Tea Forest Imperial Gunpowder Green Tea

This tea has excellent longevity—you can get multiple steeps from the same leaves. If you're brewing Western-style, expect 3-4 good steeps. For gongfu enthusiasts, reviewers report getting up to 9 steeps with proper technique. That's impressive mileage for the price point.

Temperature control is key here. Keep your water around 180°F—definitely not boiling. Some reviewers who used boiling water reported grassy or bitter notes, while those who stuck to lower temperatures got smooth, clean flavor. If it does taste bitter, you're likely brewing too hot or steeping too long.

This sits firmly in the 'great value' category rather than premium grade. Several reviewers mention it has more stems than expected and a browner color instead of vibrant green. The flavor is mild to moderate rather than bold. That said, at 1 pound for the price, it's an affordable everyday tea or excellent base for blends and kombucha experiments.

When brewed at the right temperature, expect smooth, clean, and aromatic flavors with moderate strength. It's got that characteristic fresh, grassy quality of green tea without being overpowering. The taste is deep enough to be satisfying but mild enough to work well in blends or as an all-day sipper.

You'll need a bit more than with higher-grade gunpowder greens—reviewers mention needing a larger volume of leaves to get good flavor. Start with about 1.5 to 2 teaspoons per 8oz cup and adjust from there. The upside is that with a full pound and multiple steeps possible, you've got plenty to experiment with.

Absolutely. It's an affordable entry point that won't break the bank while you're learning. It's forgiving enough for beginners—works fine with an electric kettle and simple sieve—and if you accidentally overbrew it, you can always blend it with other teas. Plus, the quantity gives you plenty of room to experiment and learn what you like.