Tea · Brewing
How to brew green tea that's fragrant, not bitter, hot or iced
Bitter green tea usually comes from water that's too hot, steeping too long or using too much tea. Fix these three things, plus how to make iced and milk green tea.
By ทีมโปรดชง · Published · 4 min read
Green tea that tastes too bitter or astringent usually comes down to three things: water that's too hot, steeping too long and using too much tea. Change one at a time and you'll notice the difference.
1. Don't use boiling water
Green tea generally suits water below boiling, around 70–80°C. Boiling water pulls out a lot of bitterness. Without a thermometer, let boiled water rest for 2–3 minutes, or pour it into another cup first; it cools each time you pour.
2. Don't steep too long
For loose-leaf green tea, start with 1–2 minutes and taste. For a stronger cup, use more tea rather than steeping longer, which only adds astringency. Good leaves can often be steeped another 1–2 times with slightly longer steeps.
3. Use the right amount
Start with the guidance on the pack, then adjust a little at a time. If you brew often, use the same scale or scoop every time for consistent results.
Brewing hot loose-leaf green tea
- 1. Warm the teapot and cup with hot water, then discard it.
- 2. Add the leaves to the pot or infuser.
- 3. Pour in water at about 70–80°C.
- 4. Steep 1–2 minutes, then pour out all the tea rather than leaving it on the leaves.
Powdered green tea
- Sift the powder first so it doesn't clump.
- Add a little hot (not boiling) water and whisk until smooth before adding more water or milk.
- A tea whisk or electric milk frother makes this quicker.
Iced and milk green tea
- Brew stronger than for hot tea, since melting ice dilutes it.
- Or cold brew: steep the tea in cold water in the fridge for several hours, then strain, for a smooth, less bitter drink.
- For milk green tea, brew or whisk the tea strong first, then add milk and sweetener.
- Sweeten while the tea is warm so the sugar dissolves easily.
Storing green tea
Like coffee, green tea loses aroma with air, light, heat and moisture. Seal the pack after use and keep it somewhere cool, dry and dark. The same rules as storing coffee beans apply.
Green tea from PRODCHONG
PRODCHONG offers green tea in a 250 g pack for drinking and drink menus. See all tea products on the tea and ingredients page.