How to Brew Green Tea
Without the Bitterness
Do you think you hate green tea? Until I learned how to brew it properly, I did too.
Learning how to brew green types of tea is just like others, except I personally think it is the tea that is the most fickle! Too hot of water, it's bitter. Too long a brew time, it's bitter. Not enough expansion room for the leaves in your teapot , you end up with tea without a full flavor. I could go on, but the purported health benefits of the green varieties of tea are worth experimenting with and learning how to make a great pot of for your tea party so your guests are pleased, rather than disappointed. Green, like white tea is not fermented/oxidized. The leaves are picked, air dried for a few hours, and then steamed or pan fried. They are then rolled into balls or twists and then sorted for packaging. Because it is rolled or twisted, it needs a lot of room for expansion. Don't drink loose leaf tea? Take a tea bag of each, green and regular orange pekoe black tea and steep. You will be able to easily see the difference in the size of the bags.
Brewing Green Tea
Follow the basic tea brewing instructions on the
How to Brew Tea
page, and experiment with some trials until you find your perfect brew.
Some tips I have found helpful: ~Water temperature is the most important. Catch your water at a pre-boil, when the air bubbles start to rise, or if it is already boiling, let it cool for 30 seconds to 1 minute before pouring over the tea leaves. ~Room for expansion of the rolled leaves is also important. Measuring rolled leaves for your tea can be tricky as some companies have different methods of rolling that gives a tighter or looser ball. The only thing to do is experiment with recommended amounts and make sure your teapot and/or filter is large enough for plenty of room for expansion. ~It also has the shortest brewing /steeping time - 1-3 minutes in most cases. Longer brewing will leave a bitter taste. ~Better quality teas can be used for multiple infusions without affecting the taste. Shorter steeping times are used on subsequent infusions because the first brew 'opens up' the leaves. Once you get used to brewing green tea, it can become one of your favorites, so experiment, savor and enjoy it with your guests or by yourself for a relaxing, rejuvenating cup of tea.
Additional Information:
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