If you have tried green tea and found it harsh, grassy or bitter, you are not alone. The good news is that the problem is rarely the tea itself. It is almost always the brewing.
Green tea is delicate. With a few small adjustments, the same leaves can taste sweet, smooth and fragrant – while still delivering their famous catechins.
Key Takeaways
- Water that is too hot is the most common cause of bitter green tea.
- Most green teas brew best at 70 to 80 degrees Celsius for 1 to 3 minutes.
- Loose leaf tea usually tastes better and can be steeped several times.
- Store green tea airtight, away from light, heat and strong smells.
Why Green Tea Turns Bitter
Green tea contains catechins and caffeine, which taste bitter and astringent, as well as amino acids like L-theanine, which taste sweet and savory. Very hot water and long steeping pull out more of the bitter compounds quickly, overwhelming the sweeter notes.
The Golden Rules
- Water temperature – 70 to 80 degrees Celsius for most green teas
- Steeping time – 1 to 3 minutes, depending on the tea
- Ratio – about 2 to 3 grams of leaves per 200 ml of water
- Water quality – fresh, filtered water if your tap water is hard or heavily chlorinated
No thermometer? Boil water and let it rest for three to five minutes, or add a splash of cold water to the cup first.
Brewing Guide by Tea Type
Sencha 75 to 80 degrees for 1 to 2 minutes. Bright, grassy and refreshing.
Gyokuro 50 to 60 degrees for 2 minutes. Shaded tea that is rich and savory, best brewed cool.
Chinese Green Teas like Longjing 75 to 85 degrees for 2 to 3 minutes. Nutty and toasty.
Jasmine Green Tea 75 to 80 degrees for 2 to 3 minutes. Floral and gentle.
Green Tea Bags 75 to 80 degrees for about 2 minutes. Remove the bag rather than squeezing it.
Re-Steeping for More Flavor
High quality loose leaf green tea can usually be steeped two or three times. Increase the time slightly with each infusion. Many tea lovers think the second cup is the best.
Cold Brew Green Tea
For the smoothest possible tea, try cold brewing. Add 8 to 10 grams of green tea to a liter of cold water and refrigerate for 6 to 8 hours. Strain and enjoy. Cold brew is naturally sweet with very little bitterness and keeps in the fridge for a couple of days.
Getting the Most Antioxidants
Steeping a little longer or at slightly higher temperatures extracts more catechins – and more bitterness. A good compromise is to follow the recommended times and drink two or three cups across the day. A squeeze of lemon may help stabilize catechins during digestion, and drinking tea between meals rather than with iron-rich meals can help if you are watching your iron intake.
Storing Your Tea
Keep green tea in an airtight, opaque container in a cool cupboard. Avoid storing it near spices or coffee, because tea absorbs aromas easily. Try to finish opened packages within a few months for the freshest taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should green tea be brewed at?
Most green teas brew best at 70 to 80 degrees Celsius. Delicate shaded teas like gyokuro can be brewed even cooler, around 50 to 60 degrees.
How long should I steep green tea?
Generally 1 to 3 minutes. Steeping longer extracts more bitter compounds and can make the tea harsh.
Does cold brew green tea have antioxidants?
Yes. Cold brew green tea still contains catechins, though often slightly fewer than hot brewed tea, and it tends to have a smoother, sweeter flavor.
This article is for general educational purposes and does not replace personal advice from a doctor or registered dietitian. Talk to a healthcare professional before making major changes to your diet or starting supplements, especially if you are pregnant, take medication or manage a health condition.
