Green Tea

Green tea is one of the most healthy and celebrated beverages known to the mankind, but second to water. Green tea is the traditional Chinese tea with oxidation between black and green ranging from 10% to 70%. The green tea is rich in catechin polyphenols such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) – a powerful antioxidant known for destroying cancer cells. Today, green tea is used for fighting everything from cancer to depression to lowering cholesterol.

Brewing Method

Brewing green tea is easy. It doesn’t  require milk and sugar, as it should be enjoyed in its original taste. Green tea is sold as loose green teas or green tea bags. For brewing a perfect cup of green tea, water should be boiled to 156°F to 180°F (70°C to 82°C) depending on the variety of the tea chosen. You can boil the water and allow it to cool down for 2-4 minutes before steeping the green tea bags for 30 seconds to four minutes (as per the instructions given on tea packets). Green teas should be brewed in clay, ceramic, glass, or stainless steel teapots.

Storing Tea

Like regular teas, green teas should be stored in an airtight container because naturally occurring compounds may get oxidized by exposure to sunlight and air. Store the tea container in a dark and cool area in the cupboard, otherwise the flavours of the tea may disintegrate, when it comes in contact with light and heat.  Green tea should be used within 2 months and unsued packets should be stored in the chest freezer.  Avoid re-freezing the used green tea packets as it may dampen. Green tea should not be stored in plastic bags or Ziploc bags because they are not airtight.