Since I began enjoying green teas, I learned there’s an art to making it and the process is a bit different than brewing a regular batch. Once you start dabbling with good quality loose teas, you become very particular about how to make it.

First some tips:

• In general use 1 level teaspoon of tea per cup (8 oz).
• Lower quality varieties need hotter water and are steeped longer.
• Higher quality varieties are steeped in a lower temperature and for a shorter amount of time.
• If you steep in too hot of water or for too long, the result will be a bitter batch.
• While steeping, don’t stir or swirl the leaves since the movement can release more tannins (making it bitter).
• Use a strainer or infuser rather than a ball, the leaves will expand in the hot water so give them lots of room.

Directions:

• Using a kettle, bring water to a boil and let stand for about 5 minutes, you want the temperature to drop to 80°C.
• While the water is getting ready, measure 1 teaspoon of tea per cup of water (8 oz) in the strainer and place in your choice of vessel, you can brew a single cup in a mug or make a bigger batch in a pot.
• When the water is at the right temperature, pour water over the leaves and cover the vessel so it steeps.
• Allow to steep for 30 seconds then dump the water. This washes the tea without affecting the flavor.
• Cover leaves again with the hot water and steep for 2 to 3 minutes.
• Remove leaves immediately and set aside for another two steeps.
• Sip & enjoy your perfect brew!

To re-steep your leaves, add a minute for each steeping. For example:

• The second steeping will need 3 to 4 minutes.
• The third steeping will need 4 to 5 minutes.

Some teas can get more than three steepings, especially if they’re very fresh and of good quality. Experiment and see what happens!

Other Varieties

*These directions of for good quality, loose varieties

• Brew White for 2-3 minutes at 80°C, start with 1.5 teaspoons per cup.
• Brew Oolong for 3-4 minutes at 90°C and start with 1 teaspoon per cup.
• Brew Rooibos and herbal varieties for 6-8 minutes at 100°C and start with 1.5 teaspoons per cup.
• Brew Black for 3-4 minutes at 100°C and start with 1 teaspoon per cup.

As you can see, getting the best cup possible is a bit of a process but it’s worth it! You can experiment with the measured amount of tea (for a stronger or weaker batch based on preference), but do watch the water temperature and the steeping time–go wrong on these two points and your lovely green tea becomes a bitter drink.

Also make sure to check out this reference guide ^[1] to learn more about varieties and benefits it has to offer.