China Green Jade Recipe

Tea

1. 1

   Heat water

   Bring the 12 oz of water to between 175°F and 185°F (80–85°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, bring water to a simmer and let it sit off heat for about 1 minute.

2. 2

   Warm teaware

   Pour the optional 1 oz of hot water into your teapot or gaiwan and teacup, swirl to warm the vessel, then discard the rinse water. This helps stabilize temperature during infusion.

3. 3

   Rinse leaves (optional)

   Place 2 tsp of the China green tea leaves into the warmed teapot or gaiwan. Quickly pour a small amount (about 1 oz) of the heated water over the leaves, swirl gently for 5–8 seconds, then pour out and discard this rinse. This awakens the leaves and removes dust while preserving delicate flavors.

4. 4

   First infusion

   Pour the heated 12 oz of water over the rinsed leaves. Steep for 2 minutes if you prefer a bright, vegetal cup; steep up to 3 minutes for a fuller-bodied infusion. Cover the vessel while steeping to keep temperature even.

5. 5

   Sweeten (optional)

   If desired, stir in 1 tsp honey or a small piece of rock sugar into the brewed tea while still warm so it dissolves fully. Taste and adjust — add up to 1 tsp more if you prefer sweeter tea.

6. 6

   Strain and serve

   Pour the brewed tea through a strainer into your warmed cup(s) to catch the leaves. Garnish with a strip of lemon peel or a fresh jasmine blossom if using, which complements the green tea’s floral notes without overpowering them.

7. 7

   Re-steep leaves

   Reserve the leaves for 2–3 additional infusions. For subsequent brews, increase steeping time by 30–45 seconds each time (e.g., 2:30–3:30, then 3:00–4:00). Use the same leaves until flavor diminishes.