Gunpowder tea is green tea that is rolled into small pellets resembling the gunpowder pellets that were used in earlier times to load into cannons. The tea precedes cannons in origin, and the way it is made dates back to approximately the 7th century CE, during the Tang Dynasty rule in China. In China, gunpowder tea is known by several different names, like pinyin, and zhu cha, and is principally manufactured in the Southeastern province of Zhejiang.

Today the process of making gunpowder tea is mostly automated, but the tea used to be made by hand. Some very high grade, and very expensive tea is still hand rolled, but most you’ll find in stores or tea specialty shops is machine rolled. Quality gunpowder tea should be shiny. If it is not, the tea is probably older and will taste inferior.

Though China is the main manufacturer of gunpowder tea, the tea became extremely popular in Taiwan in the 19th century. Most Taiwanese drink tea grown and formed in Keelung. It should be noted that Taiwan is now part of the People’s Republic of China, but was not so when the tea was introduced, so it is considered Taiwanese and not Chinese when it is grown in Keelung.

A few other places in the world particularly enjoy gunpowder tea. Sri Lankans grow green tea at high altitudes, which creates subtle changes in the tea’s taste. A Moroccan tea ritual employs gunpowder tea flavored with mint. If you attend one of these rituals, be certain to drink at least two cups, since to do less than that insults your host.

This form of tea is not roasted, and many claim it has a fresh grassy taste. To brew the best cup, consider about 2-3 pellets per cup of tea. It’s fun to watch the tea unfold when the hot water hits it. Some say that it “explodes” like gunpowder. Many love this green tea iced, too, and find the fresh leaf taste very refreshing.

You may occasionally find gunpowder tea sold as pearl tea, but even in the US “gunpowder” is a more commonly used name. The tea has enjoyed an upsurge in popularity in the US so you may be able to find it at a fairly large grocery store. If not, it is easily ordered on the Internet and you’ll find it in Asian markets, international food and imports markets, and specialty foods stores. If you happen to have a Chinatown nearby, you can purchase the tea in bulk, which gives you the best opportunity to inspect its shine and freshness.