Question 1

What makes green tea different from black tea?

Accepted Answer

Green tea is minimally oxidised, preserving its green colour and fresh, grassy character. After picking, the leaves are quickly heated (steamed in Japanese style, or pan-fired in Chinese style) to prevent oxidation. Black tea, by contrast, is fully oxidised before drying.

Question 2

What temperature water should I use for green tea?

Accepted Answer

Green tea should be brewed with water at 70-80°C, not boiling. Using water that's too hot will scorch the delicate leaves, resulting in a bitter, astringent cup. If you don't have a temperature-controlled kettle, let boiled water cool for 3-4 minutes before brewing.

Question 3

How long should I steep green tea?

Accepted Answer

Steep green tea for 1-3 minutes. Start with 1-2 minutes for a light, sweet cup, and adjust to taste. Over-steeping will extract too many tannins, making the tea bitter. Many quality green teas can be re-steeped 2-3 times, with each infusion revealing different flavour notes.

Question 4

Why does my green tea taste bitter?

Accepted Answer

Bitterness usually comes from water that's too hot or steeping for too long. Try using cooler water (around 75°C) and reducing your steep time. The quality of the tea also matters. Older or lower-grade teas tend to be more bitter than fresh, high-quality leaves.

Question 5

What's the difference between Chinese and Japanese green tea?

Accepted Answer

Chinese green teas are typically pan-fired, giving them toasty, nutty, or smoky notes. Japanese green teas are usually steamed, resulting in a more vegetal, grassy, and umami-rich character. Both styles offer a wide range of flavours depending on the specific variety and region.

Question 6

How much caffeine is in green tea?

Accepted Answer

Green tea contains approximately 25-50mg of caffeine per cup, less than black tea and significantly less than coffee. The exact amount varies based on the tea variety, brewing temperature, and steeping time. Shaded teas like Gyokuro tend to be higher in caffeine.

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