Green tea is quickly gaining a reputation as a natural medicine. It is high in antioxidants which help to rid the body of free radicals. Originally from China, this drink is now a worldwide phenomenon. To get the full benefits of drinking green tea, it is important to brew it properly.
Instructions
1. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the heat of your water. Heat the water to just 160 degrees F, just shy of boiling. This temperature is hot enough to ensure that the green tea leaves will steep, but not so hot that the beneficial properties are destroyed before you have a chance to drink.
2. Select loose leaf green tea whenever possible. Not only is the quality of loose leaf tea generally better, allowing the leaves to float freely in the water helps to steep the tea completely for a full bodied flavor.
3. Add 1 tsp. of loose leaf green per cup of hot water to a teapot or tea cup. If you are making more than two or three cups of tea in a tea pot, add an extra tsp. for good measure. Pour the hot water over the leaves and cover immediately. Green tea steeps quite quickly and should be ready to drink within three to five minutes.
4. Drink your green tea any way you like. Chill it and serve over ice, sweetened with a bit of honey. A squeeze of lemon helps to bring out the flavor as well.
Tags: loose leaf, leaf green, loose leaf green