Gunpowder in English means “gunpowder”. This name was given to Chinese green tea because of the resemblance. It is produced in Zhejiang province. In general, it can be described as a classic Chinese green tea with an affordable price.

In the process of processing, its leaves are twisted into small balls. The Chinese name for this drink is “Lu Zhu”, which means “Green Pearl”.

The taste of this tea is characterized by astringency, richness and slight bitterness. Its aroma is sugary-sweet, reminiscent of dried fruits, with a hint of smoke. The color scale of the finished product ranges from transparent to deep yellow.

If you are just going to get acquainted with green tea from China, then the gunpowder is the best for this. Lovers of this drink will be pleased with its simplicity and refined taste.

Brewing

The temperature of the water for brewing is about 80 degrees. Dry tea is taken in the amount of 1.5 teaspoons per glass of water. The duration of the initial brewing is about a minute. The subsequent ones are aged up to 3 minutes. Dishes should be rinsed with hot water before brewing.

Pairs well with mint, lemon and sugar.

Production technology

During the reign of Ming, the technology for assembling and processing the gunpowder was described in great detail. Primary assembly does not include old leaves with cuttings. Only tender and young foliage is suitable for her. Further, all pointed leaves and cuttings are completely removed from the raw material. During roasting, the presence of a person who must fan it is necessary so that hot air does not accumulate, otherwise the tea may lose its aroma and acquire a yellowish tint. At the end of the procedure, it is laid out on a porcelain plate and continues to be fanned until it cools. After that, the raw materials should be kneaded with your hands, then placed in a cauldron on a small fire, and from time to time you need to continue kneading until it starts to emit a delicate and strong aroma with a light touch.

To date, this entire process has been mechanized, but the main stages are still maintained.

In finished form, rounded and dense green tea leaves are obtained. Hence the origin of the name of this drink “Pearl” or “Round tea”.

You can brew it repeatedly, and at the same time it does not lose its properties. Under the action of hot water begins to open the gunpowder or, as some say, “explodes”, and this is truly a beautiful and mesmerizing sight. It has gained wide popularity in Europe and that is where its market is located.

The legend about this drink says that “Lu Zhu” appeared from the pearls that the phoenix bird and the dragon dropped down. They also say that some Englishman working in a tea company confused tea leaves with gunpowder, and this is where his European name came from.

The method of making tea by twisting its leaves dates back to the reign of the Tang (one of the Chinese dynasties). Europeans got acquainted with this tea only in the 19th century, in Taiwan, and gave it the name “gunpowder”. Despite the development of technology, the most expensive and elite varieties of tea are still rolled by hand.

This method allows you to save all the richness of the essential oils contained in the leaves. In addition, with this form, tea can be stored for a long time without losing its beneficial and taste properties. This technique does not include the method of fermentation, which means that the amount of useful elements and vitamins in this tea is comparable to fresh tea leaves.

Beneficial features

Listing the advantages of this tea, it should be said that it invigorates well, relieves thirst, restores working capacity and thinking, and helps to reduce weight. In addition, it cleanses the intestines, kidneys, improves liver function. Antioxidant properties allow it to prevent the development of cancer. It is especially good in the fight against colds, as it strengthens the immune system. Due to the presence of fluorine in the composition, “Round Tea” helps to strengthen the surface enamel of the teeth and prevent carious lesions.

Contraindications: It is not recommended to drink this tea for people with a weak heart and vascular system, the presence of kidney stones, breastfeeding women.

All of these recommendations apply to a strong variant of welding. The most optimal amount per day is no more than two cups.