How to Brew Green Tea
Green tea turns bitter and astringent almost every time for one reason: the water is too hot. Unlike black tea, green tea leaves are far less processed and their delicate compounds scorch easily, so getting the temperature and steep time right matters more here than with any other tea.
Steps
- 1Heat water to 160-175°F (71-79°C). If you don't have a variable-temperature kettle, bring water to a boil and let it sit for 3-5 minutes before pouring.
- 2Use about 1 teaspoon of loose leaf green tea (or one tea bag) per 8 ounces of water.
- 3Warm the teapot or cup by rinsing it with a splash of hot water, then discard that water.
- 4Add the tea leaves to the warmed vessel and pour the hot water over them.
- 5Steep for 1-3 minutes depending on the tea: 1-2 minutes for delicate types like sencha or dragonwell, up to 3 minutes for heartier ones like gunpowder.
- 6Strain the leaves out immediately or lift out the tea bag so the tea doesn't keep steeping and turn bitter.
- 7Taste, and adjust the steep time by 15-30 seconds on the next cup if it's too weak or too sharp.
Common mistakes
- Using boiling water: at 212°F the leaves release tannins too fast, making the tea taste bitter and metallic instead of sweet and grassy.
- Oversteeping: leaving leaves in past 3 minutes pulls out excess catechins and tannin, which is what causes that harsh, puckery aftertaste.
- Using too much leaf: green tea is more concentrated than black tea, so doubling the amount to make it stronger just makes it more bitter, not more flavorful.
Equipment
- Kettle (variable-temperature if possible)
- Teapot or mug
- Tea strainer or infuser basket
- Timer
FAQ
Can I reuse green tea leaves for a second cup?
Yes, high-quality loose leaf green tea can typically be resteeped 2-3 times. Add about 30 seconds to the steep time for each subsequent infusion since the leaves have less flavor to give up.
Why does my green tea taste bitter even at the right temperature?
It's usually an oversteep. Even 30 seconds past the recommended time is enough to pull out excessive tannins, so set a timer instead of eyeballing it.
Does the type of water matter for brewing green tea?
Yes. Heavily chlorinated or very hard tap water mutes the delicate, grassy flavors, so filtered water produces a noticeably cleaner-tasting cup.
Is it better to use loose leaf or tea bags for green tea?
Loose leaf generally brews a more nuanced cup because the leaves have room to unfurl fully, but a good quality pyramid-style tea bag with whole leaf pieces can come close.
Need exact temperatures or timing? Check our Time & Temperature Guide →
