How to brew and drink green tea. How to brew green tea correctly, benefits and harms to the body

A pleasant drink that many people prefer to other types of tea. It is useful, it can be used to quench thirst on a hot afternoon. This type of tea is part of Chinese and Japanese culture and philosophy. In China and Japan, the process of making green tea is given special attention. It has also become quite popular in Russia, but do we know how to brew green tea while retaining all its beneficial properties?

There are a great many varieties of green tea, each variety has its own aroma and delicate taste, which are determined by the location of the plantation, the secrets of collecting and processing raw materials, and the peculiarities of brewing. The rules say that some varieties can be brewed up to 5-7 times, and each time the drink will reveal new notes.

Green tea is produced and sold in the form of large-leaf, small-leaf, powder, slab and packaged products. Powdered tea is intended for Japanese, slab tea is widely used in Nepal, Tibet, as well as for the preparation of exotic tea drinks. The packaged one does not differ in quality, since the smallest particles of leaves (tea dust) are used for its preparation. Such tea cannot be used to enjoy a drink, but it can be whipped up into a simple green tea again.

China and Japan remain the best producers of green tea. You should pay attention to the color of the leaves, they should retain their greenish tint. Elite Chinese varieties have a pistachio color. If the leaves have darkened, they are overdried, and this will affect the taste of the tea.
You need to know when the tea leaf was harvested. Fresh tea is within a year after collection. It is worth noting the following features of tea: tea picked in spring has a sweet taste, and summer tea has a slightly bitter taste. Tea should not turn into dust if you rub the tea leaves between your fingers. It should not contain more than 5% debris of broken branches and cuttings.
The marking on the tea pack indicates the quality of the tea, you just need to be able to read it correctly. The highest quality is indicated by the word "extra", followed by numbers from 1 to 7.

To make the drink right, fragrant, with a beautiful shade, you should know how green tea is in a teapot.

• Tea must be of high quality, fresh.
• Fresh tea leaves should not be kept in hot water for more than 30 seconds. Otherwise, you will get a bitter drink.
• Steep boiling water should be avoided, green tea does not like the element of fire, as the Chinese believe.
• It is not recommended to drink green tea very cold, although it is a wonderful refreshing drink. In this form, all the nutrients and essential oils from tea disappear, it does not carry any benefits, except for quenching thirst.
• If you need to take a tea drink with you, you need to pour freshly brewed and strained green tea into a thermos.
• Experts do not advise putting sugar in green tea. It destroys valuable substances that are in tea.
• Bowls or cups, before pouring tea into them, are rinsed with boiling water and wiped. Tea in a heated bowl will cool more slowly.

Classic brewing method

For ordinary tea drinking, classic brewing techniques are suitable. They do not require the use of special dishes and special accessories. For 150 grams of water, one teaspoon of raw materials is enough. It is important to know that high quality green tea requires a low temperature (up to 70°C). The lower the quality of the tea, the higher the water temperature should be, but not higher than 85°C.

You should not brew tea for too long, a long stay of the tea leaf in hot water gives the drink astringency and bitterness. Aromatic and taste characteristics are lost. How long to brew green tea? The minimum brewing time is thirty seconds, the time must be increased with each repeated brewing.

The container in which tea will be brewed is heated, the water must be brought to a certain temperature for this. A certain amount of dry tea leaves is poured into the kettle, it is poured with hot water. After a few minutes, the drink can be poured into a bowl or cup and drunk.

Regular consumption of green tea increases mental and physical activity, prevents the development of cardiovascular diseases, improves immunity.

Other Brewing Methods

• You can use the phased brewing of green tea. At the same time, 0.5 teaspoon of dry green tea leaves is taken per glass of water. Water should be no higher than 70°C. First, the leaves are filled with water for 1/3 of the teapot, you need to hold for one minute, then add water to half the teapot, again hold for a couple of minutes and add water to 3/4 of the volume. After two minutes, half of the water will need to be poured out of the kettle, and hot water will be added to the rest.
• Pour hot water over leafy green tea and leave for a couple of minutes. Then the leaves are transferred to the teapot. It is filled with hot water up to half, left for two or three minutes, after which water is added to the top and the tea continues to brew for five minutes.

Japanese tea ceremony

In Japan, the art of brewing tea is given great attention. This is a ritual, a special place with a garden and special buildings is used for the tea ceremony. A real artistic ensemble makes tea-drinking utensils. Tea is stored in a special box. Water for making tea is heated in a cast-iron cauldron. The brewing process takes place in complete silence.

The Japanese use powdered green tea, it is poured into a deep ceramic container and poured with a small amount of boiling water. A bamboo mixer turns it into a homogeneous mass. The process continues until the appearance of a matte foam. Gradually, it is necessary to add boiling water, while the drink reaches the desired consistency.

All guests present, according to seniority, are offered a cup with a drink. Then the brewed concentrated composition is used to make light tea for everyone in a personal dish. You can start a conversation and drink aromatic tea, enjoying the process.

Tea ceremony in China

Tea occupies a special position in the daily life of the Chinese people. Not a single friendly meeting, not a single official event can do without tea drinking. The Chinese use different methods of brewing tea. It all depends on the wealth of the family, circumstances, the type of tea and other factors. Dishes are of great importance. Large teapots made of faience, clay or porcelain, as well as portioned cups with lids, are considered traditional.

Large teapots are used for large companies. The teapot has a special cup where tea leaves are poured. The glass is placed in the teapot. The heated water warms the tea leaves, they gradually open up, giving off the aroma and taste of the drink. Varieties of high quality tea can be brewed repeatedly. How long does the ceremony take? The whole action can take from one to two hours. The Chinese are sensitive to all stages of preparation, heating dishes, brewing tea, and drinking it.

Green tea, prepared correctly, turns out to be a beautiful, rich color. In its aroma it will be possible to catch fruity, herbal and floral notes. Each variety of green tea will constantly be revealed in a new way, surprising and delighting with its taste. And the beneficial properties of this healing drink will help to cope with many diseases with regular use of tea. Knowing everything about green tea, how to properly brew this elixir of youth, you can daily delight yourself with a small tea ceremony.

The culture of tea drinking involves strict adherence to many specific subtleties, especially green tea. Host a soothing tea ceremony enjoy the taste and aroma of the drink, you can feel all the benefits if you know how to brew green tea correctly, how many leaves and water are needed, whether it is possible to sweeten the drink with sugar, as it is drunk at home - in China. There are a lot of nuances, let's figure it out together.

There is no single recipe and answer to the question - how best to make green tea. It all depends on the variety chosen, the characteristics of the recipe and related components. If you buy tea leaves in a specialized store, it is best to ask the seller about the nuances brewing a specific variety of green tea at home. However, there are generally accepted recommendations on how to brew green tea and how to prepare not just a treat, but an elixir of youth and health.

• water quality;


• temperature;


• the number of tea leaves;


• the duration of the brewing drink.

The amount of leaf tea directly depends on the size of the tea leaves and the desired saturation of the finished drink. Optimal proportions - one teaspoon of tea raw materials per glass of water.

In this matter, you need to consider what quality of tea you want to feel. Theine, which helps the body to cheer up, the water is saturated in the first minute and a half after brewing, then only tannins enter the tea.

If you are preparing green tea in the morning, when you need to get a long energy boost for the whole long working day, you need to prepare the drink according to the time indicated on the package. If you are interested in a quick tonic effect, you need to reduce the brewing time to one and a half minutes. It is best not to drink tea on an empty stomach, but cook it between meals.

The longer leaf tea is brewed, the more bitter the treat will be, the situation will not be saved by any sweetener (sugar is excluded).

• the best choice is spring water, but in urban areas it is difficult to get it;


• can use filtered water;


• in extreme cases, the use of tap water is allowed settled water.


• do not brew green tea with distilled water and re-boiled.

The main rule to remember is that tea leaves cannot be poured with boiling water. It is better to use hot water no higher than 90 degrees.

How to check the temperature of the water at home: you need to boil a kettle of water, turn off the heat and carefully open the lid. When you can hold your palm over the teapot without burning yourself, start preparing the drink.

The best choice is cookware that retains heat for a long time, such as ceramic or porcelain. Traditional Japanese utensils for tea drinking are made of enamelled cast iron. Glassware looks stylish and beautiful, but is not able to keep temperature. But through it you can observe the brewing process, and the drink looks good in it.

The main thing is that extraneous, unpleasant odors do not appear, for this it is useful to rinse the kettle with boiling water every time before preparing a drink. If, after brewing, a yellowish coating forms on the walls of the kettle, it is better to leave it and not rinse it off. This film is necessary to neutralize negative external influences.

Tea is poured and drunk in equal portions so that the taste of the drink in each cup is the same. It is not customary to offer sugar as a sweetener, instead you can use dried fruits or honey.

If you use a cold kettle for cooking, the drink in it will quickly cool down and lose its taste.

As a rule, people who drink green tea constantly in the morning brew the drink directly in the glass. The required number of leaves is no more than one teaspoon, and the infusion time is no more than two minutes. The resulting foam on the surface of the glass is the norm and indicates the readiness of the drink.

1. you can not add sugar to a cold drink - this leads to a violation of metabolic processes;


2. you can not drink a hot drink with ice cubes - tooth enamel is destroyed by extreme temperatures.

• the degree of brewing should be greater, since the finished treat is often diluted with juice;


• water should be used warm boiled;


• instead of sugar, it is better to sweeten the treat with honey, syrup or condensed milk;


• To make tea not just delicious, but to turn it into an elixir of health, spices are added to the recipe.

The answer to the question - how many times to brew green tea leaves - depends on individual preferences. If you are preparing the drink several times, with each brewing increase the duration of the preparation by a few minutes.

On the question - is it possible to drink green tea all the time - the points of view of doctors were divided. Someone believes that brewing a drink every day is harmful, while someone recommends drinking it all the time. In any case, you must follow certain restrictions.

• A very hot drink can damage the stomach, causing it to burn.


• The best time for a tea ceremony is an hour before a meal or a few hours after a meal. If you drink tea while eating, you will not feel the taste of cooked dishes.


• With nervous exhaustion, you can not drink more than two cups a day, preferably in the morning. Green tea at night is the cause of various sleep disorders.


• With a stomach ulcer, green tea is contraindicated.


• The drink should not be taken on an empty stomach. Tea drunk on an empty stomach causes ulcers or gastritis.

Also, a contraindication to the use of green tea is pregnancy. hypotension and hypertension, periods of exacerbation of chronic diseases.

Be careful if you bought a fake instead of real green tea, the body may react unpredictably to a dubious product.

The uniqueness of green tea lies in the fact that, due to its healing properties, it is beneficial to humans. Only by observing the rules of brewing and the culture of consumption of green tea, you can appreciate its unique taste and aroma.

Recently, many more and more often choose green tea, appreciating its exquisite taste and useful qualities. This drink helps to reduce the risk of heart and vascular diseases, dental disease, kidney stones.

Due to its antioxidant properties, it is a cancer prevention agent. In addition, green tea has a tonic effect, promotes metabolic processes in the body. Let's find out how to brew green tea correctly.

What to brew

The taste and quality of green tea depends on the container in which it is prepared. The usual utensil for brewing tea is a teapot. Teapots are different, depending on the material of manufacture.

Type of teapot	Advantages	disadvantages
Glass	You can observe the process of brewing tea leaves. Inexpensive price.	Doesn't hold heat well.
faience	Maintains the desired water temperature.	-
Porcelain	Keeps warm.	It costs more than a faience teapot.
Ceramic	Holds heat, allows you to reveal the taste and aroma of tea.	-
Clay	Helps to "breathe" tea leaves.	Rarely found for sale.
Metal	Holds heat well.	Amenable to oxidation with poor-quality manufacturing.

What water is better to choose

The taste of green tea depends a lot on water. Spring water is considered the best, but not everyone has the opportunity to use it.

Therefore, it is better to give preference to bottled water or use tap water, having previously cleaned it with a filter. If this is not possible, you can prepare the water yourself.

To do this, pour it into a bottle and put it in the freezer for a while until the water partially freezes. Now the bottle can be taken out of the cold, the unfrozen water drained, and the ice thawed. The result is melt water, purified in this way from metal salts and other impurities.

How to

Now you can start boiling water, but not up to 100 ° C. The optimum temperature for brewing green tea is 85°C. As soon as the first bubbles of boiling appear, the water is ready.

Such boiling is called "silver" when the boiled water still retains the oxygen contained in it. Now you need to warm the teapot by dousing it with boiling water. This allows the tea to fully brew and not cool quickly.

The volume of water depends on the number of cups. For one cup, you need to take one teaspoon of dried leaves.

This tea takes less time to brew than black tea. After 1 minute it is ready to drink. If the drink is infused more, it will become stronger, as more tannins will go into the water.

Therefore, it is advisable to drink tea as soon as it is brewed. So it will be tastier and healthier. Green tea can be repeatedly brewed (up to 7 times) using the same tea leaves, while increasing the steeping time. With each subsequent cup, more beneficial substances are released in tea.

Good quality green tea usually has whole leaves that fully open during the brewing process. The color of the leaves is green with a silvery or golden hue. The product in bags may be of poor quality, as it is often a waste product from tea production. The taste of a drink from different manufacturers can vary markedly. Therefore, everyone makes their choice by trying several varieties.

How to make tea in a cup

Not everyone prefers to use a teapot, someone is satisfied with the process of making tea in a cup. In this case, the same rules are observed as when using a teapot.

How to brew leafy green tea right in a mug: the water is heated to the desired temperature, then the cup is poured with boiling water. With a dry teaspoon, dry leaves should be poured into a cup and poured with water.

After a minute, you can already drink a hot drink. After the first cup of drink, you can refill the remaining tea leaves with water to prepare another serving.

Milk Oolong

This tea with an unusual name in our country was appreciated only by a few, since until recently no one had heard of it. But more and more often in tea shops they began to offer to try this exotic tea drink.

It got its name because milky and creamy notes are felt in its taste. This tea is not cheap, and it is sold exclusively in specialized stores.

The method of preparing milk oolong is similar to the technology of brewing regular green tea.

Preference is given to earthenware or porcelain dishes. Boiling water is heated to a temperature of 85 ° C or, if necessary, cooled to this limit. It is advisable to use, if not spring water, then at least bottled table water.

So, how to brew milky oolong green tea? The teapot must be doused with hot water until the tea leaves fall asleep. Then pour the poured volume of tea leaves with water heated to the required temperature.

For 500 ml of water, 8-9 g of dry tea leaves are taken. After a couple of seconds, the water from the teapot must be drained, leaving the steamed tea leaves inside. This procedure helps to “wake up” the tea, clean it from unnecessary impurities and dust particles.

After that, you can proceed to the main brewing of tea. You need to pour water into the teapot and wait a minute.

Then the drink can be poured into cups and start drinking it.

Brewing milk oolong from one portion of tea leaves is allowed up to 8 times. The main thing is not to forget to control the temperature of the heated water and gradually increase the brewing time, each time adding half a minute.

It is advisable to drink milk oolong in the morning, but not before going to bed, as this drink invigorates and gives strength.

How to drink

1. Green tea should be drunk as soon as it is brewed. A drink that has been brewed for a longer time loses its benefits;
2. Do not drink cold green tea. It no longer contains vitamins and nutrients;
3. Do not add sugar or honey to the drink. If you really want to, then use it as a bite, drinking tea;
4. Do not drink tea immediately after a meal. It is better to prepare it in half an hour, arranging a small tea ceremony for yourself;
5. You can drink no more than 10 g of dry green leaf per day. One teaspoon contains 1-2 g of tea leaves, depending on the type of tea and the size of the tea leaves.

1. China is said to be the birthplace of green tea. They prefer to drink tea from low cups, and then inhale the aroma from tall ones;
2. In Japan, guests drink green tea from one cup, but the first cup is offered to the head guest;
3. In England, it is customary to offer guests several varieties of tea to choose from;
4. Green and black tea leaves are harvested from the same plant - Chinese camellia. Green tea retains its color due to the fact that it does not undergo fermentation;
5. The product can be sheet, tile and powder. Large leaf green tea is higher quality;
6. To avoid unpleasant odors, dry tea leaves should be stored in airtight packaging. When pouring tea leaves into the kettle, it is undesirable to touch it with your hands, it is better to use a dry spoon;
7. Green tea is actively used in cosmetology and perfumery.

Once having tasted the taste and aroma of green tea, it is impossible to refuse it in the future. Only after trying several varieties of tea, you can find your favorite taste. Compliance with certain brewing rules will allow you to enjoy this drink daily and benefit from it.

Hi all!

Friends, I really love green tea, but I always get confused about how and what sort of it should be brewed correctly.

In general, I decided to make for myself a small instruction on how to do it correctly.

I hope you find it useful too!

From this article you will learn:

How to brew green tea correctly - important secrets and useful tips

Did you know that green tea is good for health?

I am sure that in most cases the answer will be positive.

But did you know that if brewed incorrectly, it can cause serious harm to health? Surprised? Then read on carefully.

I will try to tell you how to brew green tea, when it is recommended to take this drink, and when it is better to limit its quantity, what components can complement its taste and beneficial properties, how to choose the right one and much, much more.

What is green tea?

Green tea is tea that has undergone minimal fermentation. Both green and black tea are obtained from the leaves of the same tea plant, but in different ways. Wikipedia

To begin with, green tea is obtained from several types of shrubs.

These are basically the same plants that are used to produce black, but there are plantations, mainly in China, India and South America, on which a specially bred variety is grown.

This shrub reaches up to 10 m in height, is distinguished by its magnificent shape and flower leaves arranged in a spiral, which gives the plant a special charm and attractiveness.

Regardless of the variety (and there are a lot of them), green tea has almost the same processing (exception)

It consists in thermal exposure (roasting or steaming can be used) and special twisting, which helps to highlight the juice on the surface of the leaf, thus providing the benefit that the finished drink will bring to a person.

Fermentation, unlike black tea, the leaves are practically or not at all.

A lot also depends on the type of tea. Do not think that tea bags filled with boiling water can bring any benefit. Only leafy green tea is really good.

What is the chemical composition of green tea?

The benefits of green tea can hardly be overestimated.

More than 400 organic compounds necessary for normal human life, almost all vitamins, as well as 500 trace elements (fluorine, calcium, etc.), but deserve special attention.

These substances make tea a powerful antioxidant, help in the prevention and treatment of oncology, heart and vascular diseases.

The composition of green tea includes:

• minerals necessary for the functioning of all systems;
• alkaloids and the main one is caffeine, which is present in green tea in the form of theine;
• a huge amount of vitamin C;
• there are so many plant proteins that this drink is sometimes compared in terms of benefits with legumes;
• amino acids and glutamic acid, which is very important for the normal functioning of the nervous system.

With proper brewing, up to 60% of the total amount of the listed substances is preserved.

It is worth remembering that green tea is a natural mini-laboratory in which chemical processes are constantly taking place. One type of tea is recommended to drink immediately after preparation, the other is recommended to insist for a while.

To understand all the subtleties, let's take a closer look at the rules of the tea ceremony, depending on the type of green tea.

How to Brew Green Tea - Prerequisites

Before you properly brew a healing drink, you must carefully prepare for this. There are several factors that must be observed.

• Water

What kind of water should be taken to brew green tea?

In order for the leaves to gladly share their beneficial properties, you must first take care of the water. Normal, from the tap is not good.

The best is “live”: artesian or well. If there is no access to a natural source, or if you are not sure of its quality, you can buy water in a store. If this is not possible, prepare it yourself.

It is necessary to pour 2/3 of tap water into a clean plastic bottle and put it in the freezer until the top 2-3 cm is covered with ice. Then you will need to drain the unfrozen water, and melt the ice and use it for brewing.

• Teapot

Which teapot is best for brewing green tea?

An earthen vessel is best suited for brewing; in extreme cases, ceramics or glass can be used, but in no case.

The second thing you should pay attention to is the mandatory heating of the kettle.

If the leaves are cold inside it, they simply will not give even the minimum percentage of useful substances.

Therefore, before brewing, be sure to pre-pour the kettle with boiling water.

• Temperature

At what temperature is green tea brewed?

Of great importance is the temperature at which the water is brewed.

It boils at 100 degrees Celsius, but this does not suit us. The ideal state of heating is 95 degrees. The temperature can be determined by external signs.

Don't miss the moment when bubbles start to rise from the bottom to the surface, and immediately turn it off. Some types of tea are recommended to be brewed at a lower temperature. Sometimes 60 degrees is enough, so it all depends on the type of tea.

• Subsequence

The procedure for brewing green tea is of great importance.

1. After the kettle has been doused with water, and it has reached the desired temperature, you need to pour tea into it with a dry spoon. Fill with water and immediately drain this water.
2. After that, you can pour the required amount of it. The ratio is 1 teaspoon per 200 ml of water, but this may vary depending on the variety, so be sure to check the packaging for information.
3. Cover with a lid and leave to infuse. It will take approximately two to three minutes, but you can also look at the package for more precise.
4. Now you can pour tea and taste. Do not hurry. The trickle should be slow, and it is better to fill the cups in a circle.

These are general rules.

Let us consider in more detail the features of the most common varieties.

Green tea with milk - cooking rules

Milk green tea, or Masala tea as it is also called, was first prepared in India and only after a long time it spread throughout the world.

A drink prepared according to the rules gives:

• health and longevity;
• warms;
• increases tone;
• gives vivacity;
• cleanses of toxins and toxins;
• improves mood etc.

Milk tea is very nutritious. Just one cup can replace dinner and because of this it is often used for weight loss.

Making tea is not difficult, you just need to follow the above mandatory conditions, but the main thing is to purchase a special Masala mixture. It consists of pepper, cinnamon and some other spices and gives a unique touch to the finished drink.

To make this tea you will need:

• 1.5 liters of milk;
• two teaspoons of tea;
• table spoon of honey;
• ginger root about half a finger;
• half a teaspoon of Masala.

Milk should be put on a slow fire until it starts to boil, you can peel and finely chop the ginger. Pour ginger and tea leaves into boiled milk, stirring constantly.

Bring to a boil again and add spices. Let it brew for 3-4 minutes. Milk green tea is ready.

Ginger with green tea or green tea with ginger

By themselves, each of the components is very useful for human health, but in combination they give a simply amazing effect.

Green tea with ginger:

• contains a huge amount of vitamins and minerals;
• tones;
• relieves the feeling of hunger for a long time;
• increases efficiency, gives energy;
• has good anti-inflammatory and analgesic characteristics, therefore it is often used to treat colds and infectious diseases and to increase immunity;
• controls cholesterol levels;
• is an excellent prevention of cardiovascular diseases;
• normalizes metabolism, increases the absorption of useful components of other products;
• slows down the aging process;
• regulates the level of glucose, etc., and it is also very tasty.

Making tea couldn't be easier. You just need to add a little to the teapot with green tea prepared according to all the rules. The ratio is about a teaspoon of ginger to 2 tsp. tea leaves.

Green tea for weight loss

Green tea is one of the most effective and safe means of losing weight.

The essence of this method is to normalize metabolism, metabolism, remove toxins and toxins, reduce appetite and satisfy hunger.

It is worth noting the acceleration of fat burning by improving heat transfer. Any variety is suitable for getting rid of excess weight.

The main thing is to follow the rules of its brewing and drink every time 20-30 minutes before eating.

Read more about how I lost weight on green tea, read this.

Tiled green tea

Pressed, or as it is also called slab tea, is produced in almost all countries and it does not depend on the plant variety.

The bottom line is processing, as a result of which tea becomes stronger and more useful for humans, since more juice is squeezed out of it under pressure.

Green tea with jasmine

Complementing the benefits of green tea, jasmine in its composition accelerates the removal of “bad” cholesterol from the body, provides an antioxidant effect, relieves nervous tension and fatigue, and invigorates without fear of an increase in blood pressure.

Jasmine green tea should be brewed following the basic recommendations and rules.

Matcha green tea

I wrote a whole article about this tea, you can learn more from this.

Pu-erh tea - cooking secrets

This tea is a real merit of Chinese culture.

It is also called alive due to the fact that special processing preserves the natural fermentation processes in the leaves.

There is a very beautiful legend about this tea. When a child was born in the family, his parents collected the leaves, steamed them, pressed them into a cake and put them away in a secret place.

And when it was time to give a child in marriage or marry, tea was taken out and sold. The money that was received for the sale was just enough for the celebration, because. The price of tea rises depending on its age.

Brewing in a teapot takes place quite traditionally - pu-erh is poured with hot water with a temperature close to boiling. By the time of infusion, options are also possible. It is often recommended to infuse the first brew (the first two brews) of earthen tea for just a few seconds, then immediately drain the infusion, and with repeated brewing, increase the brewing time by 15-30 seconds each time.

Oolong tea - brewing rules

This type of tea is the rarest.

It is grown only in some provinces of China, and the resulting taste depends on the area and environmental conditions. Tea is distinguished by the complexity of processing. It starts when the leaves are still on the plant.

They are treated with a solution of sugar cane, then sprinkled with rice husks, left for several days, collected and carried out through several more stages, including soaking in milk, etc.

Brew tea should be like other varieties or in accordance with the recommendations on the package.

And finally, a few more tips:

• Green tea can be brewed multiple times.
• But drinking cold tea is not recommended. It not only loses its composition, but can also harm a person.
• It is advisable to store dry green tea in hermetically sealed opaque containers.
• It is not advisable to prepare a drink in a thermos, except to drink it immediately after preparation.

Where to buy real green tea?

Lately I've been buying organic green teas from Tao of Tea, you can find a large selection here

Well, friends, now you know how to brew green tea correctly, how many minutes and how many times to brew green tea, how to use it for health, which variety is most suitable for a particular situation.

Therefore, without delay, start preparing this fragrant and very healthy drink.

Alena Yasneva was with you, bye everyone!

China is considered to be the birthplace of green tea. According to legend, this magical drink was discovered by one of the emperors during a long trip around the country. Once, when the subjects boiled water for their ruler, since he only drank boiled water, a few leaves were blown into the cauldron. The emperor liked the resulting decoction so much that he ordered to grow this plant. Since then, green tea has been considered a gift from the gods.

Later, doctors, pharmacists, who paid tribute to the taste, healing properties of the plant, began to cultivate new types of it. In the southern regions of China, green tea was valued as a means of relieving fatigue, strengthening the will and pleasing the soul. Over time, the emperor’s associates began to organize entire tournaments, where the varieties of the “golden” drink were guessed, and the peasants sought to grow selected varieties in order to present them to the ruler with their own hands.

Over time, the magic drink was brought to Japan, India, after which it spread to many countries. In Europe, they began to drink green tea only three and a half centuries ago, from there it came to Russia. The first tea party in Russia took place in 1638 at the court of the tsar, to whom the Mongols brought several pounds of leaves of an unknown plant as a gift and taught him how to brew green tea correctly. In Russia, a tea bush was planted for the first time in a botanical garden in the early 19th century.

Green tea and its difference from other varieties

The green tea bush is a low perennial evergreen shrub. Fresh, just opened, leaves are covered with a light silvery fluff. They live for about a year, and fall off only by the next spring. Depending on the time of collection, different varieties of green tea are obtained.

Few people know that green, red, and black tea are produced from the same raw materials. The only difference is the way it is processed.

For a black drink, the collected leaves are fermented. In the process of withering, the raw material becomes softer, acquires a reddish-copper shade. However, during the production process, many substances are lost.

To prepare green tea, the raw materials are scattered in a thin layer to partially evaporate the liquid, then dried, rolled on special rollers. Leaves treated in this way retain a maximum of useful qualities, as well as their original color.

Composition of green tea

A green drink is so useful due to the presence of many minerals and amino acids in its composition. It contains several hundred complex organic compounds, as well as most of all known vitamins. Of particular benefit are:

• Caffeine. Thanks to this component, the body receives a boost of energy and vigor. It improves cerebral circulation, improves mood, increases efficiency.
• Minerals. They contribute to the proper functioning of all body systems, strengthen the immune system, improve the condition of teeth, nails, hair.
• Catechins. This type of flavonoid belongs to the category of antioxidants. One cup of green tea a day will help remove harmful, toxic substances from the body. Green tea destroys germs, reduces the risk of cancer.

Given such a diverse composition of green tea, it is not at all surprising that it provides tremendous benefits to the human body. Below are the most common reasons why you should drink at least a cup of this wonderful drink every day.

The benefits and harms of green tea

The main beneficial property of green tea is its ability to strengthen the immune system.

The drink helps fight viruses and other pathogenic agents that enter the human body. It prevents the development of cancer cells, strengthens the cardiovascular and nervous systems.

Doctors have noted the benefits of green tea for thyroid problems. The drink reduces pressure in hypertension, helps to cleanse blood vessels in atherosclerosis. This miraculous remedy helps in the normalization of metabolism, lowering cholesterol, blood sugar. Daily use of tea potion helps to activate the body's defenses, improve mental activity, and increase efficiency. And this drink allows you to establish the work of the entire gastrointestinal system.

In view of such a large list of diseases in which the home remedy helps, special pharmacy preparations have been developed containing green tea dry extract. If for some reason it is not possible to drink real decoctions, as well as infusions, you can replenish the body with the necessary beneficial substances with the help of such medicines.

The harm of green tea, like many other products, lies in its improper use. Do not exceed the recommended amount of 3 cups per day. This leads to disruption of the work of many organs and systems of the body. Also, when drinking tea, special attention should be paid to the brewing process. Improper water or utensils can negate its beneficial qualities.

Do not drink green tea during pregnancy. The caffeine contained in it can provoke a rapid heartbeat, as well as increase blood pressure. If you really want to, then it is better to drink a little light, weak infusion only once a day.

Green tea for weight loss

Another useful property of tea potion is its ability to activate the work of the gastrointestinal tract. It helps break down food, remove excess fluid from the body, which contributes to weight loss.

For those who wish to lose weight with the help of a miracle drink, it is recommended to consume at least three large cups of it a day. The best time to take is 15-20 before the main meal. Warm tea will reduce hunger and reduce the desire to eat heavy or fatty foods.

Pleasant tea drinking several times a day will help to remove accumulated toxins from the body, speed up the digestion process, and improve the absorption of nutrients from the foods consumed.

Scientists have proven that drinking three cups of tea a day increases the amount of fat burned by 45%. You can enhance the diuretic effect of tea infusion by adding a few tablespoons of milk to it.

How to brew green tea

In order to get the most benefit from a green drink, it must be brewed correctly.

Water temperature and brew time

Spring water is considered the best water for tea potion. If there is none, you can use clean filtered or bottled.

It should be remembered that boiling water destroys most of the vitamins and nutrients contained in tea leaves. The optimum temperature for cooking is 80-90 degrees. Reheated water is also not recommended, it will spoil the taste of the future drink.

Brewing time depends on the size of the tea leaves, as well as the desired effect. If you decide to drink a cup of tea to get a charge of vivacity, then the leaves insist only 1-2 minutes. If you withstand the tea leaves for 5 minutes or more, then the surge of strength will not be so intense, but it will be long.

Dishes for brewing

The most suitable utensils for the tea ceremony are those that can hold heat for a long time. Clay or porcelain teapots are ideal. In Japan, enameled cast iron utensils are used for these purposes, but in Arab countries they prefer silver containers. Before the procedure, the teapot must be doused with boiling water. This procedure will eliminate odors and allow the tea to brew better.

Many housewives have noticed that after brewing, a yellowish coating remains in the teapots. It shouldn't be removed. Such a film is a protection from external factors. In Eastern countries, this subtlety is known, so guests do not have to explain why the dishes are not crystal clear.

Delicious and healthy green tea recipes

There are many recipes for a green drink that is great in taste and magical in its properties. Properly prepared tea potion has the finest aroma and delicate sweetish taste. Below are some special recipes that will help you not only enjoy the aroma, but also bring great benefits to the body.

Green tea with jasmine

This drink is rightly called a drink of vivacity. Jasmine flowers have an unusual aroma, so they are often used during tea ceremonies and many soft drinks are prepared with them. It is an excellent remedy for many chronic diseases. A decoction of jasmine is prescribed for bronchial asthma, bronchitis, insomnia, depression and many other diseases.

How to prepare a delicious and healthy infusion? To do this, 1 tablespoon of dry twigs and jasmine leaves is poured into a teapot or brewing dish. Tea leaves are also added there, then everyone is poured with hot, but not boiled water. Infuse the drink for about 15 minutes, then pour into cups and serve.

The resulting drug, thanks to the magical aroma, stimulates the functions of the brain, has an invigorating and refreshing effect. A mug of such delicious tea will help you spend your leisure time with your family and cheer you up.

Green tea with lemon and lime

For people who control their weight and want to lose a few extra pounds, this recipe will be a real find. Hot infusion will help to relax after working days. To do this, pour hot boiled water into a clean teapot and add the required amount of green tea leaves. Next, the product is cooled to 50-60 degrees and two tablespoons of lemon and lime juice are added to it. After that, the drink is filtered, drunk several times a day thirty minutes before the main meal in a warm form.

According to the same recipe, you can try to make cold tea. To improve its taste, you can add a couple of spoons of fresh honey or a couple of pieces of ginger root to the drink. The calorie content of green tea in this recipe is higher, however, the effect of losing weight only intensifies.

Ginger green drink

This recipe is considered one of the simplest and most effective. Adding ginger root to tea only enhances the beneficial properties of the drink. Its daily use contributes to the overall improvement of the body, strengthening the immune system, and also has a positive effect on digestion, accelerating metabolism.

To prepare green tea with ginger, a small piece of the root is grated, poured into a glass of water, then kept on low heat until boiling (but not boiled). Next, tea leaves are poured into the teapot, poured with the resulting broth and lemon or honey is added to taste. All ingredients are infused for about 10 minutes, and then poured into cups.

Green tea with milk

A healing drink with the addition of milk is very fond of the centenarians of China. Such a cocktail allows you to minimize the effects of caffeine and mitigate its aggressive effects on the body. Moreover, as a result of many studies, significant weight loss was found in subjects who consumed milky green tea every day.

To prepare such a tasty and healthy drink, you will need a glass of milk heated to 80-90 degrees and a small spoonful of tea leaves. The leaves are poured with warmed milk and infused for about 5-7 minutes. The resulting drink can be consumed in a cup in the morning and evening. If you drink it in hot weather, then the feeling of thirst will not appear for a long time.

In order for green tea not to lose its beneficial and taste qualities, it must be stored in an airtight, opaque container. So it will retain its properties as much as possible and will not absorb extraneous odors.

The drink should be drunk only freshly brewed. In the tea that has stood for several hours, there are practically no valuable vitamins and minerals left, therefore, for each tea party, it should be brewed separately.

But tea brewing is allowed to be used repeatedly. Many connoisseurs like the taste of the second brew. And finally, I would like to say that it is better to choose good and expensive varieties of tea. Then an evening in the family circle with a cup of such a drink will delight children and adults.