Gunpowder Temple of Heaven Green Tea
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Gunpowder Temple of Heaven Green Tea

Tiny pearls, hand-rolled, leaf by leaf, made of some of the finest Chinese green tea make up this Gunpowder Temple of Heaven Green tea. The gray-green balls are known as "Zucha" or "pearl tea" to the Chinese but many years ago an Englishman thought that they resembled gunpowder and the name stuck. It originated in the town of Pinshui in Zhejiang province and is now produced in neighboring areas as well. Gunpowder was one of the first Chinese teas to be exported starting in the early 1600s. Despite its high price it became very popular in Europe and America.

It takes a special skill to roll tea leaves into this unusual shape. Because they are so tightly rolled, these little pellets keep exceptionally well which is rare for a high quality green tea. When hot water is added, the little balls unfold gracefully and produce a flavorful dark green brew with a unique fragrance and a delightful, lingering aftertaste. Temple of Heaven as the name implies, is the highest grade of this type of tea and has won many awards around the world.

This is an excellent choice to drink with meals and it complements most meats and vegetables. It also can be brewed into a refreshing iced tea with or without lemon and sugar. To make an interesting Moroccan style beverage, try adding a little mint to this very versatile tea as it steeps.

For further reading:

• Pratt J. and Rosen D. The Tea Lover's Companion Birch Lane Press NY 1996 P 9
• Chow K. and Kramer I. All the Tea in China China Books San Francisco 1990 PP 127-129
• Stella A. et al The Book of Tea Flammarion Paris 1990 PP 44, 212, 232
• Ukers W. All About Tea Tea and Trade Journal Company New York 1935 PP 230, 304