A Fresh Look at Green Tea for Everyday Sipping

My first cup of green tea was a disaster. A neighbour gave me a small packet, so I poured boiling water straight over it, left it for ten minutes and went to answer the phone. When I came back, the cup was dark yellow and so bitter I winced. I almost gave up on green tea right there. She asked me later how I’d liked it, and when I told her what I had done, she laughed for a good while.

 

Start with the plain leaf

Pure green tea is just a dried tea leaf. Sometimes the leaf is steamed first. Nothing else is added. Many people has the opinion that  it tastes like grass. In a way that is true, but there is also a sacred sweetness in it. Tea drinker can experience that sweetness more when the water is not too hot. If you are among them who grew up drinking milk tea, green tea may taste weak at first. For that you need to prepare your taste buds. So, try it three or four times before you decide. If you ask me, my taste changed faster than I thought it would.

The Scented Ones

I absolutely like aroma green tea on gloomy, rainy days. Probably, the smell came from jasmine flowers. Also it is pilled with  mint, or a little orange peel. These are mixed with the tea leaves. Smell the dry leaves before you make the tea. That smell is half the fun. These teas cost only a little more than plain tea. So buying one small pack is not a big risk.

Tea Bags for Busy Mornings

I have a kettle and a good strainer at home. Still, I use green tea sachets on most weekdays. The reason is easy. I am often late. I put one bag in one mug, and that is it. They are easy to carry too. I keep a few in my work bag and one in my car. Take the bag out after about two minutes. If you leave it in, the tea turns bitter. That is what happened on my first day.

So, its time to buy a small pack and try it in different ways. Do not listen to people who say there is only one right way. You will find your own routine soon. Mine is a plain cup in the morning and a jasmine cup after dinner.