Why doesn't green tea taste as refreshing as you wanted it to? Do you find it often comes off as too bitter or too weak?
Green tea is popular all over the world because of its many health benefits and unique taste. This drink is known for its antioxidant properties, ability to improve concentration, and beneficial effects on the body. However, many people do not realize that the wrong preparation can destroy not only the taste, but also the medicinal properties.
Water that is too hot, steeping for too long, or the wrong amount of tea leaves can cause it bitter taste and worse aroma.
How to make green tea so that every cup is perfect. From the choice of water to the right temperature and time of irrigation - every step is important.
Choosing quality water
Water is the heart of every cup of tea. Although the water seems to be the same everywhere, its quality can greatly affect the taste of green tea. It is best to use filtered or spring water, as tap water often contains chlorine and other chemicals that can spoil the taste. Water that is too soft (e.g. distilled) robs the tea of its fullness.
The temperature of the water is also crucial for the preparation of green tea. There should be water heated to approximately 70–80°C. If you use water that is too hot, the tea leaves will overextract, resulting in a bitter taste. The low temperature of the water preserves the delicate aromas and natural properties of green tea.
Just the right amount of tea leaves
The amount of tea leaves is also essential for a perfect cup of tea. One cup of water (about 2.5 dcl) is sufficient one teaspoon (about 2 grams) of tea leaves. If you want a stronger tea, increase the amount of leaves instead of increasing the steeping time. Too many leaves can cause an overpowering taste that overpowers the freshness of the green tea.
Exact soaking time
The right soaking time is crucial for the perfect taste. Green tea should be soak for 2 to 3 minutes, depending on the type of tea and your personal preferences. Soaking for too long releases too many tannins, resulting in a bitter taste, while too short a time does not allow the full flavor to develop. While steeping, stir the tea slightly so that the leaves are evenly distributed and release their aromas.
If you use tea bags, make sure that they are large enough so that the leaflets are not compressed.
The perfect green tea recipe
Boil the water and let it cool down to about 70-80°C. Add one teaspoon of tea leaves to 2.5 dcl of water in a cup or teapot. Pour the cooled water over the tea and let it steep for 2-3 minutes. Strain the tea and enjoy the natural freshness. If desired, you can add to the tea a little honey or a slice of lemon, but keep it simple to preserve its unique flavor.
