Gunpowder green tea production started way back with the Tang Dynasty which ran from 618 to 907 A.D. Gunpowder tea leaves are naturally withered, steamed, rolled, and then dried. California Tea House's high grade Gunpowder are still rolled by hand into small tight balls that make the tea leaves less susceptible to damage, allowing them to retain more of their flavor and aroma. It is believed that the English gave the tea this name due to the resemblance to the gun powder of their black powder muskets of the time.
Use 1 even teaspoon of gunpowder tea for each cup of mineral or filtered water. Steep the tea for 2 to 3 minutes at about 180o F.
