Gunpowder

Gunpowder green tea gets its name from the tightly rolled pellet shape that resembles gunpowder grains. Produced primarily in Zhejiang province, the leaves are rolled into small, dense spheres that unfurl dramatically when brewed. It has a bold, slightly smoky flavor with a thick body, making it the traditional base for North African mint tea.

Recommended vessel: Ceramic teapot or glass cup

Gunpowder's tightly rolled pellets unfurl slowly, so it steeps more evenly than loose-leaf greens. For Moroccan mint tea, use a heavy hand of gunpowder with fresh spearmint and sugar, steeping with boiling water (traditional method).