Pin Lin Gunpowder

Description

Taiwan is known for producing the world's finest gunpowder teas. They should be, they've had a lot of practice - tea plants were first brought to the island over 300 years ago from Fujian province in China. Tea growers recognized that Taiwan had the climactic conditions and topographical features required for producing excellent teas, these being lofty mountain meadows, fresh water and wet humid conditions. In fact, the conditions make it possible for tea bushes in Taiwan to flush 5 times a year from April to December with the best teas plucked from the end of May to mid-August. (The flush is a period of exceptional leaf growth.) The exact origin of gunpowder production is unknown but at one time, but before 1900 gunpowders accounted for 60% of American tea imports, such was its popularity.

The process for making gunpowder was, and still is, rather complicated. First, freshly plucked green leaf is pan-fired at between 280 and 300º C to keep it from fermenting. In early times, this would have been done by hand in large wok shaped pan, today it is done by machine. Next, the leaves are rolled to facilitate molecular breakdown in the leaf, release flavor and make the leaves more pliable for shaping. After rolling the leaf is broken into smaller pieces and sent to the primary dryer. The tea is sent through this dryer 3 times for 30 minutes at around 125º. After drying the leaf is sent to the rolling machine. Depending on the style being produced that day, different shaped machines are used. In the case of gunpowder the roller is a round drum that turns the tea over and over in on itself. The final stage, the one that gives gunpowder its signature glossy look and brittle texture is secondary drying at temperatures ranging from 70º to 100º depending on ambient humidity. At the end of the process the leaf should have moisture content of no more than 5% and be tightly wound into a neat ball-like shape.

The result is a truly special tea with a unique flavor. The cup displays notes of smoke and sweet grass, with subtle undertones of burnt honey. A common mistake is to brew gunpowder in water that is too hot and scalding to the mouth. If this is done, many of the subtle layers of character may be lost. Instead, use water that has almost reached the boiling point. This will allow your tongue to properly catalogue the nuances of the tea without searing your taste buds. Pin Lin Gunpowder - a stunning example of a Taiwanese gunpowder tea.

Steeping Instructions

IDEAL BREWING TEMPERATURE: 85ºC/185ºF. For Food Safety reasons bring water to 100ºC/212ºF and let it cool down to 85ºC/185ºF.

ANTIOXIDANT BENEFIT: For a greater antioxidant benefit brew longer and use more tea.

FOOD SAFETY ADVISORY: We strongly recommend using filtered or freshly drawn cold water brought to a rolling boil when brewing all types of tea. Today's water has been known to carry viruses, parasites and bacteria. Boiling the water will kill these elements and reduce the potential incidence of water-borne illnesses.

Epic Iced Tea Instructions

Tea isn't just served hot!  Iced tea is one of the most refreshing and natural thirst quenchers around the world.  Here is our suggested method of brewing the best iced tea.

ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Pitcher): (To Make 1 Liter/Quart):

1. Place 6 slightly heaping teaspoons of loose tea or 6 tea bags into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher.
2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 1¼ cups/315ml over the tea.
3. Steep for 5 minutes.
4. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water.
5. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the tea or removing the bags.
6. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
7. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to increase
8. the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water.

Note: Some luxury quality teas may turn cloudy when poured over ice. This is a sign of luxury quality and nothing to worry about.

ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Individual Serving):

1. Place 1 slightly heaping teaspoon of loose tea or 1 tea bag into a teapot for each serving required.
2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 6-7oz/170-200ml per serving over the tea.
3. Cover and let steep for 5 minutes.
4. Add hot tea to a 12oz/375ml acrylic glass filled with ice, straining the tea or removing the bags.
5. Not all of the tea will fit, allowing for approximately an additional ½ serving.
6. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to increase the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted.

Note: Some luxury quality teas may turn cloudy when poured over ice. This is a sign of luxury quality and nothing to worry about.

HERB & FRUIT ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Pitcher): (To Make 1 Liter/Quart):

1. Place 12 slightly heaping teaspoons of herb & fruit blend or 6 tea bags into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher.
2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 1¼ cups/315ml over the herb & fruit blend.
3. Steep for 5-10 minutes.
4. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water.
5. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the tea or removing the tea bags.
6. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
7. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced herb & fruit tea is to increase the strength of hot brew since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water.

HERB & FRUIT ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Individual Serving):

1. Place 2 slightly heaping teaspoons of herb & fruit blend or 1 tea bag into a teapot for each serving required.
2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 6-7oz/170-200ml per serving over the herb & fruit blend.
3. Cover and let steep for 5-10 minutes.
4. Add hot tea to a 12oz/375ml acrylic glass filled with ice, straining the tea or removing the bags.
5. Not all of the tea will fit, allowing for approximately an additional ½ serving. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
6. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed herb & fruit tea is to increase the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted.