Chinese more correctly named Zhu Cha is a
Green Tea from the
Zhejiang Province in
China .
The tea takes its name from the grey-green rolled-leaf balls, however in
Chinese it is called 珠茶 (''zhūchá'', "pearl tea" / "bead tea," not to be confused with
Boba Tea ).
Gunpowder tea is exported to the
Maghreb where it is used in the preparation of traditional North African mint tea. The Moroccan tea-ritual is at the heart of any social gathering, from an informal visit to a neighbour to lavish soirees with dignitaries. A minimum of two cups need to be drunk as not to offend the host.
Gunpowder tea production dates back to the
Tang Dynasty (AD 618 – 907) but it was first introduced to
Taiwan in the
1800s .
When buying Gunpowder it is important to look for shiny pellets, which indicate that the tea is relatively fresh.
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; or '''Pinhead Gunpowder''': A common high grade variety of Gunpowder with a better color and infusion.
; : A Gunpowder style tea grown in
Taiwan near
Keelung , it is claimed to have its own characteristic aroma, different from that of
Zhejiang Province Gunpowder grown in mainland China.
; : A Gunpowder variant grown in
Sri Lanka , usually at altitudes exceeding 6,000 feet, see
Green Ceylon Teas .
