Gunpowder Tea
Zhu Cha
Gunpowder is a bold Chinese green rolled into tight pellets that unfurl as they brew.
Flavor Profile
What does Gunpowder taste like?
Gunpowder is a bold Chinese green rolled into tight pellets that unfurl as they brew. The cup is assertive and full-bodied, with brisk grassy depth, a smoky edge, and a dry mineral finish. It stands up well to sugar and is the traditional base of Moroccan mint tea. The rolled shape keeps the leaves fresh longer during storage and travel than looser greens.
Bar length reflects the relative prominence of each flavor note (dominant first), not a laboratory measurement.
Origin
Zhejiang, China
Gunpowder has been produced in Zhejiang for centuries and became a major export tea.
The birthplace of tea, producing every major tea style from green to dark.
Brewing Guide
How to Brew Gunpowder
Brewing parameters are a starting point and can be adjusted to taste.
Caffeine
Caffeine in Gunpowder
Typical brewed serving
Gunpowder is a medium-caffeine green tea. A typical brewed serving contains about 30–50 mg of caffeine.
Values can vary depending on quantity, brewing time, serving size, and preparation method.
Keep Exploring
If you like Gunpowder
Side by Side
Want to see how Gunpowder compares?
Put Gunpowder next to Sencha and compare flavor, origin, caffeine, and brewing side by side.
FAQ
Gunpowder Tea FAQ
Quick answers about Gunpowder tea, drawn from its flavor, origin, caffeine, and brewing profile.
What is Gunpowder tea?
Gunpowder is a bold Chinese green rolled into tight pellets that unfurl as they brew. It is also known as Zhu Cha.
Does Gunpowder tea have caffeine?
Yes. Gunpowder is a medium-caffeine tea, typically 30–50 mg per brewed serving.
What does Gunpowder tea taste like?
Gunpowder is known for a profile led by Bold, Grassy, and Mineral, with a strong body.
How do you brew Gunpowder tea?
Use about 3 g of tea per 250 ml of water at 75–85°C, steeping for 2–3 minutes. It can be re-steeped 2–3 times.
Is Gunpowder tea bitter?
Bitterness is not a defining note of Gunpowder; its profile centers on Bold, Grassy, and Mineral.