Making the Perfect Cup of Green Tea
The vast health benefits of green tea make it the best drink after water. From metabolic disorders to cancer, the properties of green tea can fight all of them. The rich content of antioxidants in this beverage boosts immunity and clears out various toxins.
Originating in China, this tea boasts innumerable advantages, and everyone is well aware of them. The problem lies in the taste of it. Most of us do not know how to brew it properly, and the results are somewhat inedible. Besides tasting bitter, improper preparation also reduces the effectiveness of the tea.
This article will discuss the different ways of making the perfect cup of green tea.
Brewing Loose Green Tea Leaves
There is a common misconception that green tea is herbal tea, hence, it is sometimes prepared similarly, and the results are quite disappointing. Some people also make the mistake of preparing green tea like black tea.
The flavor profile and the boiling points of green tea differ from the ones of black and herbal tea. You need to keep in mind that green tea will taste bitter if the leaves are steeped in water over 194°F.
194°F is too high and can denature the nutrients of the tea. For the perfect brew, the temperature of the water should not be that high. The steps to brewing loose green tea leaves properly are below.
The Tea Essentials
- Green tea leaves: 1 teaspoon (Rule of thumb: 1 teaspoon of tea leaves for 1 cup)
- A tea strainer: Washed and dried
- A cup
- A glass teapot or a stainless steel pot or any other tiny but deep pan
- Water: 1 cup (General rule: 1 cup of water for each cup of tea)
- Honey: 1 teaspoon (Optional)
Method
A teaspoon of green tea leaves is required for each cup of tea. Assume you need 3 teaspoons of green tea and 3 cups of water to make 3 cups of green tea. This is a one-cup tea recipe.
Step 1
Take 1 teaspoon of tea leaves into the tea sieve/strainer and set it aside.
Step 2
Fill the stainless steel pot with 1 cup of water, and heat it on the stove. As an alternative, you can also use a glass teapot and fill it with hot water. The water should be around 176°F and not boiling. If the water starts boiling anyway, simply turn off the heat and let it cool for a while (around 40 seconds).
Step 3
Place the strainer filled with leaves on a mug or cup.
Step 4
Pour hot water onto the sieve with leaves. Steep the tea for 3 minutes. You can use a tea timer to keep track. Not everyone likes strong tea, so it is wise to taste the tea every 40 seconds.
Maybe the right flavor for you is achieved within 1 minute of steeping instead of 3 minutes. This step is crucial, so keep a spoon nearby when steeping.
Step 5
Take the strainer out and set it aside. You can add a teaspoon of honey to sweeten the tea, but this is optional. Stir the tea, and let it cool. Enjoy your refreshing cup of green tea.
Making Green Tea with Tea Bags
Most people opt for tea bags as they are super convenient and easy to use. They can be carried anywhere and only need hot water to make a cup of tea instantly. It is best to avoid white and bleached tea bags.
The last thing you need in your healthy drink is it being contaminated by the harmful bleach. Opt for tea bags that do not have bleach and are made from unbleached material. Unbleached tea bags have a brownish tint.
For one cup of green tea, you need a cup of water and a teabag. The following recipe is for 1 cup of tea.
The Essentials
1 good-quality green tea bag like Twining’s
1 cup of hot water
1 ceramic or clay cup
A cover or lid (a saucer or small plate can be used as a lid)
1 teaspoon of honey (optional)
Method
Step 1
Heat the water in a pot or an electric kettle. Ensure that the water is not boiling. If it reaches the boiling point (100 °C or 212°F), then wait and let it cool a bit. The ideal temperature is around 185°F for brewing green tea.
Step 2
Place the teabag in the cup or mug.
Step 3
Pour the hot water into the cup with the teabag. Steep for 3 minutes.
Step 4
Remove the lid and the tea bag after steeping for three minutes.
Step 5
Stir in 1 teaspoon of honey if you want to sweeten the tea. Honey is optional and can be added according to your preferences. If you do not add any sweeteners, simply stir the drink and enjoy sipping your invigorating tea.
Brewing Green Tea Powder
Using green tea powder is another quick way of preparing green tea. These ground green tea powders are readily available in most groceries or any nearby market. Here’s the best way of brewing powdered green tea.
Tea Essentials
Green tea powder: 1 and ½ teaspoon
Water: 1 cup
Honey (Optional): 1 teaspoon
Method
For every cup of tea, you need 1 cup of water with one and a half teaspoons of tea powder.
Step 1
Heat 1 cup of water and try to avoid it from reaching the boiling point. Just keep in mind that green tea tastes bitter when it is overboiled or overheated. Use a kitchen thermometer to check the temperature. The ideal temperature is around 176°F to 180°F.
Step 2
Switch off the heat once the water is 180°F. If the temperature is higher or the water has already reached its boiling point, turn off the heat and let it cool.
Step 3
Once the temperature of the water is ideal, add 1.5 teaspoons of green tea powder into it. Let it soak for 3 minutes. Taste the tea every minute to check if the flavor is right for you.
Step 4
The color of the tea changes from green to brown after three months. After achieving the preferred strength of flavor, pour the mixture through a sieve or strainer.
Step 5
To elevate the flavors or slightly sweeten the tea, add a teaspoon of honey to the tea, then pour the tea into a cup. Your tea is ready to be sipped and enjoyed.
Overview
Incorporating green tea into your diet is incredibly beneficial. Whether you are setting weight loss goals or simply maintain your overall health, green tea is the best tonic.
Preparing a great cup of green tea is quite simple. The key is the temperature of the water and the tea to water ratio. We hope you can now make the perfect cup of green tea and relish the numerous health benefits.