Also known by other names, such as gunpowder tea or pearl tea, it comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, which is rolled into small balls resembling gunpowder granules, hence its name. In this post, we'll tell you how to make gunpowder tea taste good .
Most gunpowder tea is produced in Zhejiang Province, China. It's usually made from green tea leaves, depending on the type used. The way this type of tea is shaped helps preserve its nutrients and properties for longer.
Gunpowder tea contains caffeine, but the amount depends on the preparation method and the quality of the tea leaves. Oolong tea leaves contain 40 mg of caffeine per cup; black tea contains 50 mg. Green tea contains 30 mg.
How to Make Gunpowder Tea Taste Good. Properties
To know how to make gunpowder tea taste good, we must understand that since it is made from green tea, it concentrates quantities of beneficial properties for health, some of which are:
Helps with weight loss
This is one of the main characteristics of green tea, and in the case of gunpowder tea, it's even more so. Thanks to its catechin, theanine, and caffeine content, it helps burn fat.
Prevents diabetes
Including gunpowder tea in your daily diet helps keep blood glucose levels under control. The catechins and alkaloids in the tea are responsible for this.
Increases energy
Knowing that gunpowder tea contains more caffeine than green tea, it's an excellent morning beverage to give your body the energy boost it needs to start the day. With a cup of this gunpowder tea, you'll be more effective and productive.
Keeps the immune system strong
This benefit is provided by the antioxidants and polyphenols it contains, which helps the body fight infections and maintain high defenses.
Avoid chronic diseases
Among the diseases it prevents are those caused by cholesterol, such as coronary heart disease, thanks to its antioxidants.
What are the varieties of gunpowder tea?
It's important to know the varieties of gunpowder tea available, so we can know how to make gunpowder tea taste good.
- Chinese Pingshui. This is the most widely used and the original. It has large, well-colored pearls, unlike Japanese green teas, which are more delicate.
- This variety is grown in Taiwan and has a distinct aroma from that produced in China. It's similar to fresh or roasted oolong, with a strong, earthy flavor.
- It is grown in the highlands of Sri Lanka. This unique environment gives it a rich flavor.
How to Make Gunpowder Tea Taste Good
There are some recipes in which you can include this green tea and thus learn how to make gunpowder tea taste good.
1. Traditional gunpowder tea
It's like making green tea, the key is the temperature of the water and the time it steeps, so that its flavor isn't bitter.
Ingredients:
- 4 grams of gunpowder tea leaves.
- A cup of water.
To prepare it, proceed as follows:
- Heat the water to 85º C.
- Add the leaves and let stand for 3 minutes.
- Strain and drink.
You can steep the tea leaves more than once. To achieve the same flavor, you'll need to increase the steeping time. Start with an extra 30 seconds per steeping .
2. Gunpowder tea with mint
This combination is super healthy, delivering the best in a single sip. Adding mint will infuse the drink with freshness, in addition to its benefits.
Ingredients:
- A cup of water.
- A teaspoon of gunpowder.
- 4 mint leaves.
- A pinch of dried thyme.
To prepare this drink, follow the steps below:
- Place the water in a container over medium heat, until it boils.
- Reduce the heat and add the tea.
- Let it boil for 3 minutes and turn off the heat.
- Pour it halfway into a mug and add the mint and thyme. Top up the mug with more water.
- Let the drink infuse for 5 minutes.
- Sweeten with honey.
You can enjoy this beverage hot or cold. For best results, drink one cup a day.
3. Gunpowder Tea Smoothie with Avocado
This combination is perfect for a 100% natural energy drink. To prepare it, follow these steps:
- Blend half an avocado with half a cup of gunpowder tea.
- Sip and enjoy, preferably in the morning or at noon to give you that energy boost you need.
4. Gunpowder tea with chamomile and anise
Another way to make gunpowder tea taste good is by preparing this combination of gunpowder green tea, chamomile, and anise. Excellent for those with digestive issues or bloating.
Ingredients:
- 1 liter of gunpowder tea.
- 10 grams of anise.
- 10 grams of chamomile.
How to prepare it:
- Heat the gunpowder tea and before it boils, add the chamomile and anise.
- Remove from heat and let it steep for 5 minutes.
- Serve and drink.
4. Gunpowder tea with mint and ginger
Mint will give freshness to the drink.
Ingredients:
- 1 liter of gunpowder tea.
- 10 grams of mint.
- A piece of ginger.
Preparation method:
- Blend all ingredients.
- Serve and drink.
