Chinese Green Tea: Brewing Tips & Health Benefits

Table Of Contents
  1. Brewing Techniques for Green Tea
  2. Health Benefits of Green Tea

Brewing Techniques for Green Tea

Brewing Chinese green tea can be a delightful experience once you get the hang of a few simple techniques. With so many varieties, each type of green tea has its own unique brewing method. Let’s dive into some common brewing techniques!

  1. Flat Shape (Longjing Dragon Well Tea)Brewing Method:
  • Start with a heat-resistant glass cup.
  • Add 2-3 grams of Longjing Dragon Well Tea leaves.
  • Pour in hot water at 80-90°C (176-194°F) until the cup is about 70% full.
  • Gently rotate the cup to let the tea leaves expand and release their aroma.
  • After 30 seconds, add more hot water until the cup is 75% full.
  • Observe the tea color, inhale the fragrance, and sip slowly.
  1. Spiral Shape (Biluochun)Brewing Method:
  • Use a heat-resistant glass cup.
  • Pour one-third of 80-90°C (176-194°F) hot water into the cup.
  • Slowly add 2-3 grams of Biluochun tea leaves using a teaspoon.
  • Gently rotate the cup to ensure the tea leaves fully interact with the water.
  • Add the remaining two-thirds of warm water until the cup is 75% full.
  • Watch the tea leaves swirl and settle, enjoying the aroma and flavor.
  1. Round Shape (Other Round Green Teas)Brewing Method:
  • Prepare a covered porcelain or ceramic cup.
  • Add an appropriate amount of tea leaves.
  • Pour one-quarter cup of 80-90°C (176-194°F) hot water to soak the leaves.
  • Slowly add the remaining water to fill the cup to 75% full.
  • Cover the cup with the lid and wait for 2-3 minutes to allow the tea leaves to release their aroma and flavor.
  • Open the lid and enjoy the fresh taste of the tea.
  1. Needle Shape (Xin-yan-mao-jian Cha)Brewing Method:
  • Use a heat-resistant glass cup.
  • Place 2-3 grams of needle-shaped tea leaves into the glass.
  • Slowly pour 80-95°C (176-203°F) hot water from a higher position.
  • Watch the tea leaves move up and down in the water, resembling bamboo trees swaying in the rain.
  • Appreciate the beautiful sight of the tea leaves before sipping the tea.
  1. Flower Shape (Rou-shan-yun-wu Cha)Brewing Method:
  • Prepare a heat-resistant glass cup.
  • Pour half a cup of 90-95°C (194-203°F) hot water into the cup.
  • Add the tea leaves, then pour more hot water to fill the cup to three-quarters full.
  • Observe the tea leaves blooming and moving in the water, enjoying their fragrance and flavor.
  1. Chrysanthemum Flower TeaBrewing Method:
  • Use a covered cup or teapot, depending on the amount of dried flowers.
  • Add 3 grams of dried chrysanthemums to a covered cup or 5 grams to a teapot.
  • Pour 95-100°C (203-212°F) hot water to fill one-quarter of the cup or teapot.
  • Fully soak the dried flowers for 30 seconds, then add more water to fill three-quarters of the cup.
  • Wait for 2-3 minutes before drinking, enjoying the chrysanthemum’s fragrance and the sweet taste of the tea.

Health Benefits of Green Tea

Beyond its delightful taste, green tea offers numerous health benefits. Let’s explore the primary health advantages that green tea brings!

Anti-agingGreen tea is packed with polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that help eliminate free radicals in the body, slowing down the aging process. Regular consumption of green tea can help maintain youthful skin and overall health.

Disease PreventionGreen tea aids in preventing cardiovascular diseases by promoting fat metabolism, lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglyceride levels, and preventing the formation of atherosclerosis. Additionally, green tea can reduce fasting blood glucose levels, assisting in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes.

Lowering Blood LipidsGreen tea helps lower “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and total cholesterol levels in the blood while reducing triglyceride accumulation, contributing to heart health.

Dental and Eye HealthRich in fluoride, green tea aids in dental health by preventing cavities. Additionally, the vitamin C content in green tea protects vision, reducing eye strain and the risk of vision deterioration.

Fatigue ReliefL-theanine and caffeine in green tea work synergistically to enhance attention and memory, reduce anxiety and stress, and help alleviate fatigue, improving mental clarity and alertness.

Helps Digest Greasy FoodsCatechins in green tea promote the breakdown and metabolism of fats, reducing fat accumulation in the body and aiding in the digestion of greasy foods. Studies have shown that green tea can stimulate bile secretion, accelerate fat digestion and absorption, and help alleviate discomfort caused by fatty meals, thereby reducing the burden of greasy foods on the body.

In this section, we delved into various brewing techniques and the numerous health benefits that green tea offers. Whether it’s traditional brewing methods or modern health advantages, green tea showcases its unique charm and diversity. We hope these tips and insights help you better enjoy every cup of green tea.

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