Chun Mee vs Gunpowder

Chun Mee

Chun Mee is a Chinese green rolled into small curved shapes, famously exported to North Africa. The cup is brisk and assertive with a distinctive plum-like fruitiness, dry grassy depth, and a slightly astringent finish. It is bolder than most Chinese greens and takes sugar or mint well. Quality varies widely, so the bright fruity note is a useful sign of a good lot.

Gunpowder

Gunpowder is a bold Chinese green rolled into tight pellets that unfurl as they brew. The cup is assertive and full-bodied, with brisk grassy depth, a smoky edge, and a dry mineral finish. It stands up well to sugar and is the traditional base of Moroccan mint tea. The rolled shape keeps the leaves fresh longer during storage and travel than looser greens.

Chun Mee

Water temperature

75–85°C

Leaf to water

3g / 250ml

Steep time

2–3 min

Re-steep

2–3 times

Gunpowder

Water temperature

75–85°C

Leaf to water

3g / 250ml

Steep time

2–3 min

Re-steep

2–3 times

Chun Mee

Medium caffeine — roughly 25–45 mg per brewed serving

A moderate, steady lift without an intense spike.

Gunpowder

Medium caffeine — roughly 30–50 mg per brewed serving

A moderate, steady lift without an intense spike.

Chun Mee

China · Jiangxi

Chun Mee is produced mainly in Jiangxi and neighboring provinces for export markets.

Gunpowder

China · Zhejiang

Gunpowder has been produced in Zhejiang for centuries and became a major export tea.