Bang! All About Gunpowder Tea

It’s always good to learn about something new. Enter – Gunpowder tea.

The term “Gunpowder tea” may seem scary to say, but there’s nothing to be afraid of. A major part of the term refers to how the rolled tea leaves react to hot water when steeped or brewed. The realization of the large amount gunpowder tea benefits are growing. Due to this, it’s becoming a beverage staple in many homes around the world.

How the Tea is Made

Grüner_Tee_Gunpowder

Tea leaves and young buds are rolled into small round balls that resemble gunpowder pellets. Rolling tea leaves generates a pleasant aroma and enables it to maintain freshness and flavor. The compressed shape of the small tea pellets also helps it to keep fresher longer than other teas. It will stay that way until you’re ready to use it. When brewed, the pellets open up and expand into leaves to release the invigorating flavor.

The Origin of Gunpowder Tea

Macro shot of a toy globe showing China

This tea is part of the green tea family, and every tea has origins in China. Gunpowder tea came from the Zhejaing Province and Tang Dynasty around 600 A.D. The Chinese invented gunpowder around 900 A.D. too. The tea came before that invention. It’s probable that it went by its original name of perl or bead tea until the early 900’s. Today, some in China still reference the tea that way.

A Regional Flexible Tea

There’s many variations of this particular tea. The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka grows the Ceylon gunpowder type of tea.

In Taiwan, the Formosa tea variety are oolongs that were roasted or rolled fresh.

A popular brand named Temple of Heaven Gunpowder is of the Pingshui variety. All of these teas from various regions vary in color depth, aroma and flavor intensity.

Perfect for Gluten Free Diets

Gluten is a growing problem for those diagnosed with Celiac disease. Sufferers are allergic to the gluten protein found in barley, wheat, and rye. According to the University of Maine, herbal teas help those cope with celiac disease. Gunpowder green teas are gluten-free and a great addition to any diet.

An Excellent Alternative to Coffee

Cup of black coffee and spilled coffee beans. Coffee break ** Note: Shallow depth of field

Depending on the type, regular coffee has between 80 and 175 milligrams (mg) of caffeine. An 8 oz serving of gunpowder green tea has between 35 and 40 milligrams of caffeine. Skip the coffee and reach for a cup of this tea that contains a host other beneficial nutrients in it too.

Sugar Free in a Natural Way

We ingest sugar hidden in many foods and beverages on a daily basis. This tea is sugar-free, full-bodied, rich, and savory. You may find that you won’t need to add any sugar or little of it to your cup of tea.

Powerful Antioxidants

Antioxidants Concept or Anti Oxidants or Antioxidant

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, green tea’s Polyphenols (antioxidants) can dissolve free radicals that damage healthy cells. Antioxidants also fight the effects of aging inside and out.

Studies show that green tea regulates blood sugar, lowers blood pressure, and strengthens the immune system. It can lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and raise good (HDL) cholesterol as well.

Fat Burning Catechins

Green teas contain chemicals called catechins. Catechins are antioxidants. Apigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is an active catechin compound that’s frequently studied. It’s concluded that catechins help people lose or maintain their weight. Researchers link the positive findings to the ingredients of catechins and caffeine found in green tea.

Gunpowder green teas contain a healthy dose of both catechins and caffeine. A cup of green tea can contain up to 150 mg of antioxidants. This makes it a good choice for weight loss and weight maintenance diets. A recommended dosage to gain important health benefits is two cups per day.

How to Brew the Tea

Prepare it as you would any other loose leaf tea. Here’s some basic steps for brewing the tea:

  • Start with cold tap water or bottled water.
  • Place the water in a tea kettle or a microwavable tea pot.
  • Heat the water until it almost boils and reaches a temperature of around 185 degrees F.
  • Add 1 teaspoon of tea to your cup.
  • Pour the hot water over your tea.
  • Steep tea for at least one minute, but no longer than three minutes. The longer you steep your tea, the stronger it becomes. After three minutes, a bitter flavor may result.
  • Taste the tea before you add any sugar to it. It might be fine just the way it is.
  • Keep track of your brewing preferences for foolproof tea enjoyment.

A Few Considerations

Talk with your doctor before consuming green tea if the following conditions apply to you. If you’re pregnant consult with your doctor first before starting a tea regimen. If you’re taking Coudamin, tea may interfere with that medication. Green tea prevents blood clotting, so do not take it with aspirin or if you’re on an aspirin regimen. Drug interactions may occur with chemotherapy medications which may render these medications ineffective. Birth control pills hold caffeine inside the body for a longer period of time. Since tea contains caffeine too, the effects of caffeine may increase.

Gunpowder tea benefits the many people who’ve made it their advantageous beverage choice. It’s a gift from the East to the West that promotes good, healthy living. The nutty, smokey flavor is robust and requires little or no sugar to sweeten. The compounds found in green tea improve lives by lowering blood pressure and increasing energy. Some people drink the beverage to maintain healthy sugar levels, increase good cholesterol, and maintain a healthy body weight. It’s nice to receive all of these perks while enjoying the pleasant experience of sipping on a cup of this soothing, yet refreshing tea.

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