HOW TO MAKE GREEN TEA

 HOW TO MAKE GREEN TEA TASTE GOOD

·         Add a small piece of cinnamon

·         Add some ginger; fresh ginger, ginger powder, marmalade, or syrup.

·         Herbs: mint, peppermint, or chocolate mint all work well. Lemongrass is also a great option.

·         Add some organic edible flower petals for extra flavor. Jasmine, lavender, and rose are particularly lovely with green tea. 

·         You can also add natural essential oils for flavor.

·         Use dried fruit as a natural flavor booster and sweetener: mango, peach, pineapple, strawberry, blackberry, etc. 

·         Citrus peel: Add a slice of lemon or even use lemon, orange, or grapefruit peel – all work well.

·         Add Jam – it may sound weird but it’s fruity and sweet and delicious. Like raspberry, blackberry, strawberry, or even rose jam.

THE STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Heat water to 80-85ºC/176-185ºF (not boiling – this is the optimal green tea temperature to avoid a bitter taste). This is best done with a temperature-controlled kettle, however, you can also use a stovetop and thermometer or just heat the water to ‘just before boiling point, when it simmers, and then allow it to cool for a couple of minutes.

Note: If you start to boil the water by mistake, then quickly remove it from the heat and allow it to cool for a few minutes. You can also pour the water into a cool, empty container, and this will help to drop the temperature (if you move it between two containers, it will work even better). You could also add some room temperature water to the boiled water to bring down the temperature.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

·         Green Tea Leaves – There are several (actually LOTS of!) types of loose green tea leaves, so you can experiment with types and brands to find your preferred product. There are Chinese and Japanese varieties too, so they will also differ in flavor.

·         Water – The type of water you use makes a difference. Try to use water that hasn’t been previously boiled. Filtered is also a bonus!

·         Sweetener – though optional, I love to add a little maple syrup or honey to my green tea.

·         Mug/Teacup – If you’re making a large batch then you can use a teapot or larger jug.

·         Tea Strainer/sieve – technically optional, but handy if you don’t like the loose leaves floating in your tea.

·         Thermometer – optional. Read the instructions for tips on controlling the water temperature without a thermometer.

FAQS

What is the difference between matcha vs green tea?

Short answer – While matcha and green tea both come from the same plant (Camellia sinensis), they are actually grown and prepared differently. You definitely can’t simply grind some green tea leaves to powder and expect it to be the same thing as matcha. Although matcha contains whole ground leaves, it is even more nutritious and has more health benefits than standard green tea. Matcha is also with a richer, more full-bodied flavor. 

 

In fact, matcha can contain up to ten times the nutritional value of standard green tea, and some sources say over 100x the antioxidant content. One of the most powerful types of antioxidants (catechin) – is due to the way it’s cultivated. 

Does green tea have caffeine in it?

Yes, however, it will vary depending on the type of green tea leaves used and how long it’s brewed. Plus, it’s usually far less than that of coffee – often 1/3-1/4 of the amount. 

How long to steep green tea?

Three minutes tends to be ‘the sweet spot’ for green tea before it becomes too bitter. However, I suggest trying the tea after 1 minute of brewing, then every 30 seconds until you’re happy with the taste.

What does green tea taste like?

This can massively vary – as there are so many types of green tea and the taste differs a lot. In general, it has a slightly earthy, grassy flavor. Yet it can also be sweet and even nutty. 

How much tea do you use per cup?

As a general rule, I’ve found that 1tsp of leaves per cup works well. However, this can vary depending on the size/shape of the leaves. For example, large leaves will need more – sometimes up to two tablespoons. To give an ‘exact’ amount, 2g leaves to 6oz water works well. 

How is a green tea produced?

For producing green tea, tea leaves harvested from the camellia Sinensis plant are quickly heated to prevent excess oxidation, which retains the green color of the leaves. Heating helps halt the oxidation process and imparts a fresh, grassy flavor to the leaves. The heating method varies from region to region. In China, the pan-firing approach is used wherein tea is pan or wok roaster, giving them a pale color, while in Japan, it is steamed to give them a brighter green color. Subsequently, they are rolled, curled, and twisted to drain excess moisture and sap.

What are the health benefits of green tea?

Green tea is loaded with several health benefits due to the presence of a high concentration of antioxidants. People generally consume green tea for weight loss. Green tea also regulates metabolism by breaking down fatty acids and preventing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol in the body, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Since it is a powerhouse of rich antioxidants, it is also known to reduce the risk of certain cancers such as that breast, prostate, and colon. It also contains catechins which reduce the growth of harmful bacteria and fights bad breath. The presence of amino acid L-theanine in green tea along with minimal caffeine stimulates brain functioning and has a destressing effect on the body. Flavors such as chamomile and lavender have a soothing effect on your senses.

What makes green tea different from others?

Like all teas, green tea is also extracted from the plant Camellia sinensis. The extent of processing gives a distinct flavor and properties and results in a particular tea type. Among all types of tea, green tea has the shortest drying period ranging from 1-2 days to prevent oxidation. It is hence the least oxidized and the least processed among all teas. A short drying period helps tea leaves retain their green color and results in green tea being rich in antioxidants such as polyphenols, including epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epicatechins, and flavonols. Green tea is generally green, yellow, or light brown with a flavor ranging from grass-like and toasted (pan-fired) to vegetal, sweet, and steamed.

Green tea shopping

It is highly recommended to Buy green tea online as it is convenient and a hassle-free option. But you must choose a reputed company only since the former will always disclose the manufacturing and packaging date of your green tea order. Furthermore, if you are looking to enjoy a wholesome flavor with a rich aroma, you must buy green tea leaves or whole-leaf green tea.

If you are looking to buy the best loose-leaf green tea online, CelesTe is a one-stop shop. CelesTe teas are meticulously crafted to impart a unique flavor and taste; the tea leaves are delicately picked from select tea gardens across India. Moreover, we offer an exquisite range of flavors in green tea, such as Kahwa Green tea, Rose Green tea, Detox Green Tea, and many more. Our signature Marrakesh Mojito is considered the best lemon green tea for weight loss. However, if you are looking to rejuvenate your senses, CelesTe Mind Body Soul would be the best green tea to buy. So, what are you waiting for? Unlock a treasure of wellness with CelesTe’s best loose-leaf green tea.

About Green Tea

Green tea is among one of the least oxidized and the least processed types of tea. Today, it has emerged as the sought-after health beverage across the world because it contains high amounts of antioxidants called polyphenols.

Green tea originated in China, but its consumption was initially restricted to the upper echelons of society as it was an expensive beverage. A text called ‘Cha Jing’, also referred to as ‘The Classic of Tea', written by Cha Jing in 800 A.D., is the first work that documents the green tea culture in world history. Green tea was introduced to Europe by travelers in the 19th century and soon became popular along with black tea due to its flavor. It became popular in America, too, after being shipped to the country by settlers.