what is special gunpowder green tea?
Gunpowder green tea is a particular variety of green tea from the Camellia sinensis plant that is prepared slightly differently and therefore may have unique properties and health benefits. The leaves are rolled into tight, small pellets, resembling the old style of gunpowder pellets, which can explain the name. This preparation seems to allow the leaves to retain far more of their nutrients, possibly including a slightly higher caffeine level than other green teas. Some high-quality gunpowder green teas can be stored for more than a decade, plausibly without losing their potency or flavor. The color of this tea is slightly more yellow than other “green” teas, and the flavor is smoky, earthy, or even metallic, at times. There are a number of varieties of gunpowder green tea, but most seem to provide similar health benefits, due in large part to the polyphenolic compounds, and perhaps also the catechins, and alkaloids in the leaves.