Green tea is a beverage that can be consumed hot or cold. Studies published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine and others have linked green tea consumption with a variety of health benefits. Green tea is a potent source of antioxidants, and contains less caffeine than coffee. Green tea can be easily prepared at home with common kitchen tools and utensils.
Origins
Green tea originates from China, and has a long history of use throughout Asia. Like black, white and oolong teas, green tea is made from the camellia sinensis plant. Each type of tea is processed differently after harvest to create the unique flavor of that tea. Green tea leaves are heated after harvesting to prevent oxidation, which is the process that causes black and oolong teas to be darker than green tea.
Tools
You can prepare green tea with a minimal set of kitchen tools, including a hot beverage cup, a spoon and a method for boiling water. All kitchenware used to prepare the tea should be made of non-reactive, non-porous materials such as stainless steel, glass, and glazed ceramic or porcelain. Optional kitchenware includes a teapot for preparing multiple servings at once, a tea ball or strainer, and a candy thermometer.
Materials
Green tea can be purchased as loose leaf or in prepared tea bags. Loose leaf green tea allows you to control precisely how much tea you use. Prepared tea bags offer convenience, eliminating the need to prepare a tea ball or strain the tea leaves from the tea. The water used should be a pure as possible to prevent contaminants from tainting the taste of the tea. If possible, use spring water or filtered, cold tap water.
Preparation
Add six ounces of water per serving, plus an ounce or two extra, to your pan or tea kettle. Bring the water just to a boil and remove from heat. Allow the water to cool for two minutes. If you have a candy thermometer, cool the water to a temperature between 165 and 185 degrees Fahrenheit. Measure one teaspoon per six-ounce serving into your cup or teapot. Pour the hot water over the tea leaves. Place the lid on the teapot, or cover the cup with a saucer. Allow the tea to steep for two minutes. Remove the tea leaves immediately using a spoon or strainer.
Considerations
Never put tea leaves into boiling water, pour near-boiling water over the leaves, or cook the tea in the microwave. Always allow the boiled water to cool before pouring it over the tea leaves. Boiling water can destroy the flavor of the tea by cooking the leaves. Never steep the tea for more than three minutes. Steeping the leaves too long may cause the tea to become bitter. Modify the strength of the tea by using more or less tea leaves in your next cup.
Member Comments