Making green tea from loose leaves is simple and allows you to control the strength and flavor to your preference. Here’s how:
Steps to Brew Green Tea
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Heat the Water: Add 2 cups of filtered water to a saucepan or kettle. Heat the water to between 175°F (80°C) and 185°F (85°C). Important: Boiling water can scorch the leaves and make the tea bitter. If you don't have a thermometer, bring the water just to the point where small bubbles are forming at the bottom of the pan, before a rolling boil. Turn off the heat.
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Add Tea Leaves: Add approximately 2 teaspoons of green tea leaves per 2 cups of water to the hot water. Adjust the amount of tea leaves to suit your taste.
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Steep the Tea: Let the tea leaves steep for 2 to 3 minutes. Important: Over-steeping results in a bitter taste.
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Strain and Serve: Strain the tea leaves using a fine-mesh strainer or a tea infuser. Pour the tea into a cup and enjoy!
Optional Additions:
- Lemon or Honey: Add a slice of lemon or a small amount of honey to taste.
- Ginger: A small piece of fresh ginger can add a zesty flavor.
Tips for a Better Brew:
- Use filtered water: Filtered water helps avoid undesirable flavors in the tea.
- Don't over-steep: Over-steeping is the most common mistake. Start with a shorter steep time (2 minutes) and adjust to your preference.
- Use good quality tea: Fresh, high-quality green tea leaves will provide the best flavor.
- Store your tea properly: Keep green tea leaves in an airtight container, away from light, heat, and moisture.
