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Loose leaf Gunpowder organic green tea displayed on a white background, featuring tightly rolled green tea leaves that unfurl during steeping. A classic loose leaf green tea handcrafted in Oregon.
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Clear glass mug filled with brewed Gunpowder organic green tea, warm amber-gold in color, resting on a white surface beside a tea infuser. A classic loose leaf green tea ritual handcrafted by Yerba Buena Tea Co.
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Black tin of Gunpowder organic loose leaf green tea by Yerba Buena Tea Co. Handcrafted in Oregon.”

Organic Green Tea | Smoky & Bold | Medium Caffeine

Organic Gunpowder Green Tea (Pearls)

The smoky classic. Tightly rolled pearls with a toasted finish.

Ingredients: Organic Green Tea.

Regular price $18.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $18.00 USD
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Size: Tea Tin
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About Gunpowder Green

The Smoky Classic

This is one of the most famous teas in the world. Named for its appearance, not its taste, Gunpowder Green is made by rolling tea leaves into tight, tiny pearls that resemble 18th-century gunpowder. This rolling process preserves freshness and creates a bold, slightly smoky flavor profile that is much sturdier than a delicate Sencha.

Why It Works

We source the "Temple of Heaven" grade, which uses smaller, tighter pearls for a higher quality cup. Because the leaves are compressed, they unfurl dramatically in hot water, releasing a deep, coppery liquor with a distinct toasted character. It is robust enough to hold its own against fresh mint and sugar.

The Moroccan Ritual

Make it Maghrebi. Gunpowder is the traditional base for Moroccan Mint Tea. Brew the pearls with a large handful of fresh spearmint and a generous amount of sugar. The smoky sharpness of the tea cuts through the sweetness perfectly.

Organic Ingredients
  • Organic Green Tea
Tasting Notes

Aroma: Smokey and earthy. It smells like roasted vegetables and oak.

Flavor: Bold and assertive. It has a thick, slightly metallic mouthfeel with notes of toasted grain and hickory smoke.

Finish: Crisp and dry, with a lingering sweetness.

Why You'll Love It

Why Rolled?: Rolling the leaves protects them from physical damage and oxidation. This allows Gunpowder tea to stay fresh longer than open-leaf teas, making it a favorite of travelers and traders for centuries.

High Caffeine: Because the pearls are so dense, you fit more leaf into your teaspoon. This results in a cup with a higher caffeine kick than most other green teas.

Black tin of Gunpowder organic loose leaf green tea by Yerba Buena Tea Co. Handcrafted in Oregon.”

Gunpowder Green

Regular price $18.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $18.00 USD

Steep bold. Sip smoke.

Clear glass mug filled with brewed Gunpowder organic green tea, warm amber-gold in color, resting on a white surface beside a tea infuser. A classic loose leaf green tea ritual handcrafted by Yerba Buena Tea Co.

Heritage Brew Guide

8oz
Water
212°F
Temp
1.5tsp
Leaf
5min
Time

Craft Your Cup

  • The Mint Mixer: This is the *only* green tea strong enough to pair with fresh mint. Use it as the base for any mint-forward iced or hot tea.
  • Cold Brew Pearls: Steep in cold water for 12 hours. The slow extraction minimizes the smokiness and highlights a surprising honey-like sweetness.

Loose leaf Gunpowder organic green tea displayed on a white background, featuring tightly rolled green tea leaves that unfurl during steeping. A classic loose leaf green tea handcrafted in Oregon.

Your Questions About Gunpowder Green, Answered.

Why is it called Gunpowder?

It comes from the shape. The leaves are rolled into tight, grey-green pellets that look like old-fashioned gunpowder shot. When you add hot water, they "explode" (unfurl) into large leaves.

Is it smoky?

Yes. It has a distinct toasted, slightly smoky flavor profile due to the pan-firing process. It is much bolder and earthier than a steamed Japanese green tea.

How do I brew it?

Because the pearls need time to open, you can use slightly hotter water (180°F) than other green teas. Steep for 2-3 minutes. If you want it stronger (for Moroccan Mint), steep for 4-5 minutes.

FAQs Simply Answered

Are your teas organic?

The Short Answer: Yes. Every single leaf, root, and flower we source is Certified USDA Organic.

The Details: We believe that flavor starts in the soil. We strictly partner with growers who practice sustainable, organic farming, organic approved pesticides, no GMOs, and no "natural flavorings" sprayed on the leaves. While our Salem facility is a dedicated small-batch kitchen (and not yet a certified processing plant), our commitment to 100% organic ingredients is absolute. You are drinking pure nature, nothing else.

What are the "Refill Bags"?

We designed our system to be sustainable.

Our Signature Tin, protects the tea and contains all the detailed brewing and ingredient information.

The Refill:
When you run low, you buy a Refill Bag.

Please Note: These biodegradable bags are designed as "Transport Vessels" only. They are not intended for individual sale. Upon arrival, please use the refill bag with into your YBTCO Tin. This ensures your tea stays fresh and you have the correct brewing instructions at hand.

Where is this made?

Handcrafted in Oregon.

Every batch of Yerba Buena tea is blended, tested, and packed in our dedicated tea kitchen in Salem, Oregon. We do not use co-packers or giant industrial machines. We blend in small lots to ensure that the oils are still volatile and the spices are still punchy when they reach your cup. It is a difference you can taste.

Is it safe for allergies (Gluten/Nuts)?

We keep it clean. All YBTCO teas are naturally Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, and Vegan. Our facility does not process wheat, soy, peanuts, or dairy.

The Coconut Note: The only allergen present in our facility is Coconut (Tree Nut), which is used in specific blends like Maven Blend and Turmeric Spice. We adhere to strict cleaning protocols to prevent cross-contamination, but if you have a severe tree nut allergy, please shop with caution.

When will my order ship?

We know you are ready to brew. Because we hand-pack orders, they typically leave our Oregon kitchen within 2-3 business days.

  • Free Shipping: We cover the shipping on all US orders over $70.
  • The Carriers: We ship via USPS and UPS. You’ll get a tracking number the second your label is printed so you can follow the tea to your doorstep.

Refer to our Shipping Policy for complete information.