GREEN TEA
HISTORY AND CUSTOMS
Ancient chinese people just chewed or ate the leaves of the tea plant instead of eating them. Eventually added the leaves to other dishes for flavor. Original methods of making green tea are still used today. During the Song dynasty, a special type of green tea was made; Miynlong tea, was a giant ball wrapped in yellow silk ribbons was presented to the emperor as a tribute. (It was used to present longevity). Tea was originally just supposed to be a luxury drink, but during the Wei Jin dynasty, it became a common thing to drink. After the 1900’s, green tea eventually spread to the rest of the world.
INGREDIENTSGreen tea is made of two basic ingredients
The leaves from a Camellia sinensis (Tea plant) Boiled water |
DirectionsDIRECTIONS1. Heat the water: Place the water in a tea kettle and heat it to 160°F to 180°F. Alternatively, bring the water to a boil and then let it rest until it cools to the correct temperature. If you do not have a thermometer to measure the specific temperature, heat the water to just short of boiling. Traditionally Japanese green teas and spring teas are brewed at lower temperatures (160°F to 170°F) and standard Chinese green teas at higher temperatures (170°F to 180°F).
2. Pre-warm the teapot or cup (optional): Pour a small amount of boiling water into the pot or cup. When the pot or cup is warm, pour out the water. 3. Measure the tea leaves: Using a scale, measure 2 grams of tea leaves. Alternatively, measure 1 teaspoon of tea leaves. 4. Place the leaves in the teapot or cup: Place the tea leaves in the pot or cup, either directly or in an infuser. 5. Pour the water: Pour the water over the tea leaves. 6. Cover the teapot or cup: Place the lid on the teapot, or if using a cup, cover it with a lid or a small saucer. 7. Steep the tea: Depending on the particular variety, the tea should steep for 1 to 3 minutes. Small leaves generally infuse more quickly than large leaves. Set a timer for 1 minute. Taste the tea at 1 minute and then every 30 seconds until it is to your liking. 8. Stop the infusion: As soon as the tea is ready, remove the leaves by lifting out the infuser or pouring the tea through a strainer. |
SOURCES
Han, Emily. "How To Brew Green Tea." The Kitchen. Apartment Therapy, n.d. Web. 12 Feb. 2016.
"The History of Green Tea." Teavivre. Teavivre.com, 2013. Web. 12 Feb. 2016.
"The History of Green Tea." Teavivre. Teavivre.com, 2013. Web. 12 Feb. 2016.