Green tea is a type of tea made solely with the leaves of Camellia sinensis, that has undergone minimal oxidation during processing. Green tea originates from China and has become associated with many cultures in Asia from Japan to the Middle East. Recently, it has become more widespread in the West, where black tea is traditionally consumed. Many varieties of green tea have been created in countries where it is grown. These varieties can differ substantially due to variable growing conditions, processing and harvesting time.
Over the last few decades green tea has been subjected to many scientific and medical studies to determine the extent of its long-purported health benefits, with some evidence suggesting regular green tea drinkers may have lower chances of heart disease and developing certain types of cancer. Green tea has also been claimed useful for weight loss management.
Brewing
Generally, 2.25 grams of tea per 5 ounces of water, or about one teaspoon of green tea per cup, should be used. With very high quality teas like gyokuro, more than this amount of leaf is used, and the leaf is steeped multiple times for short durations.
Green tea brewing time and temperature varies with individual teas. The hottest brewing temperatures are 180°F to 190°F (81°C to 87°C) water and the longest steeping times 2 to 3 minutes. The coolest brewing temperatures are 140°F to 150°F (61°C to 65°C) and the shortest times about 30 seconds. In general, lower quality green teas are steeped hotter and longer, while higher quality teas are steeped cooler and shorter. Steeping green tea too hot or too long will result in a bitter, astringent brew for low quality leaves. High quality green teas can be and usually are steeped multiple times; 2 or 3 steepings is typical. The brewing technique also plays a very important role to avoid the tea develop an overcooked taste. Preferably, the container in which the tea is steeped or teapot should also be warmed beforehand so that the tea does not immediately cool down.
Recent Comments
"Licorice and peppermint sounds delicious. I love the packaging of this tea too. It looks really fresh and funky! Best wishes, Alex"
Fruit Infusion said, in reply to Peppermint and Licorice from Pukka on May 7, 2013 at 8:44 am
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Peppermint and Licorice from Pukka
"Looks way good, I already want to have it now. Thanks for the post"
Sarah said, in reply to Peppermint and Licorice from Pukka on May 6, 2013 at 8:27 am
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Peppermint and Licorice from Pukka
"I am a tea drinker and this cocoa shell tea has been a bit of a revelation for me. I was looking for an alternative, change of pace source of caffeine for my weekends and this fits the bill. One tablespoon brewed for 10 minutes provides a subtle chocolate taste with about the same level of caffeine as green tea, which is perfect for me. I am trying to..."
David S Pollock said, in reply to Cacao Tea from Tisano on April 29, 2013 at 12:41 pm
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Cacao Tea from Tisano
"Peppermint and Licorice from Pukka: A light refreshing tea with strong punch flavours! http://t.co/7R3PADFvz6"
TeaForDummies (@TeaForDummies) said, in reply to Peppermint and Licorice from Pukka on April 25, 2013 at 3:45 am
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Peppermint and Licorice from Pukka
"Tea Review Blog http://t.co/pHnJVW6Dhl via @teareviewblog"
BunRab (@BunRab) said, in reply to Chestnut Tea from Adagio Teas on April 25, 2013 at 12:23 am
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Chestnut Tea from Adagio Teas
"Chestnut Tea from Adagio Teas: A very rich and hearty nut taste, almost like a nutty dessert. Try it with a sl… http://t.co/jTjcwWbov9"
TeaForDummies (@TeaForDummies) said, in reply to Chestnut Tea from Adagio Teas on April 24, 2013 at 6:02 am
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Chestnut Tea from Adagio Teas
"A very rich and hearty nut taste, almost like a nutty dessert. Try it with a slice of pecan pie! Be Sociable,… http://t.co/jOf1V4bO4q"
Tea Review Blog (@teareviewblog) said, in reply to Chestnut Tea from Adagio Teas on April 24, 2013 at 5:12 am
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Chestnut Tea from Adagio Teas