Dammann Frères Enveloped Tea Bags - Thé Vert Gunpowder

Tasting Notes of the Curator

Dammann Frères Thé Vert Gunpowder is a green tea with considerably more strength and structure than its delicate appearance might suggest. Its name comes from the small, tightly rolled leaves, traditionally compared to grains of gunpowder. Once steeped, these compact pearls gradually unfurl, releasing a deep golden-green liquor with a vivid, unmistakably vegetal aroma.

The first sip is brisk and full-flavoured, opening with notes reminiscent of cooked greens, freshly cut grass, and dried herbs. A subtle smoky quality follows, lending the tea warmth and depth without turning heavily roasted. This faint smokiness is one of Gunpowder tea’s defining pleasures, setting it apart from softer floral or fruit-forward green teas.

Its texture is clean and structured, with a light but noticeable astringency that refreshes the palate. Beneath its more assertive green character lies a restrained natural sweetness, which becomes especially apparent as the cup cools. The finish is dry, lively, and persistent, leaving behind gentle vegetal and mineral impressions.

This is an excellent tea for drinkers who prefer their green tea bold rather than whisper-soft. It can be enjoyed simply on its own or used as the traditional base for mint tea. Each Cristal® sachet is individually enveloped to help preserve the leaves’ character and make a consistently satisfying cup easy to prepare anywhere.

Brewing and Pairing Suggestions

Steep one sachet in water heated to approximately 80°C for 3–4 minutes. Avoid freshly boiling water, which may make the tea excessively bitter and obscure its natural sweetness. Remove the sachet once the desired strength is reached.

Gunpowder green tea pairs particularly well with savoury dishes and foods carrying fresh herbs or gentle spice:

North African dishes: Serve with couscous, tagines, grilled meats, or vegetable stews.

Asian cuisine: Pair with dumplings, fried rice, noodles, spring rolls, or lightly seasoned stir-fries.

Seafood: Its briskness complements grilled fish, prawns, shellfish, and sushi.

Fresh cheeses: Try with goat cheese, feta, or mild creamy cheeses.

Herbaceous dishes: Pair with salads, tabbouleh, grilled vegetables, or foods seasoned with mint and parsley.

After a rich meal: Its clean, lightly astringent finish refreshes the palate after oily or heavily seasoned dishes.

For Moroccan-style mint tea, brew the sachet with fresh mint leaves and sweeten generously. It may also be chilled and served over ice with lemon or mint for a crisp, refreshing drink.

The Tea Leaves Rolled Like Pearls

Gunpowder tea takes its name from the appearance of its leaves rather than any explosive ingredient—tea remains dramatic enough without actual ammunition. During production, the leaves are rolled into small, compact pellets that help protect their flavour and aroma during storage and transport.

When hot water is added, the leaves slowly open and expand. This unfurling is part of the tea’s appeal, transforming each tightly wound pellet into a broader leaf while releasing its full vegetal and gently smoky character.

Gunpowder green tea originated in China and became an important tea beyond its place of production. It is particularly associated with North African mint tea, where its bold structure provides the ideal foundation for generous handfuls of fresh mint and sugar. The green tea brings strength and gentle bitterness; mint adds cooling fragrance; sugar rounds the two into a drink synonymous with welcome and hospitality.

In this individually enveloped format, Dammann Frères gives the traditional tea a practical modern form. Its character remains direct and robust, ready to be enjoyed plain or transformed with mint into something altogether more festive.

Storage Instructions

Keep each tea bag sealed inside its individual envelope until ready to brew. Store the box in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, humidity, and strongly scented foods or spices. Handle the sachets only with clean, dry hands.