Green Tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world, renowned for its refreshing and delicate taste as well as its health benefits. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced tea enthusiast, mastering a few basic brewing methods can help you better enjoy every cup of green tea. In this article, we will detail three classic methods of brewing green tea to help you achieve the perfect infusion.
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Method One: Traditional Glass Cup Brewing
Brewing green tea using a glass cup is a simple yet elegant method. The transparency of the glass not only allows you to appreciate the graceful dance of the leaves in water but also helps you better control the water temperature and Steeping time.
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Materials Needed
- Glass cup
- Green tea leaves (such as Longjing, Biluochun, etc.)
- Purified water
Detailed Steps
- Warm the cup: Before brewing, preheat the glass cup with hot water. This step helps maintain the temperature of the tea infusion and better releases the aroma of the tea leaves.
- Add tea leaves: Place an appropriate amount of green tea leaves into the glass cup; generally, 3 grams of tea per 100 milliliters of water is sufficient.
- Pour water: Slowly pour water at around 85°C into the glass cup, filling it about one-third full. At this point, you will see the leaves gradually unfurl in the water.
- Rinse the leaves: After about 30 seconds, discard the water. This step, known as rinsing the leaves, removes impurities on their surface.
- Actual brewing: Refill the glass cup with 85°C water until it is seven-eighths full. Wait for 1-2 minutes as the leaves settle at the bottom and the tea becomes clear, then it's ready to drink.
Method Two: Gaiwan Brewing
The gaiwan is a traditional tea utensil suitable for brewing various types of tea, especially green tea. The gaiwan brewing method allows for better control over the water temperature and steeping time, resulting in a more delicate tea flavor.
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Materials Needed
- Gaiwan
- Green tea leaves
- Purified water
- Tea pitcher
Detailed Steps
- Warm the gaiwan: Preheat the gaiwan and tea pitcher with hot water to help maintain the temperature of the tea infusion during the brewing process.
- Add tea leaves: Place 3 grams of green tea leaves into the gaiwan.
- Pour water: Slowly pour water at 85°C into the gaiwan, filling it about one-third full.
- Rinse the leaves: After about 20 seconds, pour the water from the gaiwan into the tea pitcher and then discard. This step is also for cleaning the leaves.
- Actual brewing: Refill the gaiwan with 85°C water until it is seven-tenths full, cover with the lid, and let it sit for about 1 minute. Then pour the tea into the tea pitcher and distribute it evenly into the tasting cups for enjoyment.
Method Three: Teapot Brewing
Brewing green tea using a teapot is a traditional and common method, ideal for family gatherings or hosting guests. With a larger capacity, a teapot can brew multiple cups at once, making it very convenient.
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Materials Needed
- Teapot (purple clay or porcelain teapots are both acceptable)
- Green tea leaves
- Purified water
- Tasting cups
Detailed Steps
- Warm the teapot: Preheat the teapot and tasting cups with hot water to maintain the temperature of the tea utensils.
- Add tea leaves: Add an appropriate amount of green tea leaves according to the capacity of the teapot. Generally, 3 grams of tea per 100 milliliters of water is standard.
- Pour water: Slowly pour 85°C water into the teapot, filling it about one-third full. After 30 seconds, discard the water to complete the rinsing process.
- Actual brewing: Refill the teapot with 85°C water until it is seven-eighths full, cover with the lid, and let it sit for 1-2 minutes. Adjust the brewing time based on personal preference. When the tea infusion turns clear and bright, it is ready to be poured and enjoyed.
Green Tea Brewing Tips
1. Water quality: Purified or mineral water is the best choice for brewing green tea, as it enhances the aroma and taste of the tea leaves.
2. Water temperature: Green tea is very sensitive to water temperature. It is recommended to keep it between 80-85°C. Higher temperatures can destroy the nutritional components of the tea leaves and make the tea bitter.
3. Amount of tea leaves: The amount of green tea used should be around 3 grams per 100 milliliters of water. Using too much can result in a too-concentrated infusion, affecting the taste.
4. Brewing time: The brewing time for green tea should not be too long, usually around 1-2 minutes. Longer times can lead to a bitter taste.
Conclusion
With these three methods of brewing green tea, you can easily enjoy a fragrant cup of green tea at home. Whether it's the simplicity and elegance of the glass cup brewing, the refined details of the gaiwan brewing, or the convenience of the teapot brewing, each offers a different brewing experience. Choose your favorite method and start your journey with green tea today!