Nepal Himalayan Gunpowder – Organic Green Tea

Brew & Taste

When steeped in hot water, organic Nepal Himalayan Gunpowder produces a light golden to greenish-yellow infusion with a clean, fresh aroma. The flavor is surprisingly delicate, yet complex. It begins with sweet notes reminiscent of fresh peas, which gradually give way to the subtle nutty character of roasted pine nuts. The entire flavor profile is rounded out by a long, smooth umami finish typical of high-quality green teas from high-altitude regions. Thanks to careful processing, this tea retains its exceptional freshness and offers several delicious infusions.

Origins

The Ilam region of Nepal is one of the most renowned tea-growing regions in the world. Located in the eastern part of the country, just a few kilometers from Darjeeling, India, it's often referred to as the 'Darjeeling of Nepal' due to its similar climate, mountain mists, and fertile soils. The high-altitude environment, clean air, significant differences between day and night temperatures, and the slow growth of the tea plants give the teas from this region exceptional smoothness, a rich aroma, and natural sweetness.

Although the name might suggest otherwise, organic Nepal Himalayan Gunpowder is not a classic gunpowder tea as we know it from China, but rather an original Nepalese interpretation of it. The term 'gunpowder' actually derives from the characteristic shape of the tea leaves, which, after harvest, are tightly rolled into tiny pellets resembling gunpowder. This processing method has been used in China for hundreds of years. Rolling protects the leaves from premature oxidation, helps preserve their freshness and aroma, and extends their shelf life. Only when hot water is poured over them do the individual beads slowly unfurl, releasing all their layers of flavor.

The Nepalese version differs significantly from the Chinese one. While traditional Chinese gunpowder teas tend to be more robust, smokier, and can have a slightly astringent character, this tea emphasizes the elegance typical of Himalayan plantations. Its flavor features sweet notes of young peas, gently roasted pine nuts, and a long umami finish that highlights the high quality of the leaves used.

The tea comes from the Tinjure Cooperative, Nepal’s first organic tea cooperative. Its story began in the early 1990s, when farmers from three local mountain villages decided to join forces. The name Tinjure translates to "three hills" and refers to the place where the cooperative was founded. Today, it brings together approximately 240 growers who farm organically and produce tea using traditional artisanal methods. To produce this gunpowder tea, they select only the budding as well as the two youngest leaves, which are then processed by hand and carefully rolled into the signature uniform pellets. The result is an exceptional green tea that combines traditional gunpowder processing techniques with the unique terroir of the Nepalese Himalayas.

Tea packaging preview

We pack our teas in a strong, zip-lock aluminum packet which allows you to easily re-seal its contents. This container protects the quality of the tea against humidity, light or foreign odors, all of which could noticeably affect the quality of the brew.