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Tiny pearls, are hand-rolled, leaf by leaf, made of some of the finest Chinese green tea make up this Gunpowder Temple of Heaven Green tea. The gray-green balls are known as "Zucha" or "pearl tea" to the Chinese but many years ago an Englishman thought that they resembled gunpowder and the name stuck. Gunpowder was one of the first Chinese teas to be exported starting in the early 1600s. Despite its high price it became very popular in Europe and America.
It takes a special skill to roll tea leaves into this unusual shape. Because they are so tightly rolled, these little pellets keep exceptionally well which is rare for a high quality green tea. When hot water is added, the little balls unfold gracefully and produce a flavorful dark green brew with a unique fragrance and a delightful, lingering aftertaste. Temple of Heaven as the name implies, is the highest grade of this type of tea and has won many awards around the world.
This is an excellent choice to drink with meals and it complements most meats and vegetables. It also can be brewed into a refreshing iced tea with or without lemon and sugar. To make an interesting Moroccan style beverage, try adding a little mint to this very versatile tea as it steeps.
This gourmet green tea is in loose leaf form and will require a tea infuser or tea filter when brewing. This can be purchased separately here.
