Green Tea Preparation

 

Green Tea Preparation

Green tea preparation: a complete overview of the key factors in the correct preparation of green tea, e.g. brewing time, temperature, dosage and utensils.

Traditional Preparation of Green Tea

In Asia, particularly China and Japan, green tea and its skilful preparation has been a treasured cultural tradition for many centuries. Due to the multitude of different green tea varieties, the various qualities and contrasting social and historic influences, a very refined art of tea drinking has developed, the peak of which is demonstrated in the traditional tea ceremony. In this article, we will explore the refined techniques and accomplishments of traditional tea culture and give recommendations on how the health potential of each type of green tea can be maximised through proper preparation. In addition to selecting tea of an adequate quality, numerous other factors play an important function in obtaining the health benefits of green tea.

An overview of pure, traditional green tea preparation and the associated recommendations for each tea type can be found in the article >>Traditional Japanese Preparation of Green Tea<< 

Preparation and Health Benefits 

Correct tea preparation is almost as important as tea quality in facilitating the health benefits of green tea. In native green tea regions, this has been known for millennia. The author of the first book on green tea, Lu Yu, devoted himself in detail to this topic in the 8th century AD. He also wrote a further book in which he systematically recorded the significance of different types of water on the effects of tea. It is therefore worth taking a closer look at the health aspects of tea preparation. In practice, the preparation of each tea variety should be carried out individually and can be varied or optimised in terms of taste. It is important to place special emphasis on activating the health benefits of each type of green tea in the best possible way. The different varieties – in particular Sencha, Gyokuro, Shincha, Matcha, Bancha, Benifuuki and Karigane – can thus be brought together into an overall health package, in which their different biological workings compliment each other in an excellent way.

Brewing time and water temperature

Teethermometer-temperaturThe two most important factors for maximising the health benefits of green tea are the brewing time and temperature of the water. Depending on these two factors, different ingredients infuse into the tea water and produce very different benefits. For instance, a high water temperature reduces/damages certain substances (e.g. vitamins, antioxidants, amino acids) and dissolves others more effectively (e.g. >>oxalic acid<<, certain tannins and catechins). Conversely, certain active ingredients are bound too little or hardly at all in the water when the temperature is too low. The same applies to the brewing time of the tea. Ultimately, any tea preparation is a compromise to optimise health effects by achieving the best possible mixture of substances. This does not depend on the workings of individual substances on their own, but on the complex benefits of the mixture; the unique blend of active ingredients in green tea is primarily responsible for its major health benefits. Most ingredients produce a much healthier effect through binding to certain ingredients and buffering others. 

Further important factors

Besides these two most important factors, other aspects of green tea preparation are also significant and not to be neglected, such as: dosage, number of infusions, type of infusion, when and how fast to drink, keeping the tea warm, water quality, material and type of teapot or vessel (for infusion but also for heating the water), as well as material and pore size of the tea strainer and other important utensils. All of these factors are outlined in the table below and explained in more detail in related articles. Each factor plays an important role and contributes to the exceptionally high health benefits of green tea. They usually also have a positive effect on the taste of the tea.

Brewing Time and Temperature for Therapeutic Applications

For certain applications and to tackle health problems, it is sometimes necessary to deviate from the recommendations for standard green tea preparation. When it comes to using green tea medicinally, obtaining general health benefits from a combination of tea varieties is not the priority. Instead, by means of different brewing times and temperatures, a certain mix of ingredients can be activated in the tea, which are particularly beneficial for specific areas of health. In contrast, some tea varieties can even be counterproductive for certain health problems. A comprehensive table of use cases can be found in the article: >>Preparation for Diseases and Health<<.

Matcha, Sencha, Gyokuro and Benifuuki

For the preparation of Matcha, different rules apply than for the other green teas. You will find detailed instructions on how to prepare Matcha tea traditionally and how to optimise its health effects in the article >>Preparation of Matcha Tea<<. The same applies to the relatively young variety Benifuuki (see our article on >>Benifuuki<< and its preparation for specific health applications). Special notes on the preparation of the different Sencha and Gyokuro qualities can be found in the articles >>Preparation of Sencha<< and >>Preparation of Gyokuro<<.

Optimising the Preparation of Green Tea for Health

Teetasse

Cup of Green Tea (howcollect.jp)

In the following table, we have compiled an overview of the most important aspects of green tea preparation. These recommendations offer a general orientation for an everyday supply and are based on studies, personal experience and kinesiological testing (not scientific), referring secondarily to the taste effect. The values given for temperature, brewing time and quantity were individually developed according to the green tea varieties (and picking). Experience has shown that even slight deviations in preparation can cause significant changes, even to the point of ineffectiveness. Occasionally green tea can carry side effects or risks. According to our observations, however, good taste goes hand in hand with a correct, healthy preparation method. 

Of course, depending on the season and tea garden, the teas are slightly different. There is thus no one rule for the preparation of all teas. In our experience, however, the following recommendations still apply to almost all tea gardens and varieties of high-quality green tea. People with a good understanding of their body should take this information as the starting point for their own individual, context-specific use of green tea. With Chinese, Indian, Nepalese and Tibetan green teas, which are usually roasted and in which many healthy ingredients are impaired or no longer present, it is certainly possible to optimise preparation in terms of taste in other ways. However, we will not be covering this area here.

Main Factors in Green Tea Preparation According to Variety (Daily Supply)

>>Brewing time<<Allow to brew for exactly 2 minutes.

Exceptions:

  • Very fresh tea, new “flight Shincha” 90 seconds (see >>Shincha Tea<<)
  • For certain therapeutic purposes up to 9 minutes (see >>Preparation for Health<<)

The longer the brewing time, the more bitters/tannins infuse into the water to a certain point. The tea tastes correspondingly bitterer. Caffeine is already significantly present in the tea water after 30 seconds.

>>Dosage<<
  • General: 2 well-heaped tsp. per person/per 0.3-0.5 l of water (fine differences depending on tea type and effect)
  • Gyokuro: 3 heaped tsp. per 0.3-0.5 l, if caffeine is tolerated, otherwise reduce
  • Teenagers should rather opt for half the tea and 0.3 l water per portion
  • In the case of side effects the quantity should be reduced until negative symptoms disappear – never force yourself to consume tea! If necessary, choose a milder green tea first, as you can then slowly increase the dosage
>>Temperature<< General Rule: 60 Grad Celsius
  • Top teas (super premium, competition grade, platinum grade): 50 degrees celsius
  • Excellent teas (premium grade, gold grade): 55 degrees celsius
  • Very good teas (superior grade, silver and bronze grade): 60 degrees celsius

Exceptions:

  • Shincha: as a strong early summer course also possible with 70°C, 90 sec
  • Karigane and Kukicha: 70 degrees celsius 
  • Bancha: 55-60 degrees celsius 
  • For specific therapeutic applications up to 100 degrees celsius can be used (see >>Preparation for Health<<)
>>Infusion<<

For optimal health effects, only one infusion is best with recommended infusion time (2 minutes as a rule, but adapted according to health application). 

For variations in taste (traditional) also multiple infusions possible for high quality teas. Also here we recommend a brewing time of 2 minutes and no longer.

>>Correct teapot<<
  • Leave plenty of room for the tea in the teapot or glass. Traditional clay teapots (>>Kyusu<<) are optimised for this and also have an integrated sieve. Good Kyusus possess a ceramic sieve, refine the tea taste and are particularly suitable for high-quality green teas
  • However, >>cast iron teapots<< also have an integrated stainless steel tea sieve. These teapots are enamelled on the inside and are particularly suitable for coarser teas and frequently changing tea varieties
  • If you do not use a Kyusu, but a glass container (for example while travelling or at work), then you should use a suitable >>stainless steel tea strainer<< with the right mesh size and swivel it up and down loosely and vigorously from the wrist in the last 30 seconds, so that as many as possible of the smallest floating particles pass into the tea
  • If possible, do not use teapots made of uncoated metal or plastic. Glass jugs are also suitable and especially good for white tea
>>How fast should you drink?<<

Within the first 10 minutes, quickly (otherwise the tea looses its ingredients and effects). 

Exception: in the case of special preparations (for certain health applications) above 80°C, the tea lasts several hours. It is recommended not to heat such tea permanently if it is kept for a longer period of time.

Teapot warmer
  • Never heat or keep warm (some important ingredients are destroyed, but not the catechins)
Which variety, how often, how much?For daily consumption:
  • Shincha (vitamins, seasonal May-July)
  • Gyokuro (basic care, kidneys, sugar metabolism)
  • Sencha (basic care, liver/gall bladder/spleen/pancreas/heart)

Important additions (1-2 x per week):

  • Bancha and Karigane/Kukicha (minerals and trace elements)
  • Matcha unheated (antioxidant, vitamins, catechins etc.)
  • Benifuuki powder unheated (metabolism and allergies)

Never mix the preparation of different types of tea. If possible, drink 2-3 different teas of the same variety (mix it up!)

  • 1-2 l across the day (2-4 x 0.5 l); half this amount for children
  • For illness if necessary significantly more, however consider side effects 
  • Per 0.5 l green tea, drink at least 0.5 l fresh water (!), but preferably at least 1.5-2l daily
First or second >>picking/harvest<<
  • Sencha and bancha: the first picking is the most valuable and expensive (taste and nutrients). Occasionally very good second pickings should also be drunk for variety
  • Shincha, Gyokuro, Karigane, Matcha: only first picking
  • Only drink tea from farm that harvest no more that twice a year
  • For organic teas: as mentioned above, best only one harvest per year, as otherwise the plant is weaker and less rich in nutrients
>>Morning, midday, evening<<Depending of tolerability (caffeine) and application, chose the appropriate variety (see: >>Preparation for Health<<)
  • Gyokuro, Shincha, Benifuuki powder and Matcha –  morning
  • Sencha – midday/afternoon
  • Bancha, Karigane, Kukicha – afternoon/evening 
  • For caffeine sensitivity, only Bancha, Karigane, Kukicha and also Genmaicha in the evening/afternoon
>>Caffeine and brewing time<<

In contrast to coffee, the caffeine in green tea is bound to tannins and is significantly more tolerable through the amino acid L-theranine. In this mix of substances and within the recommended limit, caffeine is extremely beneficial for health. 

  • High caffeine: Gyokuro, Shincha, Matcha, Sencha
  • Medium: Bancha, Benifuuki
  • Low: Karigane, Kukicha

See here: >>Caffeine Comparison in mg by Variety<<

Tea quality

  • We have measured and evaluated the qualities of green tea in our >>own kinesiological tests<< (not scientific) on a scale of 0-100%. We do not recommend consuming teas below 79%. We classify tea qualities in steps of 5% from 80%: from bronze (80-84%), silver (85-89%), gold (90-94%) and platinum degrees (95-100%) with regard to the health benefits related to that respective variety

  • For general daily use, the tea quality should be at least 79%. Nonetheless, a higher level is desirable, since the effects of the tea increase disproportionally above 95%. For preventing illness and medicinal applications for health problems and diseases in particular, we recommend a quality grade between 85-95%. In the case of certain problems, 90% is necessary. In the following table, the corresponding values are listed in each case
>>Water<<
  • Soft, still and energetically revitalised water that is low in limescale 
  • Good bottled water or energised filter water (reverse osmosis)
Should the tea be washed or “opened” beforehand?
  • No, only pour hot water over dried green tea
>>Tea sieve<</filter
  • The right mesh size (small suspended particles are particularly healthy, larger particles must be removed)
  • Best is a correctly meshed, stainless steel sieve with 2 handles or the ceramic sieves already crafted within a Kyusu
  • Otherwise no metal, no narrow paper filters, no cotton nets
Storage
  • Inexpensive and good storage: a high-quality lacquered or coated plastic container (airtight, light-tight), or in aroma protection bags with zipper
  • Best storage: traditional >>tea box made of cherry bark<<. Increases the positive health effects of the tea by about 5% points over approx. 8 weeks (maturation). Best suited for fine teas. If different teas or tea varieties are stored frequently in the same box, a hardwood tea box (Zelkove) with Yamanaka lacquer is also recommended
  • Do not store in tin, cheap plastic or open bags
  • Generally-speaking, keep green tea leaves at room temperature and not refrigerated
  • However, keep Matcha and all tea powders (such as Benifuuki or Sencha powder) in the refrigerator and in a light-proof container
Shelf life
  • 3-4 months once opened, provided teas are stored correctly 
  • Unopened vacuum-packed: max. 3 years after harvest. The fresher, the better (exceptions: Gyokuro and Matcha)
  • Gyokuro and Matcha mature several months later
Age (after harvest)
  • The fresher, the better
  • Tea connoisseurs let certain teas partially mature – Gyokuro (up to 5 years in cold stores) and Matcha (several months)
Milk, sugar/honey/sweetener
  • No! Always drink pure
  • The bioavailability of the catechins is significantly inhibited through these added substances
>>Lemon, vitamin C, ascorbic acid, juice
  • Can increase the bioavailability of the catechins, however limits the absorption of other nutrients
  • Freshly brewed green tea is therefore best drunk pure
Helpful accessories 
  • Particularly helpful are >>cast iron kettles<< or >>electric kettles with temperature preselection<<, Kyusu (clay teapot with ceramic sieve), Chazutsu (tea box), Sami (measuring spoon), Chashaku (bamboo spatula for tea powder), stainless steel tea strainer with two handles and correct filter size, water glass (0.3-0.5l) 

 The Right Teacup

We consider cups with light or white interior colour made of porcelain, ceramic or glass to be ideal for green tea. This is an opinion shared by the “tea pope” of ancient China, Lu Yu. With this bright or transparent background, it is possible to properly perceive the colour and structure of the green tea, as well as its floating particles. This prepares the digestive organs better for consumption and influences the metabolism of the healthy ingredients in a positive way.

Drinking Green Tea

The brewed infusion should be drunk as quickly as possible. According to our findings, this should be done within the first 10 minutes of tea preparation; after this point, the health effects decrease rapidly. For this reason, smaller quantities are also suitable as a portion – we recommend the preparation of 0.5 l that can be quickly consumed. Green tea should not be kept brewing on the stove or in a thermos. 

Suitable Utensils 

Kirschholz TeelöffelTea lovers will soon realise that the use of the right utensils makes a small but subtle difference. Those made of wood have proven to be particularly effective. In Japan, very pretty wooden spoons made from cherry are often used instead of metal spoons for handling green tea. Thin bamboo spoons or spatulas are best for Matcha or Benifuuki powder. In our opinion, this has a positive energetic influence on the tea and significantly improves the everyday tea ceremony. To find out more information on this subject, see our article: Tea Utensils.