How to prepare Green Tea

Important points when preparing Green Tea

Tea leaves are placed in a teapot, hot water is added to the tea leaves and left to infuse for a certain amount of time. Of course, preparation will vary according to such factors as local customs, personal tastes, occasion, time of day or season.

Below is a number of key points to help you prepare delicious green tea and an explanation of various standard methods of preparation.

When preparing tea, the type of water used, water temperature, time the tea is left to infuse and the amount of tea leaves used are some of the main points in determining the flavor and aroma of the tea. To prepare the “perfect”cup of tea, it is best to choose a preparation method that suits the particular characteristics of the tea being prepared.

Choosing the right water

Generally, the best type of water to use in making green tea is soft water (low in calcium and other minerals) that is very slightly acidic. If using tap water, it is best to boil it first to remove any chlorine odor. If using bottled mineral water, hard water (high in calcium or magnesium) should be avoided.

Relationship between water temperature, flavor & aroma

Water temperature plays an important part in determining the taste and aroma of tea, and different types of tea require different water temperatures. This is because different components of tea dissolve at different temperatures. The astringency components (catechins) will be drawn out at temperatures over 80 degrees C, while the flavor components (amino acids [theanine]) require a lower temperature of around 50 degrees C to dissolve. For this reason, if one wishes to drink Sencha that is not very astringent, a temperature of around 70 degrees C is recommended, while for Gyokuro, a lower temperature is recommended to draw out the flavor more slowly.

On the other hand, for teas such as Hojicha and Genmaicha, which have unique aromas, boiling water or water close to 100 degrees C should be used. For people who prefer astringent Sencha, water should be over 80 degrees C.

4 Easy steps for brewing your tea

1

Place the tea leaves in the teapot.

2

Prepare water at the appropriate temperature. Pour the water from the kettle into the tea cups to bring it to the appropriate temperature and then pour it into the teapot.

3

Wait the right amount of time (see below) while the tea’s components infuse.

4

To ensure the tea’s strength is even, pour a little tea at a time into each cup. Pour the tea until the last drop is poured.

Preparation Table for various Green Tea varities

  • Amount of tea leaves
    2.0g (approx. three-quarter tablespoon)
  • Water temperature
    80-90℃
  • Amount of water (for one person)
    90ml
  • Infusion time
    Approx. 60 seconds
  • Second pot
    For the second pot, water temperature should be slightly increased and infusion time shorter.
  • Amount of tea leaves
    2.0g (approx. three-quarter tablespoon)
  • Water temperature
    70℃
  • Amount of water (for one person)
    60ml
  • Infusion time
    Approx. 120 seconds
  • Second pot
    For the second pot, water temperature should be slightly increased and infusion time shorter.
  • Amount of tea leaves
    3.3g (one level tablespoon)
  • Water temperature
    60℃
  • Amount of water (for one person)
    20ml
  • Infusion time
    Approx. 120 seconds
  • Second pot
    For the second pot, water temperature should be slightly increased and infusion time shorter.
  • Amount of tea leaves
    3.3g (one level tablespoon)
  • Water temperature
    50℃
  • Amount of water (for one person)
    20ml
  • Infusion time
    Approx. 150 seconds
  • Second pot
    For the second pot, water temperature should be slightly increased and infusion time shorter.
  • Amount of tea leaves
    3.0g (approx. one heaped tablespoon)
  • Water temperature
    Boiling Water
  • Amount of water (for one person)
    130ml
  • Infusion time
    Approx. 30 seconds
  • Second pot
    Boiling water for the second pot also

Source : ITO-EN