A weak infusion lacks flavor, while an overly strong one can become bitter. Cold tea increases the concentration of toxic guanine, turning a beneficial beverage into a harmful one. Let's delve into the proper technique for brewing green tea and the key practices to avoid during tea preparation.
How to Brew Chinese Green Tea – Tips for Tea Aficionados
High-quality Chinese tea uses superior raw materials and rarely includes flavorings, except for varieties with natural jasmine flowers. This tea is never packaged in bags because it is too valuable to hide. It offers more benefits than mass-market blends, so simply pouring boiling water over it won't do. A more refined approach is necessary for a delicious cup of tea.
Here are some tips to help you master the art of brewing green leaf tea from China. These tips can be applied to any high-quality tea variety.
To achieve the best flavor, aroma, and benefits:
- Use water free of harsh impurities that can spoil the tea's taste. Ideally, use soft drinking water, spring water, filtered, or bottled water, but avoid mineral water. Tap water can be used if no other option is available, but let it stand for a while first.
- Ensure the water is at its first boil. Turn off the kettle as soon as you see small bubbles forming on the surface, and do not let the water boil for too long.
- Let the water cool slightly. One of the main principles of "how to brew green tea correctly" is not to use boiling water. Let the kettle stand for 5-10 minutes until the water reaches a temperature of 75-80 degrees Celsius.
- Preheat your teaware. Any teapot will do: glass, porcelain, ceramic, or clay. Calculate the appropriate volume based on the number of people. For example, if you have three participants and each has a 100 ml bowl, the teapot should hold 300 ml of tea.
- Brew in short infusions. Unlike the European method of steeping tea for several minutes, the Chinese use short, repeated infusions. If you are new to Chinese green tea, you'll learn the technique over time, but using a teapot can simplify the process. Add the tea leaves to the inner chamber, pour in the water, close the lid, and steep for the necessary time. Then press the drain button to pour the infusion into the outer chamber, from which it is easy to pour into cups. The filter holds the leaves for the next infusion. One portion can be brewed 5-7 times, depending on the amount of tea and the variety.
- Drain the infusion completely. After each pour, ensure no water is left in the teapot. Otherwise, the tea will over-steep and become bitter.
By following these guidelines, you can brew any variety almost at the level of a Chinese tea master, ensuring a delicious and beneficial result.
How to Brew Green Tea – Step-by-Step Instructions
Keep the previous tips in mind as you move on to brewing:
1. Boil water until small bubbles appear. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes. It is best to pour it into a thermos to maintain the desired temperature throughout the tea session.
2. Scald the teapot, gaiwan, or teapot with boiling water. You can also warm the cups or bowls.
3. Add dry tea leaves to the teapot. The amount depends on the variety; product descriptions usually indicate the proportions. Typically, it is 4-8 grams per 100-250 ml. However, you can experiment. Over time, you will learn the perfect brewing method for your favorite green tea, including the right amount and steeping time for ideal flavor.
4. Pour water just enough to cover the leaves. Immediately drain, but not into cups – the first infusion is not drunk. It is used to rinse and slightly steam the leaves.
5. Pour water again, close the teapot lid, and steep for 15 seconds. After that, you can pour into cups and drink. Repeat this process several times. Adjust the strength to your taste. For a stronger infusion, steep longer; for a lighter tea, drain faster. With each infusion, slightly increase the steeping time, but ensure the infusion does not become bitter.
How to Drink Green Tea Properly
There is one strict rule – green tea, like any other tea, should only be consumed freshly brewed. Do not let it cool down, and discard it immediately if a film appears on the surface. Cold tea increases the concentration of guanine, risking a toxic effect instead of providing benefits.
For a caffeine boost, choose large-leaf varieties like Tai Ping Hou Kui or Longjing, which contain more caffeine. However, avoid drinking strong tea late at night. Dietitians recommend not consuming more than four cups a day.
Now that you know how to brew a delicious green tea and how to drink it properly, you can enjoy its full benefits. Here’s one more tip – don’t be afraid to experiment with infusions. After a few tea sessions, you will become a tea guru, able to appreciate every nuance, measure the perfect amount of tea leaves, and prepare an infusion that will impress your guests.