Temple of Heaven Gunpowder

High quality green tea leaves, not too broad, are oxidized to almost black and then rolled into tiny balls before firing. I think they do it by hand. Really. As for the name, well, they resembled the Gunpowder used by the British when they could not get what they wanted out of the Chinese by being nice. A very classic, strong green tea that will bitter if you go watch Ellen for a spell and forget it is steeping. Good thing is you can pour that steeping out and start over with the same leaf as this will give you flavor at least 3 times over. Wake up the leaves in cold water for 30 seconds before steeping. 185° for 2 minutes.