Tips for Preparing Green Tea

The following tips for preparing green tea will allow you to enjoy the benefits of this aromatic beverage.

Preparing Green Tea

Preparation of green tea can be performed in a variety of ways, and the resulting taste and aroma of the brew will be dependent on the quality of the water from which it is made. Mineral content and the hardness of the water can certainly make an unpleasant brew out of even the best quality of tea. Some avid green tea drinkers prefer to use water that has been filtered.

Traditional preparation methods vary slightly between the cultures and the type of green tea used, however the preparation of tea in western cultures is basically as follows.

Boil water in a steel or enamel kettle for best results. Copper is acceptable however must be kept absolutely clean to avoid oxidization of the copper, and avoid aluminum as this metal is known for releasing cancer causing substances into the water.

The Asian nations host many tea ceremonies and high importance is placed on the pots, cups and saucers.

Pots may be made from porcelain or stoneware, the latter being more preferable to connoisseurs as the pores absorb some of the aroma therefore making the taste go further. Glass pots are sometimes used as they allow the drinker to see the tea leaves dancing in the water, especially when using tea such as Gunpowder which provides a spectacle as the leaves explode in the water. Pots for the brewing of green tea should only be about 500ml (16 ounces) capacity.

Green tea is traditionally served in small cups of 150ml (5 ounces) capacity. Remember that the larger the cup, the more exposure the tea gets to the air resulting in more loss of taste and of the active substances. Sip the tea to enjoy the aromas and taste.



If preparing green tea without using a pot, it can be made directly in the cup although the calming effect of the preparation is lost. After boiling water in the kettle, allow to cool for a few minutes before adding it to 1 teaspoon of green tea leaves. Begin drinking within 2 or 3 minutes leaving the leaves in the cup. This can be used to make another brew later. Never allow the tea to steep for longer periods as it will become bitter.

Different Effects Result from Varying Preparation Methods

For a calming effect, after preheating the pot and cups, let the boiled water cool as before then pour the water over tea leaves (using 1 teaspoon per cup). Allow the brew to steep for one minute before pouring it out. Add more of the pre-boiled water and steep this second brew for 3 minutes before drinking. With this method, the caffeine has been discarded with the initial brew, and stomach-friendly tannic acid remains.

To emphasize the stimulating effect, boil the water and then allow to cool until the water temperature is about 60 degrees C (140 degrees F), usually about 10 minutes or so. The tea is made a little stronger, using one heaped teaspoon of leaves per cup. Pour the water onto the tea and drink immediately after steeping for only sixty to ninety seconds.

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Tips for proper storage of green tea.

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