is thicker than other teas, those who prefer a less intense flavor are advised to use a smaller amount when brewing (use half a teaspoon per cup).

How to buy gunpowder black tea in our online store?

This tea represents a rarer and more unique black variety, less common than green gunpowder. Therefore, it is not easy to find in supermarkets and grocery stores. Those looking to buy gunpowder black tea can find our high-quality Natura d'Oriente selection online. It is available in convenient, freshness-preserving packs of loose gunpowder black tea in 25g, 50g, 75g, 100g, 150g, and 300g sizes.

Origins and History of Powdered Black Tea

Gunpowder, traditionally prepared with green tea, originated as a rare infusion from eastern China, in the provinces of Fujian and Zhejiang. Historically, this tea, called "zhu chá" in Chinese, literally "pearl tea," dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) and identifies the shape of the leaves with shining pearls. It derives from the processing in which the leaves are carefully rolled by hand and shaped like pearls.Anthracite in color, which unfolds in boiling water once steeped. For this reason, it is still called "black pearl" tea today. The English version of the name, however, only emerged in the 19th century, when it was given the name "Gunpowder Tea" by the British. They noticed that the small, narrow tea balls, obtained from rolled leaves, seemed to resemble grains of gunpowder. They became irregularly shaped grayish pellets, like those used in 19th-century British firearms and battleships. Another theory is that the name derives from the leaf's "explosion" when immersed in hot water, or from the tea's smoky flavor. Also around this time, in the mid-19th century, the cultivation and production of the classic Formosa Gunpowder tea began on the island of Formosa (now Taiwan).

In the production of Black Gunpowder Tea, tea leaves are selected for their premium quality, size, and style. To ensure the best quality, the leaves are harvested early in the morning. Once picked, the leaves undergo a series of steps, including withering, rolling into small balls, and drying. To obtain black tea instead of green, the leaves are left to oxidize in the air before being rolled and dried.

Today, most gunpowder tea is rolled by machine, although some premium teas are still hand-rolled, following tradition, by gunpowder tea experts. High-quality gunpowder tea will have small, tightly rolled leaves.

Rolling makes the leaves less susceptible to damage, moisture, and breakage, allowing them to retain their flavor and aroma longer. A popular technique for aging fine teas, which proved well-suited to its trade, allowed the tea to maintain its freshness during long journeys.

What are the side effects of gunpowder black tea?

Although tea consumption is considered safe for adults, some side effects should be considered due to its caffeine content. Many of these side effects are primarily due to the caffeine content of the infusion, which, in excessive amounts, can lead to nervousness, insomnia, nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, headaches, migraines, and heartbeat changes.