A far cry from the syrupy alcoholic beverage of the 50's. Our Créme de Menthe blend is a combination of the finest Chinese Gunpowder, Spearmint and Peppermint leaves. If you are in the mood for something a little different this would be a great healthy alternative.

• Use 1 heaping tsp. per 6 oz cup, heat water to 170-180° let steep for 1 minutes. Serve with rock cane sugar.

Gunpowder tea production dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Gunpowder tea leaves are withered, steamed, rolled and then dried. Although the individual leaves were formerly rolled by hand, today most gunpowder tea is rolled by machine, though the highest grades are still rolled by hand. Rolling renders the leaves less susceptible to damage and allows them to retain more aroma and flavor. When buying Gunpowder it is important to look for shiny pellets which indicate the freshness of the tea. Pellet size is also important. High quality Gunpowder tea will have small, tightly rolled pellets.