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This article details the art of making a cup or pot of green tea using leaves, not bags, by following traditional Chinese methods. Buy some tea, a teapot and some cups. You really don't need to bother with anything else.
Steps
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:Using a Few Leaves
Method 1
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:Using More Leaves to Serve for 4 More People
Method 2
Community Q&A
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QuestionIs it safe to drink the leaves in Chinese tea?
Community AnswerIt is safe, but it's better to chew them. In China, there are some dishes cooked with tea leaves. -
QuestionWhat is the name of the tea leaf?
Community AnswerIt is commonly known as "tea leaf" (seriously), and its scientific name is Camellia Sinensis. -
QuestionWhat is the best time for taking this tea?
Community AnswerYou can make it when you feel like it. -
QuestionHow do I get the water to 80 degrees?Community AnswerIt is an approximation when making green tea. The water should be hot, but not scalding. Most water heaters are set around 130 degrees. 120 feels wicked hot, so from the tap, you want to be just a little under that. It will cool, and your tea will steep nicely. There is no need for a thermometer, and it's not a science project! Relax and enjoy your tea.
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QuestionCan I take green tea if I'm a breastfeeding mother?Community AnswerYes, but check with your doctor to see how much is safe.
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QuestionDo I have to put it through a strainer?Community AnswerNo, you don't have to put it through a strainer. Most of the leaves will stay in the teapot anyway. If you feel uncomfortable with having some leftover leaves in your tea cup though, then you can strain it.
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QuestionCan this green tea help a 65 year old person?Community AnswerIt depends on your health. It can help prevent cancer, dementia and nervous breakdowns. Just remember that green tea has caffeine and that taking it in large quantities can be harmful to your heart (2-3 cups a day will not pose a significant risk).
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QuestionCan I add lemon juice to green tea?
Community AnswerYou absolutely can, but it may no longer be considered traditional Chinese green tea. -
QuestionCan I lose weight when I drink green tea?Community AnswerThe main way that green tea helps people lose weight is if they're drinking it instead of drinking sugary soda, coffee drinks (not black coffee alone, but e.g. Starbucks), and/or alcohol, or if they're drinking it when they'd normally have a snack instead. If you're not drinking those or eating a lot of snacks anyway, then adding green tea won't hurt your diet, but it also won't really help - so if you hate green tea, you don't need to force yourself to drink it.
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QuestionCan I add garlic and ginger to my Chinese green tea?Community AnswerYou can add a little sliced ginger if you like. Most people would not like the taste of garlic in their tea, but if that's what you want, then go for it.
Warnings
- It helps to know how a specific tea will smell before you buy it. If you happen to buy a tea frequently, then you can check at the store if it has gone bad before buying it.Thanks!
- If you are buying loose leaf tea, make sure you examine what you are putting in the pot. Rarely small objects, such as twigs, foil(depending on the wrapping), or insects can make their way into tea accidentally.Thanks!
- Watch out for old, out-of-date tea. Check the tea. Smell it. Look at it and check for dried-out leaves. Taste a piece (but don't taste it if is has been wet and in a container for a long time, or smells completely different from its original scent; if it smells sickly sweet [rotted]).Thanks!
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Things You'll Need
- Teapot
- cups
- kettle
- water just under boiling(190°F)
- tea
References
- ↑ https://www.saveur.com/article/Techniques/How-to-Make-a-Pot-of-Chinese-Tea/
- ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/06/dining/how-the-experts-brew-tea.html
- ↑ https://www.epicurious.com/ingredients/how-to-make-green-tea-brewing-tips-article
- ↑ https://www.saveur.com/article/Techniques/How-to-Make-a-Pot-of-Chinese-Tea/
- ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-brew-green-tea-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-203091
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzwCbCE0wAE
- ↑ https://www.ibiblio.org/chineseculture/contents/food/p-food-c03s03.html
About This Article
Article SummaryX
To make your own Chinese green tea, place 5 to 10 grams of tea leaves into a tea pot. Then, add in some hot water. Make sure that the water is around 80 to 90°F. When you're finished, wait 3 to 5 minutes, then serve! For more brewing tips, like how to make green tea for multiple people, read on!
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