Green tea, a popular drink that originated in China and Japan, is known for its light flavour and many health benefits. Green tea leaves are a little oxidised, keeping their natural antioxidants and helpful compounds intact. These antioxidants, especially the catechins, can boost metabolism, improve brain function, and lower the risk of heart disease and cancer. Green tea can also help with weight management and overall health.
To get the most out of green tea, it's important to brew it properly. Avoid using boiling water, and many more tips are followed in this article. Store green tea correctly to keep it fresh during the monsoon season, too. Enjoy green tea by following these tips, and relish every sip of it.
Avoid Green Tea On Empty Stomach
Consuming green tea on an empty stomach can sometimes lead to stomach discomfort, including nausea or stomach cramps. After hours of fasting, it's best to start with something light to wake up your metabolism. It's advisable to drink green tea after meals or with a small snack. This practice enhances nutrient absorption and also reduces any potential stomach issues. By pairing green tea with food, you can enjoy its soothing and refreshing taste without discomfort, making it a pleasant addition to your daily routine.
Brew The Tea In Hot Water Instead Of Boiling Water
Brewing green tea with boiling water is a common mistake that can ruin its delicate flavour and hurt the throat and stomach. Boiling water at 100 °C can scorch the tender leaves, resulting in a bitter and unpleasant taste. Instead, use water that is around 70–80 °C.. So don’t use super-hot water; make it in mild, warm water and enjoy the aroma and taste.
Oversteeping Can Make The Tea Bitter
Oversteeping the tea in water can lead to a bitter taste. Leaving green tea leaves in hot water for too long can lead to a bitter brew. The ideal steeping time for green tea is typically between 1-3 minutes, depending on the specific type of green tea and your personal taste preference. Shorter steeping times result in a lighter, more delicate flavour, while longer steeping times bring out stronger, more robust notes. Always keep in mind, the time you allow your ta leaves to rest in water.
Avoid Using Low-Quality Tea
The quality of the green tea you use significantly impacts its flavour and health benefits. Low-grade tea often lacks complex flavours and nutritional value. So try to opt for high-quality leaf tea and read the ingredients, the origin and other brand details before consuming the tea. Investing in premium green tea ensures a richer, more enjoyable experience, with vibrant flavours and enhanced health properties.
Store Tea Properly
Green tea is sensitive to light, heat, and moisture, so keep in mind to always store tea in an airtight container. As monsoon season is up, you should take care more. The moisture can degrade its quality over time. To maintain its freshness and flavour, store your green tea away from direct sunlight in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing it in the refrigerator, as the moisture can negatively affect its quality. Proper storage preserves the tea’s delicate flavours and nutritional benefits.
Don’t Add Too Many Ingredients
People generally love to add extra flavours to their tea to enhance the flavour and brewing experience, like adding sugar, honey, or lemon to green tea. These additions can reduce the delicate flavours and reduce their health benefits. Green tea’s natural taste is subtle and complex, best appreciated without any extra toppings like honey, sugar and more. And if you need to add a little bit of sweetness, add honey when the green tea is slightly cool, as it allows the nutrient value to stay.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can enhance your green tea drinking experience, making it not only more enjoyable but also maximising its numerous health benefits. Enjoy your perfectly brewed cup of green tea and relish its soothing, refreshing flavours.