Temple of Heaven China Green Tea Special Gunpowder

This isn't your delicate, grassy green tea. Temple of Heaven's gunpowder tea has a bold, smoky character with nutty, almost meaty undertones. It's hearty and strong—think campfire rather than garden. The tightly rolled pearls unfurl into whole leaves that deliver that characteristic robust flavor gunpowder tea is known for. If you're used to milder green teas, this will be a surprise.

Absolutely—you're getting 2.2 pounds for around $10-15, which is exceptional value. Many reviewers specifically called out the price-to-quantity ratio as a major selling point. That said, the trade-off is that you may encounter some stems, twigs, and fine particles mixed in with the tea pearls. It's bulk tea at a bulk price, not a premium boutique product.

This is a real concern—multiple buyers reported receiving bags with broken seals, tears, or completely opened packaging. Since it's sold as a food product, Amazon typically won't accept returns even if the packaging is compromised. If freshness and sealed packaging are critical to you, this might be a gamble. However, many customers stored it successfully in airtight containers and reported good shelf life.

Here's the thing: many reviewers noted this brews very dark—almost black—rather than the light green you might expect. Some batches even tasted burnt or overly dark. This could be due to batch inconsistency or how the tea is processed. If you're expecting a bright green liquor, you'll likely be disappointed. It's more about that bold, smoky flavor than appearance.

Temperature is everything. This tea will turn brutally bitter if you use boiling water. Keep your water between 175-190°F—well below boiling. Let the pearls steep for 2-3 minutes max on the first infusion. The good news? These leaves can be re-steeped multiple times, getting milder and sweeter with each round. Experienced green tea drinkers will have no problem, but beginners should use a thermometer.

This is for gunpowder tea enthusiasts who know what they're getting and appreciate that strong, smoky profile. It's also great for experimenters—people who make milk tea, Moroccan mint tea, or other blended drinks where you need a bold base that won't get lost. If you're new to green tea or prefer subtle, sweet flavors, start with something gentler. This is an acquired taste with authentic character.