How To Make Green Tea
Understanding the history and knowing the health benefits are just
two steps toward the full green tea experience, but sooner or later
one just has to make a cup and savour its taste to fully understand why
tea takes pride of place as the world's second most consumed drink. In order
to fully appreciate green tea at its best there is an art to brewing. Get it wrong
and you could be left with a bitter infusion that will leave you wondering what all the
fuss is about. But, get it right and you will have your taste buds and senses
overwhelmed by a subtle, aromatic and most refreshing beverage that will start you on
your journey to full tea enlightenment. These guidelines are for loose leaf green tea
and also work just as well for teabags if you prefer them for convenience Bring water
to the boil, preferably filtered but normal cold fresh water will do. Allow the
water to cool to a temperature of between 165 and 185 degrees. It's essential to reduce
the temperature otherwise it will cook the leaves and impair the flavour by making it
bitter. Normally 30 to 60 seconds standing time will be sufficient to bring the
temperature to the correct level Pour the water over the leaves or bag and leave
to steep for 1 - 2 minutes.
Further TipsWith loose leaf teas you
can even make good second and third infusions, just pour more water over the leaves and allow
to infuse as before. For the caffeine conscious the caffeine in green tea is reduced a little
on each subsequent infusion, so if you are watching your intake you might find you prefer to
drink only the second infusion. If brewing in a teapot be sure to use a non-metallic
one as brewing in these can often affect the flavour.
For a further indepth look at
the individual brewing methods of Matcha, Sencha, Gyokuru and Hojicha, please visit our articles
section where you will find a complete guide.
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