A guide to brewing a delicious and beneficial cup of green tea, ensuring optimal flavor and extraction of its healthful compounds.
High-quality loose leaf green tea
Fresh, filtered water
Choose Quality Leaves: Start with high-quality dried leaves for the finest drink. The quality of your ingredients significantly impacts the final cup.
Heat the Water: Heat fresh, filtered water to the correct temperature. For most varieties, this is between 175°F and 185°F (79°C-85°C). Water that is too hot can result in a bitter taste.
Preheat Your Teaware: Warm your teapot or cup with a splash of hot water. This helps maintain the desired temperature during the infusion process.
Measure the Leaves: Use approximately one teaspoon of dried leaves per 8 ounces (240 ml) of water. Adjust this amount based on your personal preference for strength.
Infuse the Tea: Pour the heated water over the tea leaves. Steep for 1-3 minutes, depending on the type of green tea and your desired strength. Shorter steeping times generally result in a lighter, less bitter brew.
Strain and Serve: Remove the tea leaves or strain the tea into your cup. Enjoy your perfectly steeped green tea immediately.