Gunpowder Tea is a well-known Chinese green tea, native to Zhejiang Province, in the eastern coast of China. This famous tea gets its name from the shape of the leaves. Rolled into tiny black pellets, it likes gunpowder grains. Pingshui Gunpowder tea is the most common variety and it is usually sold as Temple of Heaven Gunpowder or Pinhead Gunpowder. Pingshui is the name of the town in the Zhejiang province where this tea was first grown. Our boss Mr. Song Zheng is the 4th generation Pingshui Gunpowder tea successor and 40+ years’ tea taster. As the name implies, Gunpowder tea is made up of leaves hand-rolled into tiny pellets. These resemble gunpowder, and give this tea its distinct name.

Gunpowder Tea 9501 (Chinese export grade 9501) is a classic pearl tea in the mid‑range segment. The tea leaves are hand‑rolled into tight, round pellets resembling old‑fashioned gunpowder – hence the name. Grade 9501 strikes an excellent balance between quality and price: the pellets are well‑compacted, the dry leaves display a deep jade‑green color, and the brewed liquor is bright with a yellowish‑green hue. The aroma is high and lasting, with a light smoky note, while the taste is rich, full‑bodied, and slightly sweet. It preserves the fresh, brisk character of Chinese green tea while delivering the robust, characteristic flavor of pearl tea.

This unique rolling process allows the tea pellets to unfurl slowly during steeping, releasing abundant polyphenols and catechins. Research shows that the total phenol content and antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC/ORAC) of Gunpowder tea are higher than those of some matcha types, offering both superior flavor and health benefits. Gunpowder 9501 has become a widely popular category in international green tea trade due to its consistent quality and excellent value for money.

Product Specifications

Key Advantages

1. Strictly sourced origin, stable quality control

Gunpowder tea 9501 is made from spring tea leaves sourced from major high‑quality green tea regions in China. It goes through precise processing: fixing, rolling, and drying. Every batch follows strict export inspection standards, with full traceability from raw material to finished product, ensuring consistent quality.

2. Unique processing, rich flavor

The key to pearl tea lies in “rolling” and “pan‑firing”. Low‑heat, long‑duration firing gradually turns the leaves into round pearls, locking in aroma and flavor compounds. This also makes the pellets more durable and less prone to breakage – ideal for long sea freight and extended shelf‑life.

4. Global market acceptance, popular worldwide

Gunpowder tea 9501 enjoys deep consumer recognition in the markets – Central Asia (Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and others are traditional major consumers)

Health Benefits

• Antioxidant power – Gunpowder tea shows excellent total phenol content and CUPRAC/ORAC antioxidant capacity, helping fight free radicals.
• Mental alertness – Approximately 35–40 mg caffeine per cup, higher than regular green tea, provides a longer‑lasting energy boost.
• Metabolism support – Catechins in green tea help increase metabolic rate.
• 100% natural – No additives, pure natural green tea.

Brewing Recommendations (for end‑user reference)

• Water temperature – 80–85°C (hotter water will make the tea bitter)
• Leaf amount – 3 g per 250 ml water
• Steeping time – First steep 2–3 minutes; the pellets will slowly unfurl. Can be steeped 3–4 times.
• Serving suggestions:
  • Iced tea: brew, then add ice and lemon slices for a refreshing summer drink
  • Plain: enjoy the natural fresh note and mellow sweet aftertaste of Gunpowder tea

Ordering Information