Green Or White Tea Recipe

Heat water

Measure 12 oz (about 350 ml) fresh cold water. Heat water until just below boiling: about 175–185°F (80–85°C) for green tea or 160–175°F (70–80°C) for delicate white tea. If you don't have a thermometer, bring to a simmer then remove from heat and let sit 1–2 minutes (green) or 2–3 minutes (white) to cool slightly.

Measure tea

Place 2 teaspoons loose leaf green or white tea into a teapot, infuser, or mug. Use 1 teaspoon per 6 oz if adjusting serving size (this recipe uses 2 tsp for ~12 oz).

Steep

Pour the heated water over the tea leaves. Cover the teapot or place a lid over the mug to retain heat. Steep green tea for 2–3 minutes; steep white tea for 3–5 minutes depending on desired strength. Avoid oversteeping to prevent bitterness.

Strain

After the appropriate steep time, remove the infuser or strain the leaves from the tea into a cup to stop extraction.

Taste the brewed tea. If desired, stir in honey or another sweetener 1 teaspoon at a time until you reach your preferred sweetness.

Add a slice of fresh lemon to one cup for a bright citrus note. Note: adding lemon can increase perceived bitterness slightly; add after tasting.

Gently clap or bruise 3 fresh mint leaves between your hands and drop them into the hot tea for a minty aroma, or use as a garnish.

Serve the tea warm immediately. If cooling for iced tea, double the tea amount or cool and refrigerate, then serve over ice.

Leftover brewed tea can be refrigerated in a covered container for up to 48 hours. Re-steep fresh leaves for best flavor rather than reheating brewed tea.