Use filtered water. Heat it to 170-180°F (77-82°C). This temperature range prevents bitterness.
Measure your tea leaves. A good starting point is 1 teaspoon per 8 ounces of water. Adjust to your preference.
Warm your teapot. This helps maintain water temperature and enhances the brewing process. Rinse it with hot water before adding the leaves.
Using the Right Teaware
Consider a gaiwan or a kyusu, traditional teapots designed for optimal green tea brewing. Their unique designs allow for precise control of steeping time and temperature.
Add the leaves to the warmed teapot. Avoid overcrowding; give the leaves room to unfurl.
Pour the heated water over the leaves, ensuring all leaves are saturated. Let it steep for 2-3 minutes. Steeping times vary based on leaf type and desired strength.
Pour the tea into your cup, avoiding the last few drops to prevent bitterness. Enjoy immediately! Green tea is best consumed fresh.
Multiple Infusions
Green tea leaves can offer several infusions. After the first steep, add more hot water (slightly cooler than the initial pour) and steep again for a shorter duration, around 1-2 minutes. Repeat for a third, or even fourth infusion, adjusting steeping times accordingly, until the flavor becomes weak.
Experiment! Different teas and water temperatures yield varied flavors. Discover your ideal brew by trying different amounts of leaf, water temperatures, and steeping times.
