The Proper Way To Brew Green Tea Many people are put off by green tea because they think it tastes bitter. But it doesn't have to be bitter! Brewed correctly it will have a mild, flavorful taste. Here are some brewing tips: 1. The water should not be too hot. This is the #1 mistake. You don't need boiling water. The proper temperature is 175 degrees. 2. Use fresh tea. If it is older than six months you should discard it. It only has a shelf life of six months. 3. Don't use too much tea. You'll have to experiment, of course. In general, one teaspoon for every 8-10 ounces of water is the right amount. 4. Use a teapot specially designed for green tea if you are going to drink it regularly. Yes, it does improve the quality to use the proper equipment. 5. Brew for the proper length of time to avoid bitterness. Somewhere between 2-5 minutes is usually right. If you stick to this time frame you will fully extract the anti-oxidants but avoid the bitterness. If you are using teabags make sure they remain fully submerged in the water rather than floating on top, so that the anti-oxidants are fully absorbed into the water. If you are following the brewing suggestions properly and still don't care for the taste, don't give up. The health benefits of green tea are so great that it's worth experimenting with different brands until you find one that suits you. Your local grocery stores and health food stores will have a large selection or, for a even wider variety of options, look online.
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