How to brew green tea properly
Green tea is a wonderful drink, but to truly enjoy its flavours and benefits, it helps to know how to prepare it well. Brewing follows a few key rules, especially since there are so many different varieties. This guide walks you through everything you need to brew green tea perfectly, cup after cup.
How to brew Chinese green tea
Chinese green tea is both the oldest and the most natural. Its distinctive character has won over tea lovers around the world, but getting the best from it means preparing it the right way. Traditionally, Chinese green tea is brewed in a clay teapot. It is worth keeping a separate teapot for each type of tea, as flavours absorb into the clay and can carry over, especially if you switch between black and green teas. A good green tea also depends on water quality: choose a low-mineral spring water for the cleanest taste. Temperature matters, too. Avoid scalding the leaves with water that is too hot. If you have a kettle with a temperature setting, this is the time to use it. Ideally, the water should not exceed 70°C. Pay attention to steeping time as well, which will vary depending on the quantity of tea used. The packaging will give you the right guidance, so do follow it. If you are wondering how to brew Japanese green tea, the approach is very similar. Depending on the variety, you may need to adjust temperature and steeping time according to the instructions on the packet.
How to make mint green tea
Mint green tea, served to welcome guests or round off a meal, is a time-honoured ritual across North Africa. But what is the best way to prepare a traditional Moroccan mint tea? The classic recipe calls for fresh mint leaves and Gunpowder green tea. Add hot water and sugar to your teapot, let everything steep together, and serve in small glasses rather than cups. The real secret of this beloved ritual lies in how it is poured. Hold the teapot about half a metre above each glass as you pour: this is not just for show, it creates a layer of foam on the surface, which is the hallmark of a well-made Moroccan tea. You are now ready to brew a truly authentic mint green tea.
How to prepare powdered green tea
Still relatively new to many Western tea drinkers, matcha comes to us directly from Japan and offers a wealth of benefits. It stands apart from other teas through its form: a very fine, vibrant green powder. If you are used to steeping loose-leaf tea, you may be wondering how to prepare matcha. Here is how. Place a small amount of matcha powder into a bowl, then add hot water. Watch the water temperature carefully to avoid cooking the powder: it should sit between 70°C and 80°C. Next, whisk the mixture until a smooth foam forms on the surface. For best results, we recommend investing in a chasen, the small bamboo whisk designed specifically for preparing matcha. Your tea is then ready to enjoy.
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