Green Tea, Gunpowder Osprey (Thea sinensis) – Dried Herb, Organic

Gunpowder is a type of Chinese green tea also known as Zhū Chá, which literally translated means “pearl tea”. Hailing from an excellent tea estate west of Hangzhou in the hill country of Zhejiang, Green Tea is picked from tea plant (Camellia/Thea sinensis). It is a flowering evergreen shrub  usually trimmed below 6 feet when cultivated for its leaves. The flowers are yellow-white with 7-8 petals. It belongs to the Theaceae family and leaves or leaf buds are used to produce tea. The tea plants are native to East Asia, the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia but today it is cultivated across the world in tropical and subtropical regions.

Gunpowder’s green leaves for the tea are plucked in April during peak season and handrolled into tight balls. Can be rebrewed up to three times per cup. Gunpowder Tea leaves are withered, steamed, rolled and then dried. This rolling method of shaping tea is most often applied either to dried Green Tea or Oolong Tea. Rolling renders the leaves less susceptible to physical damage and breakage and allows them to retain more of their flavour and aroma. This tea is a top quality Gunpowder masked as Osprey high soaring bird of prey, the pinnacle.

Reputed by legend to be the favoured tea of the pirate Blackbeard, Gunpowder Teas have been produced in China since the Tang Dynasty (618-907). What attracted the legendary buccaneer to the tea? There are two theories:

The first is that Gunpowder Tea is handrolled into shot shaped pellets, reminiscent of the early powders used in guns. The second is that thanks to the compact shape of each finished leaf, Gunpowder keep very well, making them viable in the hold of ships on long ocean voyages. Pirates–as you may have heard–had a thing for both of the above.

In ancient China and Japan, Green Tea was consumed for daily maintenance, prevention and for a weakened constitution. It has been also used for improving performance (mental and physical), losing weight, fighting tooth decay, strengthening the immune system, improving blood flow and for lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Properties:

A Green Tea a surprising body and captivating taste – slightly vegetative but refreshing and clean. When brewed, Gunpowder Tea is a yellow colour. It has affinity towards metabolism, weight loss, blood, veins, arteries, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, immune system, temperature regulation and the stomach.

How to use:

1 teaspoon of looseleaf tea is recommended for every 150ml (5.07oz) of water. Ideal water temperature is between 70°C (158°F)and 80°C (176°F). For the first and second brewing leaves should be steeped for around one minute.

Cautions & contraindications:

In large quantities Green Tea might interfere with iron absorption. And those with caffeine sensitivity as well as pregnant and breastfeeding woman should practice caution.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or illness. Please consult your health care provider prior to the use of this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications or have a medical condition. Individual results may vary.