£1.80
Gunpowder is one of the most famous names in tea. This quality China green tea, from the Zhejiang Province, is rolled into tight pellets. The pellets are a black-green colour and resemble lead shot- or, it seems, gunpowder, which is how this robust, invigorating and delicious tea got its name.
The tea produces a dry, rather dark green liquor with quite a strong flavour that is often described as nutty or oaked.
One advantage of Gunpowder is that being so tightly rolled it keeps very well, and is also economical- 2 tsp is enough for a whole pot. The pellets almost explode in the water as the leaves expand and unroll.