A beautiful cup of green tea should be fresh, fragrant and quietly layered, never harsh or overpowered by bitterness. The difference comes down to a gentler water temperature, a shorter steep and a little room for the leaves to open.
What makes green tea different?
Green tea is valued for its fresh, delicate character and is generally less oxidised than black tea. Depending on the tea, you may notice grassy, sweet, nutty, floral or lightly toasted notes. Because the leaves are more sensitive to heat and time, green tea rewards a lighter touch. Explore the Sisan Botanicals Green Tea collection to find your next cup.
What you’ll need
- Loose-leaf green tea
- Fresh, filtered water
- A kettle or thermometer
- A teapot, infuser or fine tea strainer
- A cup with enough room for the leaves to expand
Green tea brewing guide
Use 1 teaspoon of loose-leaf green tea for every 250 ml of water. Begin with water at 70–80°C. If you do not have a temperature-controlled kettle, let freshly boiled water cool for several minutes before pouring.
- Warm your teapot or cup. Rinse it with a little warm water, then discard the water.
- Measure the leaves. Use 1 teaspoon per 250 ml of water and leave enough space for the leaves to unfold.
- Pour in the cooler water. Cover the leaves completely without using boiling water.
- Steep for 2–3 minutes. Start at 2 minutes for a lighter cup, then taste and extend slightly if you prefer more body.
- Remove the leaves. Strain the tea promptly so the leaves do not continue brewing in the cup.
How do you brew green tea without bitterness?
The simplest answer is to avoid water that is too hot and steeping for too long. Try 75°C water and a 2-minute steep as a gentle starting point. If the tea tastes thin, increase the steeping time gradually. If it tastes sharp or dry, lower the temperature or shorten the next infusion.
Can you use boiling water for green tea?
Boiling water can overwhelm the lighter flavours of many green teas and may bring out unwanted bitterness. Allow the water to cool before brewing. A temperature between 70 and 80°C is a useful general range, although individual teas may have their own ideal setting.
Common green tea brewing mistakes
- Pouring boiling water over the leaves: Cooler water helps preserve green tea’s delicate flavour.
- Leaving the leaves in the cup: Strain the tea once the steeping time is complete.
- Using too many leaves: Begin with 1 teaspoon per 250 ml and adjust to taste.
- Relying only on the clock: Taste the tea as it brews, since leaf size and style can change the ideal timing.
Can green tea be steeped more than once?
Many loose-leaf green teas can be enjoyed for a second or third infusion. Use the same temperature and add a little extra time to each subsequent steep. Later infusions are often lighter and can reveal different layers of flavour.
A calmer green tea ritual
Green tea suits a quiet morning, a mid-afternoon reset or any moment that calls for something fresh and refined. Enjoy it on its own, or pair it with fresh fruit, lightly salted snacks or delicate sweets. For a considered brewing setup, explore the Tea Essentials collection.
Ready to brew?
Start with cooler water, a short steep and a little attention to the leaves. Explore the Green Tea collection and make your next cup a gentler, more aromatic ritual with Sisan Botanicals.