How to Make Good Green Tea!

Green tea has numerous health benefits and I often suggest people add it into their daily routine. When people are hesitant, they often complain that it's too bitter or tastes unpleasant. If this is you, read on!  A simple explanation for these complaints is that all too often green tea is brewed incorrectly. Green tea is made from the same leaves that make black tea, but are processed differently. Green tea leaves are simply steamed or pan-dried, holding their delicate flavour. When we use water that is too hot, or steep for too long, we essentially scorch the tender leaves and cause them to become bitter. To prevent bitter green tea, bring water close to a boil, but not a full rolling boil. If you have a thermometer, the water should be about 82oC (degrees Celsius) . Pour the water in the cup with your tea bag, and set a timer for 2-3 minutes. You do not need to steep it any longer than that. If the water did come to a rolling boil, turn the kettle off and let it sit for 5 minutes to cool down, or put a little cold water in the cup before adding the hot water. Green tea leaves can be used again to make a second cup of tea, there should still be plenty of taste, and this will actually liberate more of the active constituents. If you steep it again, continue to use the proper temperature water and only steep 2-3 minutes. The more times you steep the tea, the less caffeine left in the leaves.  

Green tea has many health properties. It contains polyphenols, flavonoids, and catechins that have liver cleansing, liver healing, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activities. Recent research has also shown that it may also help to regulate blood sugar and reduce cholesterol. It really is a wonderful (and tasty if prepared right!) addition to a healthy lifestyle.