How do you drink green tea?

To best enjoy green tea and maximize its benefits, allow boiled water to cool slightly before pouring it over the tea leaves, then steep for between 2-3 minutes. This process helps retain antioxidant compounds.

Here's a breakdown of how to drink green tea:

Steps for Preparing Green Tea

1. Heat the Water: Don't use boiling water. Green tea is delicate and high temperatures can scorch the leaves, resulting in a bitter taste. Aim for water around 175°F (80°C). You can achieve this by letting boiling water cool for a few minutes.

2. Choose Your Tea: Green tea comes in various forms (loose leaf, tea bags, matcha). Each has a slightly different preparation method. Loose leaf generally offers the best flavor.

3. Measure the Tea: Use approximately 1 teaspoon of loose leaf tea (or one tea bag) per 8 ounces (240ml) of water. Adjust to your taste.

4. Steep the Tea: Pour the heated (but not boiling) water over the tea leaves or tea bag. Steep for 2-3 minutes. Longer steeping times can lead to a bitter taste.

5. Remove the Tea Leaves/Bag: Once steeping is complete, remove the tea leaves or tea bag to prevent over-extraction and bitterness.

6. Enjoy! Drink your green tea as is, or add a touch of honey or lemon if desired.

Factors Affecting the Taste and Benefits:

• Water Temperature: Too hot and you'll get a bitter brew; too cold and the flavor won't fully develop.

• Steeping Time: Over-steeping will also lead to a bitter taste, while under-steeping may result in a weak flavor.

• Tea Quality: Higher quality green tea leaves will generally produce a better-tasting and more beneficial brew.

• Additives: Some people prefer to add honey, lemon, or other ingredients to their green tea. While this is a matter of personal preference, be mindful that some additives may alter the health benefits of the tea.

Additional Considerations for Matcha:

Matcha, a powdered form of green tea, requires a different preparation method:

1. Sift the Matcha: Sift 1-2 teaspoons of matcha powder into a bowl.

2. Add Hot Water: Add about 2-3 ounces (60-90ml) of hot (but not boiling) water (around 175°F/80°C).

3. Whisk Vigorously: Use a bamboo whisk (chasen) to whisk the matcha and water together in a "W" or "M" shape until frothy.

4. Enjoy! Drink the matcha immediately.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a delicious and healthful cup of green tea.