How to Make Green Tea

I've been asked by Celia from Leicester how to make green tea.

Well, it's not a lot different from making any other type of tea really.

If you have green tea leaves, then use one spoon per cup - much like you would normally.

Some people swear by using spring water or filtered water. To be honest, I feel that's only necessary if you have really hard water.

Boiling gets rid of most impurities and if you cooled boiled water to make baby formula milk, then I think it's good enough to make tea.

Allow the water to come 'off the boil' slightly - leave about 30 seconds - and pour gently over the leaves.

Allow to brew for 3 to 5 minutes and then strain into a cup.

I like to use a filter pot, with a plunger, the type you would use for fresh coffee is ideal.

That way you don't get the leaves floating around.

I never sweeten it or add milk - some people like to add honey, so if you need a sweetener, try a spoon of honey.

You can use the green tea leaves once more if you want.

As soon as you've finished the tea, plunge the leaves into cold water - or throw a couple of ice cubes into the pot - then strain off the remaining liquid.

Use again, the same day preferably to make a second brewing.

I don't normally do that, but some people say you can - give it a try and if it isn't to your taste, then don't do it again.

If you're using green tea bags, then follow the instructions above, but don't re-use the bags.

Instead, store them up and use them as dressing around the base of your plants.

For an explanation of gardening terms that you might not understand, please check out the Growers Dictionary section.
I found that I was either skimping on explanations or giving too much information on the individual pages so I have posted all relevant terms in one section - if there's anything you need to know, please drop me an email.

How to Make Green Tea - to Green Tea Index