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Ingredients
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Sencha Green Tea (hot, single cup)
Jasmine Green Tea (hot, single cup)
Iced Green Tea (make ~4 cups)
Method
Sencha Green Tea (hot, single cup)
- 1
Heat water
Bring fresh filtered water to a simmer but do not boil. Target temperature: 160–175°F (70–80°C). If you don't have a thermometer, bring water to a boil then let it rest 4–6 minutes to cool.
- 2
- 3
Steep
Pour ~8 fl oz (240 ml) of the heated water over the leaves. Steep for 1.5–2 minutes for a light cup; up to 2.5 minutes for fuller flavor. Avoid steeping longer than 3 minutes to prevent bitterness.
- 4
- 5
Second infusion (optional)
Sencha leaves can be steeped a second time. Use water a little hotter (175–80°C) and shorten steep time to 30–45 seconds.
Jasmine Green Tea (hot, single cup)
- 6
Heat water
Heat fresh filtered water to 160–175°F (70–80°C). Let boiled water cool 4–6 minutes if no thermometer is available.
- 7
Measure leaves
Place 2 tsp jasmine green tea leaves into an infuser or cup. Adjust to 2.5 tsp for stronger flavor.
- 8
Steep
Pour 8 fl oz (240 ml) of heated water over the leaves and steep 2–3 minutes. Start at 2 minutes and increase slightly if you prefer more aroma; avoid steeping longer than 3 minutes to prevent vegetal bitterness.
- 9
Strain and finish
Remove leaves or strain. Stir in optional sweetener (about 1 tsp) or garnish with a mint sprig. Serve warm.
- 10
Second infusion (optional)
Jasmine tea can often be steeped again. Use slightly hotter water and a 30–45 second steep for the second brew.
Iced Green Tea (pitcher, ~4 cups)
- 11
Heat water
Bring 32 fl oz (1 litre) of filtered water to near-boil then let cool to 175°F (80°C). If you prefer, use cold-brew method: put tea leaves directly in cold water and refrigerate 4–6 hours.
- 12
Measure leaves
Place 4 tsp loose tea (or 4 tea bags) into a heatproof pitcher or a pot.
- 13
Steep
Pour the hot water over the leaves and steep 2–3 minutes for a balanced strength. For cold-brewed iced tea, steep in refrigerator 4–8 hours (longer = stronger).
- 14
Strain and cool
Strain leaves and let the tea cool to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator until cold (or pour over ice immediately).
- 15
Sweeten and serve
If using sweetener, stir in simple syrup or dissolved sweetener while the tea is still warm. Fill glasses with ice, pour tea, and garnish with lemon slices if desired.