Green tea is one of the world's most nuanced teas — and also one of the most misbrewed. The most common mistake? Boiling water. Green tea leaves are delicate, and high heat turns them bitter in seconds. Master the temperature and timing, and you'll unlock a cup that's bright, vegetal, and quietly complex.
The Golden Rules of Green Tea Brewing
- Water temperature: 70–80°C (never boiling). Let your kettle cool for 3–5 minutes after boiling, or use a temperature-controlled kettle.
- Leaf quantity: 1 teaspoon (2–3g) per 200ml of water.
- Steep time: 1–3 minutes. Start shorter — you can always steep longer next time.
- Vessel: A glass or ceramic teapot or cup. Avoid stainless steel, which can affect flavour.
Variety Guide: Which Green Tea Are You Brewing?
Different green teas have distinct characters and ideal brewing conditions. Here's how to get the best from each.
Japanese Sencha
The benchmark Japanese green tea — steamed, rolled, and grassy. Brew at 70°C for 1.5–2 minutes. Expect a clean, umami-forward cup with a pale golden liquor.
China Jasmine Green Tea
Scented with fresh jasmine blossoms during processing, not flavouring. Brew at 75–80°C for 2 minutes. Floral and light, it's one of the most approachable green teas for new drinkers.
Japanese Genmaicha
Sencha blended with toasted rice — earthy, nutty, and deeply comforting. Brew at 75°C for 2 minutes. A wonderful breakfast or afternoon tea.
Gunpowder Green Tea
Hand-rolled into tiny pellets that unfurl dramatically in hot water. Slightly smokier than most green teas. Brew at 80°C for 2–3 minutes.
Cherry Green Tea
A delicate green tea base with natural cherry notes — bright, sweet, and beautifully aromatic. Brew at 75°C for 2 minutes. A lovely afternoon cup.
Japanese Bancha
Harvested later in the season, Bancha is lower in caffeine and naturally mellow. Brew at 80°C for 2–3 minutes. An excellent everyday tea.
Can You Re-Steep Green Tea?
Yes — and you should. Most quality loose leaf green teas can be steeped 2–3 times. Each subsequent steep reveals a slightly different character: the first is bright and grassy, the second is softer and sweeter, the third is light and gentle. Reduce your steep time slightly with each round.
How to Store Green Tea
Green tea is sensitive to light, heat, moisture, and odour. Our tins are designed to protect your leaves — keep them in a cool, dark cupboard away from coffee, spices, and strong scents. Use within 12 months of opening for best flavour.
Ready to Explore?
Browse our full Green Tea Collection — from classic Japanese Senchas to floral Jasmine blends and toasty Genmaicha. Every leaf is loose, every tin is sealed for freshness.