Are you sure you’re making it the right way? If your green tea ends up tasting grassy or bitter, then hold up... you’re making it wrong and you might be missing out on the complete experience.
So today, we’ll explore three easy green tea recipes. A note of gratitude at first, to the Emperor of China, Shen Nong. He is said to have discovered the joys of green tea (around 2737 B.C) when a few leaves of a tea tree fell into his hot water, thus changing its color and taste and creating a surprisingly refreshing effect. Soon after, Chinese monks carried the secrets of this drink wherever they traveled, and green tea grew in popularity. It’s because of their actions thousands of years ago, that we can enjoy this beautiful beverage.
Ofcourse, green tea can be easily brewed at home with the right set of instructions. All you need, after all, is a cup of hot water. Green tea is usually made with three brewing methods. Before we discuss how to make green tea, you need to keep in mind the following two tips to make a perfect cup.
- You can’t use boiling water. Ever. Boiling hot water reduces all the properties of the tea and also makes it bitter. A temperature of 85 degrees C or 170 degrees F is not just optimal but also required to make good green tea. If the water starts to boil, wait for 30-45 seconds for it to cool down a bit before you pour it onto the green tea.
- Steep the green tea for only 2-3 minutes. Beyond this, the tea turns grassy and bitter in taste.
- The green tea ingredient list is as simple as it gets, with just two ingredients.
These are the three brewing methods for green tea:
1.Preparing Green Tea With Leaves
Ingredients :
- Green tea leaves – 1 teaspoon for 1 cup of green tea. You can use green tea pearls.
- A clean tea strainer
- A glass teapot/stainless steel pan
- A cup of water
Method :
- One teaspoon of green tea leaves will make one cup. So take the appropriate amount according to the number of cups to be made.
- Keep the tea leaves inside a sieve/strainer.
- Heat water in the pot at 80-85°C.
- Place the strainer/sieve over the cup.
- Pour hot water into the cup. Let the green tea steep for 2-3 minutes. Initially, to make sure that the tea is just the right flavor for you, have a spoonful every 30-45 seconds.
- Keep the sieve aside. At this stage, you can add a spoon of honey or some cinnamon to make your green tea sweet. But make sure you let the tea cool down a bit first before you add honey to it. Otherwise, the benefits of honey might be lost.
- Relax with your fresh cup of green tea.
Preparing Green Tea With Tea Bags
Ingredients :
- Stainless steel pot
- Cup of hot water
- A green tea bag of good quality
- A clay cup/stainless steel cup
- A lid to cover the cup
Method :
- One teaspoon of green tea leaves will make one cup. So take the appropriate amount according to the number of cups to be made.
- Keep the tea leaves inside a sieve/strainer.
- Heat water in the pot at 80-85°C.
- Place the strainer/sieve over the cup.
- Pour hot water into the cup. Let the green tea steep for 2-3 minutes. Initially, to make sure that the tea is just the right flavor for you, have a spoonful every 30-45 seconds.
- Keep the sieve aside. At this stage, you can add a spoon of honey or some cinnamon to make your green tea sweet. But make sure you let the tea cool down a bit first before you add honey to it. Otherwise, the benefits of honey might be lost.
- Relax with your fresh cup of green tea.
Preparing Green Tea With Powder
Ingredients:
- 1.5 teaspoons of green tea powder, i.e, Matcha Green Tea.
- A cup of water
- Stainless steel/glass teapot
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- A strainer
Method :
- Heat the water at 80-85 degrees Celsius. If it boils, it’s important to let it cool for 30-45 seconds.
- Add green tea powder to the hot water.
- Total steeping time is around 2-3 minutes, but have a sip after 1.5 minutes to check for the apt strength and flavor for you
- The color changes to brown after 3 minutes.
- Use the strainer to pour the tea into the cup.
- Add honey.
- Have a delicious cup of green tea.
And this was it. Three quick methods to make your simple green tea at home. A cup of water, the right heating temperature, your choice of green tea, and within 2-3 minutes, you have a nourishing drink in your hands.
Until Next Time,
Cheers!
Mayuri Ghosh
Editor-in-Chief | Vahdam India
Write to me at mayuri@vahdamteas.com
UNLOCK AN OFFER FOR YOU!
Subscribe to our newsletter & stay updated! What's more - A SPECIAL DISCOUNT ONLY FOR YOU!
UNLOCK AN OFFER FOR YOU!
Subscribe to our newsletter & stay updated! What's more - A SPECIAL DISCOUNT ONLY FOR YOU!
As a seasoned tea enthusiast with a deep understanding of the intricacies of tea preparation, it's evident that the article on green tea resonates with my expertise. The importance of temperature control, steeping time, and the quality of ingredients are paramount in crafting the perfect cup of green tea.
Let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article:
-
Introduction to Green Tea: The article provides historical context, attributing the discovery of green tea to Emperor Shen Nong in 2737 B.C. It highlights the accidental infusion of tea leaves into hot water, resulting in a refreshing beverage. This historical background adds cultural richness to the discussion, emphasizing the long-standing tradition and evolution of green tea.
-
Brewing Tips: The article stresses two crucial tips for making the perfect cup of green tea:
- Water Temperature: Boiling water is cautioned against, as it can compromise the tea's properties and lead to bitterness. The recommended temperature is 80-85°C (170°F) to preserve the delicate flavors of green tea.
- Steeping Time: Oversteeping, beyond 2-3 minutes, is discouraged, as it can result in a grassy and bitter taste. This emphasizes the need for precision in the brewing process.
-
Ingredients for Green Tea: The simplicity of green tea is highlighted, with only two main ingredients:
- Green Tea Leaves: The primary ingredient for all three brewing methods.
- Water: Emphasized as a key component, the quality and temperature of water play a crucial role in the final taste of the tea.
-
Three Brewing Methods:
a. Preparing Green Tea With Leaves:
- Ingredients: Green tea leaves, tea strainer, glass teapot/stainless steel pan, water.
- Method: Involves placing tea leaves in a strainer, pouring hot water (80-85°C) over them, and steeping for 2-3 minutes.
b. Preparing Green Tea With Tea Bags:
- Ingredients: Green tea bag, stainless steel pot, water, clay cup/stainless steel cup.
- Method: Similar to the leaves method but employs a tea bag instead.
c. Preparing Green Tea With Powder (Matcha):
- Ingredients: Matcha green tea powder, water, stainless steel/glass teapot, honey, strainer.
- Method: Mixing matcha powder with hot water, steeping for 2-3 minutes, and adding honey.
-
Closing Notes: The article concludes with a reminder of the simplicity of making green tea at home. It emphasizes the significance of water, heating temperature, choice of green tea, and the quick brewing time of 2-3 minutes. The personal touch is added by suggesting optional additions like honey or cinnamon.
In essence, the article provides a comprehensive guide to brewing green tea, catering to different preferences and highlighting the delicate balance required for a perfect cup. As an enthusiast, I endorse the presented information for a fulfilling green tea experience.
