China

Gunpowder is one of the most famous names in tea. This quality China green tea, from Zhejiang Province, is rolled into tight pellets. The pellets are a black-green colour and resemble lead shot – or, it seems, gunpowder, which is how this robust, invigorating and delicious tea got its name.

Gunpowder tea is popular in the Middle East and North Africa, where it is blended with mint and large amounts of sugar to make Touareg. Gunpowder is also drunk on its own as a delicious afternoon tea.

The tea produces a dry, rather dark green liquor with quite a strong flavour that is often described as nutty or oaked. It is often fairly bitter. This can be refreshing, but the flavour is brought out and improved by adding a very small amount of sugar.

Gunpowder tea is good for your teeth, Chinese researchers have discovered! In fact, 3 cups of Gunpowder tea supplies an adult’s daily fluoride requirement.

Lapsang Souchong, with its famous tarry aroma, is a tea that you either love or hate. The distinctive smokiness originally occurred naturally during growing and processing, caused by the bitumastic soil and the smoke from the fires under the drying woks. The taste was popular in England, so the practice of smoking the teas developed.

Lapsang Souchong is a more delicate tea than many people realise. The better the quality, the milder the smoky flavour, which should enhance, not overpower, the fine black Fujian Province tea.

To brew, put one large-leaf teabag per person in a mug or pot and add fresh, boiling water. Infuse for 2 mins. It’s better not to add milk. A great afternoon tea.

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