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Brewing the Perfect Cup of Tea
Although brewing techniques that maximize the
catechin content differ slightly from those that maximize taste, you can
easily find a middle ground. Try following these simple rules to ensure
that your green tea is both healthful and delicious every time.
1) Choose
the proper water. The wrong kind of water can ruin a cup of tea, and
transform the catechins into the compounds typically found in black tea.
(That’s the reason green tea sometimes takes on a brownish color.) Try
using soft water that contains few minerals or water filtered by reverse
osmosis. Avoid water that is hard, distilled, fluoridated or
chlorinated.
2) Boil
the water. Bring the water to a full boil, but not for more than a
few seconds, as the water’s flavor-releasing oxygen can escape and you
can end up with a flat-tasting cup of tea. For the best tea flavor, let
the water cool for a minute (to about 180-190° F), then pour it over the
tea leaves. This guards against the “stewing” of the leaves. If you’re
looking for maximum catechin release, however, pour the boiling water
over the leaves.
3) Warm
the teapot – Before brewing the tea, swish a little bit of hot water
around inside the tea receptacle, whether it’s a teapot or a cup, to
help your tea will stay warm for a longer period of time.
4) Measure
the tea – Figure one tea bag or 2-3 g. of loose tea per 8 oz. cup of
water. Loose tea leaves can go directly into the cup or pot, but must be
strained later. Tea bags are easier and less messy.
5) Steep
the tea –For best taste, steep your green tea for just 2-3 minutes.
But for highest catechin content, steep it a minimum of 3 minutes – the
longer the better. Be aware, however, that the longer you steep the tea,
the more astringent the resulting brew.
6) Pour
the tea – Remove the tea bags or strain the tea as soon as it has
finished steeping. Otherwise it will continue to brew and may become too
bitter. Then pour it (if you’re using a pot) or simply raise the cup to
your lips.
Now sit back, sip slowly and enjoy!
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Nadine Taylor, M.S., R.D. presents
GreenTeaLibrary.com, the most
comprehensive collection of scientific information describing the
health benefits of green tea.
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