when you need a little pick-me-up after the daily grind, the refreshing green tea will most likely save the day. its subtle and soothing qualities provide a welcome change from the hustle and bustle by offering a moment of calm and clarity that can make all the difference to your energy levels. something that coffee may not be able to offer, considering the coffee crashes.
the easiest way to add that little extra refreshment to your daily routine is by learning how to make green tea. it’s very simple to learn and we’ll share a down-to-earth and no-fuss way to brew a cuppa.
what is green tea?
green tea is an outstanding brew that comes from the same camellia sinensis plant that produces black, white and oolong tea, but what sets it apart is the minimal oxidation it goes through during processing.
due to minimal processing, the leaves and buds remain fresh and green, resulting in a distinctive earthy flavour. you'll notice hints of grassy or vegetal notes, occasionally with some nuttiness or subtle sweetness. the overall taste makes green tea a pleasant experience for tea enthusiasts around the world.
but even before its worldwide popularity, green tea held a special place in diverse cultures – for example, matcha tea has been gracing japanese tea ceremonies for centuries. that obviously doesn’t mean that brewing green tea needs elaborate arrangements.
on the contrary, brewing this tea is very simple – just steep those leaves in hot water to get an aromatic cup in no time. we’ll share all the information you need to learn how to make green tea.
step-by-step guide to make green tea
now that we've got a lowdown on the charm of green tea and its remarkable journey from the camellia sinensis plant, let's dive straight into exploring how to make green tea. as we said earlier, it’s really easy and it doesn’t take long to master the art – you’ll be enjoying a perfect cup in no time.
so, grab your favourite green tea bags/leaves, a kettle and a cup because we're about to get started with learning how to make green tea. let's get brewing!
Total Servings:-
2
Preparation Time:-
5 Minutes
Cooking Times:-
10 minutes
Nutritional Value:-
12 calories, 0g fat, 4g carbs, 0g protein
Recipe Category:-
drink
Cuisine:-
chinese
equipment
- kettle
- teacups
as you’ll see, there aren’t too many green tea ingredients – just 2 or 3!
ingredients
- 2 ½ cups of filtered water
- 2 tea pigs green tea bags or 2 tsp tea leaves
- a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint for added zest (optional)
let’s learn how to make green tea using our simple green tea recipe.
instructions
heating water: take two cups of filtered water and pour it into a kettle or a pot. we recommend the use of filtered water as hard water may affect the taste of green tea. heat the water until it's just about to come to a boil because green tea infusion tastes better when it’s steeped in water that's hot but not boiling. therefore, when you start seeing tiny bubbles forming at the bottom of the pot and notice the steam rising, just take it off the heat. this is when the water temperature is usually around 80 to 85°c and best suited for green tea.
warming the teapot/teacups: you can get your teapot or teacups ready while the water is heating up. nothing elaborate is required, just warm them up by swishing some hot water in them; then pour out the water. this step ensures that your tea stays warm for longer.
adding tea bags/leaves: place the green tea bags/leaves into the warmed teapot or directly into the teacups, if you're making a single cup.
pouring the water: now, pour the hot water over the tea bags or leaves. make sure the tea is immersed in water. cover the teapot with a lid and let it steep (a crucial step in mastering how to make green tea).
steeping time: remember to steep it for just about 2-3 minutes – at least for the first time (but you can always experiment with it by varying the time). as you would’ve guessed, longer steeping times can make the tea stronger; but be cautious as over-extraction may turn it bitter.
serving: after you have steeped it properly, remove the tea bags. you can use a strainer or sieve to filter out the loose tea leaves.
optional: you can add a slice of lemon or some mint for another layer of flavour and aroma; transforming it into green mint tea.
enjoying: grab your teacup, take a sip and enjoy the amazing earthy flavour of your freshly brewed green tea. that’s all there’s in learning how to make green tea properly.
variations of green tea
one simple google search and you’ll be presented with an overwhelming number of green tea varieties, each offering a unique taste and experience. however, green tea recipes don’t vary much among most tea varieties, so if you’ve mastered how to make green tea of any one type, others won’t be too challenging either. let's dive into a select few:
matcha: unlike other green teas, matcha is in powdered form that’s made by grinding whole leaves. this tea has a sweet and slightly astringent taste with the highest caffeine content. you can enjoy this frothy drink at home by making it in traditional gaiwan style or directly in a cup.
gunpowder: tight pellets like gunpowder are made by rolling the tea leaves – helpful in preserving their aroma and freshness while reducing their volume. learning how to make green tea from the above recipe will enable you to easily enjoy the smokiness of this chinese tea.
mao feng: mao feng green tea is one of the most famous varieties that’s known for its delicate, fruity flavour similar to peaches and apricots. it’s brewed like other green teas, resulting in a pale green infusion.
serving tips and etiquette
knowing how to make green tea taste better doesn’t stop at brewing it well. it also involves understanding the etiquette and art of serving tea. here are some tips to make the outcome of your green tea recipe even more enjoyable:
use the right teapot/cups: consider brewing and serving in the traditional style using teapots or cups that match the tradition, for a more authentic tea experience. as you become more acquainted with these customs, you'll discover how to make green tea taste better.
appropriate serving: you can ensure that everyone gets a similar flavour in their tea by distributing a small amount of tea into each cup multiple times. if that sounds confusing, consider this – start by pouring a small quantity of tea from the first cup to the last, and then reverse the sequence. keep doing this till no more tea is left or the cups are appropriately filled.
conclusion
in conclusion, green tea has a range of qualities that have made it such a desirable drink worldwide. if we choose to include such an extraordinary drink in our daily routine, its qualities can positively impact our lives. thankfully, including it in our daily routine is remarkably easy, as we can easily prepare this tea at home.
however, to fully appreciate this drink, you must learn how to make green tea taste better by mastering the other aspects of the experience – the art of serving or knowing about tea varieties and green tea ingredients, among other aspects.
with that in mind let's get started with simple green tea recipes and keep exploring.
faqs on green tea recipe
q. how much green tea should i drink per day?
a. it’s usually recommended that you limit green tea consumption to 2 cups per day – due to its caffeine content. if you increase the consumption, the excessive caffeine intake may not be suitable for you. so, it’s best to be mindful of that; listen to your body’s feedback and adjust your consumption.
q. can i add honey or lemon to my green tea?
a. you can always add honey or some lemon to your green tea as they enhance the flavour. subtle sweetness and citrus taste complement the taste of green tea. just remember not to overdo it, as too much can overpower the tea's delicate profile. you can start by learning how to make green tea using a simple recipe and then make your own additions.
q. how can i adjust the strength of my green tea to my taste?
a. yes you can adjust the strength of your green tea, and there are some easy ways to do that. if you’re currently steeping for a very short duration, then steep a little longer for a stronger brew. however, if you're already steeping for around 3 minutes, adding an extra tea bag is a better option.
q. can i reuse green tea leaves for multiple infusions?
a. absolutely, green tea bags and leaves are usually suitable for multiple infusions. after you’ve steeped it once, simply add hot water again to make more tea. each subsequent infusion may have a slightly different flavour profile – adds to the charm of the tea and lets you enjoy it in various ways.
