How to brew Ceylon green tea?
Making tea is both an art and a science . Scientists have been studying the appropriate water temperatures for extracting various compounds for years, while tea masters have spent centuries perfecting the art of tea brewing . Preparing the perfect cup of green tea is not easy at all. Its taste depends on many compounds - from catechins and tannins to amino acids and volatile substances that make the tea pleasant to drink . All require specific temperatures for optimal extraction.
What is green tea?
Before we start with practical tips on brewing green tea, it is worth mentioning what it actually is . It is a type of tea that is harvested and then quickly preserved . While black tea leaves may oxidize after being picked, green tea leaves are immediately heated to prevent this process . Green tea is packed with health benefits , containing antioxidants and nutrients that may reduce the risk of cancer , aid weight loss and help prevent dementia .
What is the optimal water temperature for brewing green tea?
One of the most important elements of brewing is the water temperature . Boiling water is usually too hot for brewing green tea, resulting in a bitter and astringent taste . If the water is too cold , the full flavor will not be extracted from the leaves. It is best to use water at a temperature of 70 to 80 degrees . Tea masters in Basilur recommend heating the water until a steady stream of steam comes out of the pot. Alternatively, you can boil the water completely, leave it to cool for a few minutes, then pour over the tea.
What is the brewing time?
Because green tea is delicate , it is important to steep it for exactly two to three minutes . A shorter time will prevent the full flavor of the tea leaves from being released , while a longer time will result in a bitter taste . We recommend steeping green tea for two minutes and then tasting every 30 seconds until you get the exact flavor you like .
Why is it important to use the highest quality leaves?
The quality of the tea leaves used to brew green tea plays a large role in the taste . Fresher Ceylon tea leaves , unlike those in sachets , generally produce better flavor because the tea leaves have room to " breathe ". The taste is richer and more authentic than tea packaged in tea bags.
Does water quality matter?
Water makes it onto this list again, showing how important a factor it is , equally for green or black tea . Water containing too many minerals can sometimes counteract the natural ingredients found in tea leaves and cause a harsh taste . Purified or spring water is best because it is free of impurities that can change the taste of the tea.
Brewing green tea is undoubtedly an art that requires a bit of a scientific approach . Now that you know how to brew green tea properly, you can experiment with different types to see which one suits you best.
Enjoy a cup of Basilur tea , sit back and enjoy the fresh brew.