- A timer (optional, but helpful): For precision in the brewing process.
Now, let’s embark on the step-by-step brewing journey:
- Quality of Tea: Commence with the finest green tea. Whether you lean towards the elegance of loose leaves or the convenience of teabags, the essence lies in the tea’s quality.
- Water Temperature: Boil water and let it cool to 80-85°C (175-185°F). Green tea thrives in cooler waters; boiling water can introduce bitterness.
- Pre-Warm the Teapot or Cup: Pour hot water into your chosen vessel, swirl it around, and discard. This ensures the temperature is maintained during brewing.
- Measuring the Tea: Use one teaspoon of tea leaves for every cup (250 ml) of water. For teabags, one per cup is ideal.
- The Brewing Time: Pour hot water over the tea leaves or bag and let it steep for 1-3 minutes. Longer steeping yields a stronger flavor; for a lighter taste, steep for a shorter time.
- Strain or Remove the Teabag: After steeping, prevent over-brewing and bitterness by removing the tea leaves or teabag.
- Enjoy Your Tea: Your green tea is ready to be savored. Whether plain or with a slice of lemon or a bit of honey, relish the experience.
In this simple guide, the emphasis is on quality, precision, and personal enjoyment. Happy brewing!