How do you brew Gunpowder Green (Zhu Cha)?

Brew Gunpowder Green (Zhu Cha) at 175°F (80°C). For gongfu style, steep 30-45 seconds; Western style, 2-3 minutes. Use Glass or porcelain with 1.5-2g per 200ml. Expect 2-3 infusions.

Where is Gunpowder Green (Zhu Cha) from?

Gunpowder Green (Zhu Cha) is produced in Zhejiang (primarily Pingshui region). Spring and summer. Tightly rolled into small pellets resembling gunpowder grains.

How much does Gunpowder Green (Zhu Cha) cost?

Entry-level Gunpowder Green (Zhu Cha) costs $5-10 / 100g. Premium grades run $15-25 / 100g (high-grade, tight roll, consistent size).

How do you brew Gunpowder Green (Zhu Cha)?

Brew Gunpowder Green (Zhu Cha) at 175°F (80°C). For gongfu style, steep 30-45 seconds; Western style, 2-3 minutes. Use Glass or porcelain with 1.5-2g per 200ml. Expect 2-3 infusions.

Where is Gunpowder Green (Zhu Cha) from?

Gunpowder Green (Zhu Cha) is produced in Zhejiang (primarily Pingshui region). Spring and summer. Tightly rolled into small pellets resembling gunpowder grains.

How much does Gunpowder Green (Zhu Cha) cost?

Entry-level Gunpowder Green (Zhu Cha) costs $5-10 / 100g. Premium grades run $15-25 / 100g (high-grade, tight roll, consistent size).

Green Tea ← All famous teas

Gunpowder Green (Zhu Cha) 珠茶

Bold, smoky, vegetal, assertive

Zhejiang (primarily Pingshui region)Caffeine: MediumBeginner: ★★★☆☆

Water Temp

175°F (80°C)

Infusions

2-3

Harvest

Spring and summer. Tightly rolled into small pellets resembling gunpowder grains.

Entry Price

$5-10 / 100g

Flavor Profile

Taste & Aroma

AromaSmoky, vegetal, slightly metallic

TasteBold, assertive, smoky-vegetal, slightly astringent, brisk finish

ColorGolden-green to amber

BodyMedium-full, brisk, astringent

Brewing Guide

How to Brew It

Water

175°F (80°C)

Vessel

Glass or porcelain

Gongfu Time

30-45 seconds

Western Time

2-3 minutes

Ratio

1.5-2g per 200ml

Infusions

2-3

Read the general brewing guide →

Buying Guide

How to Buy Gunpowder Green (Zhu Cha) Without Getting Scammed

The Chinese tea market is vast and unregulated. Here's exactly what to look for — and what to run from.

Entry Level

$5-10 / 100g

Premium / Collector

$15-25 / 100g (high-grade, tight roll, consistent size)

Quality Check

Tightly rolled pellets of uniform size. Should unfurl gradually when brewed. Avoid loose, broken, or dusty pellets.

Common Scams

Lower-grade dust rolled to look like pellets. Machine-harvested with inconsistent size. Over-fired versions taste burnt.

Search keywords that find the real thing

Gunpowder green teaZhu Chapearl teaChinese green teaPingshui Gunpowder

For the general principles behind every one of these checks — harvest dates, origin specificity, red flags — read our complete buying guide.

History

Where It Comes From

Named for its resemblance to gunpowder grains. A major Chinese export to North Africa and the Middle East, foundation of Moroccan mint tea. Tight rolling preserves freshness during shipping. Budget-friendly with real character.