Gunpowder

In gunpowder, the leaves are rolled tightly into small pellets after fixing, resembling lead shot; hence the English name. The shape protects the leaf and makes the tea keep well. An important area of origin is Zhejiang province; the smaller and firmer the pellets, the finer the quality is considered.

In the cup the pellets open slowly. The flavour is strong, slightly smoky and more astringent than many other green teas. In North Africa, gunpowder is the base for heavily sweetened tea with fresh mint.