Green tea is a much-loved beverage, its fresh taste and numerous health benefits endearing it to many. However, brewing green tea correctly, particularly getting the ratio of tea leaves right, often perplexes tea enthusiasts. Here, we will detail the correct ratios of tea leaves for brewing green tea, along with some tips, to help you brew the perfect cup of green tea every time.

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The Ratio of Green Tea Leaves for Brewing

The amount of green tea leaves used when brewing is key. Generally, 2 grams of green tea leaves are needed for every 150 milliliters of water, which is roughly one teaspoon. However, this can be adjusted based on the type of tea and personal preference. Below are specific suggestions for common types of green tea:

Suggested Amounts for Common Types of Green Tea

1. Longjing (Dragon Well) Tea: For this flat-shaped green tea, use about 3 grams per brewing, slightly more than one teaspoon. Longjing tea leaves are delicate, and using too much can result in an overly strong brew.

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2. Biluochun (Green Snail Spring) Tea: Biluochun has small tea leaves, and 2.5 grams is suggested for every 150 milliliters of water. This tea has a rich aroma, and using too little can affect the taste.

3. Maofeng (Fur Peak) Tea: Maofeng tea leaves are fluffy and occupy more space, so about 4 grams should be used each time. This ensures a moderate concentration of the tea.

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Selecting the Right Brewing Utensils

Different tea utensils have a significant impact on the taste of green tea. Common utensils for brewing green tea include gaiwans, glass cups, and ceramic teapots.

1. Gaiwan (Lidded Bowl): Gaiwans are suitable for brewing delicate green teas like Longjing and Biluochun. Use about 1/5-1/4 of the gaiwan's bottom in tea leaves, and control the water temperature between 80-85°C.

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2. Glass Cups: Glass cups are transparent and allow you to admire the tea leaves as they unfurl in the water. They are suitable for brewing fluffier green teas like Maofeng and Zhuyeqing. Use approximately 3 grams of tea leaves, and the recommended water temperature is around 85°C.

3. Ceramic Teapot: Ceramic teapots retain heat well and are suitable for brewing teas like Maojian and Huangshan Green Peony. Use about 4 grams of tea leaves each time, and the recommended water temperature is also 80-85°C.

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Tips for Brewing Green Tea

Master these few tips to brew green tea at home that rivals professional standards:

1. Choice of Water: The quality of water used for brewing green tea is very important; soft or purified water is recommended. Hard water can affect the aroma and taste of the tea.

2. Water Temperature Control: Different green teas require different water temperatures. Generally, delicate green teas like Longjing and Biluochun are suitable for water temperatures between 80-85°C, while slightly coarser green teas like Maofeng and Zhuyeqing can be brewed with water around 90°C.

3. Brewing Time: The first brewing should take approximately 1-2 minutes, adjustable according to the type of tea and personal preference. Subsequent infusions can be longer.

4. Adjustment of Tea Leaf Quantity: If you prefer a stronger tea, you can increase the quantity of tea leaves or extend the brewing time; if you prefer a lighter taste, reduce the quantity of tea leaves or shorten the brewing time.

Enjoying the Pleasures of Green Tea

Brewing green tea is not just a technical skill but also a way to enjoy life. Each attempt is an exploration of the diverse flavors of green tea and your own preferences. By continuously adjusting the amount of tea leaves, water temperature, and brewing time, you will discover the best method for brewing green tea that suits you.

Hopefully, these tips on the ratios of green tea leaves for brewing will help you brew cups of green tea that are fragrant and pleasant to the palate. Whether enjoying a cup alone or sharing with friends, you can appreciate the tranquility and beauty that green tea brings.