Learn how to brew green tea perfectly every time with our step-by-step guide. Discover the right temperature, steeping times, and techniques to unlock the best flavor and health benefits.
At Furn-store, we believe that a truly comfortable home engages all the senses. The softness of your sofa, the warmth of your lighting, the gentle aroma of something soothing brewing in your kitchen—these details transform a house into a sanctuary.
Few rituals are as simple, yet as profoundly comforting, as brewing a cup of green tea. But here's the thing: green tea is delicate. Brew it too hot, and it turns bitter. Steep it too long, and you lose its gentle sweetness. Done right, however, it rewards you with a cup that is fragrant, smooth, and deeply nourishing.
Whether you're a longtime tea lover or just beginning your journey, this guide will teach you how to brew green tea perfectly—every single time.
Why Brewing Green Tea Correctly Matters
Green tea is not as forgiving as black tea or herbal infusions. Because it is minimally processed (unoxidized), its leaves retain high levels of natural compounds—antioxidants, amino acids, and volatile oils—that are easily damaged by careless brewing.
When you brew green tea correctly:
• The flavor is smooth and vegetal, with subtle sweetness and no harsh bitterness
• The aroma is fresh and fragrant, evoking notes of grass, seaweed, or steamed vegetables
• The health benefits are maximized, as delicate catechins and L-theanine are preserved
• The experience becomes meditative, a moment of calm in a busy day
Brew it poorly, and you'll wonder what all the fuss is about. Brew it well, and you'll understand why green tea has been cherished for centuries.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Brew Green Tea
Step 1: Choose Your Tea
Not all green teas are created equal. Different varieties require slightly different brewing approaches. Here are some common types:
Sencha (Japanese):
Bright green, grassy, slightly sweet. The most popular Japanese green tea.
Matcha (Japanese):
Finely ground powder whisked into water, not steeped. Creamy and umami-rich.
Genmaicha (Japanese):
Sencha mixed with toasted brown rice. Nutty, warm, and comforting.
Longjing / Dragon Well (Chinese):
Flat, pan-roasted leaves with a toasty, chestnut-like flavour.
Jasmine Green Tea (Chinese):
Green tea scented with jasmine blossoms. Floral and elegant.
Gunpowder Green Tea (Chinese):
Rolled into tiny pellets that unfurl when steeped. Bold and slightly smoky.
Pro Tip:
For the freshest flavour, buy small quantities of loose-leaf tea and use it within 6-12 months. Store in an airtight container away from light, heat, and moisture.
S
tep 2: Measure Your Leaves
T
he general ratio for brewing green tea is:
1
teaspoon of loose-leaf tea per 8 ounces (240 ml) of water
I
f you're using a larger teapot, adjust accordingly. For a stronger cup, add more leaves—not more time. Over-steeping extracts bitterness; more leaves extract more flavour without the bite.
For teas with large, fluffy leaves (like some Chinese greens), you may need 2 teaspoons. For dense, rolled leaves (like gunpowder), 1 teaspoon is usually sufficient.
S
t
ep 3: Heat Your Water to the Right Temperature
Th
is is the most critical step in learning how to brew green tea properly.
Gr
een tea should never meet boiling water.
Bo
iling water (100°C / 212°F) scorches the delicate leaves, releasing tannins that make your tea taste bitter and astringent. Instead, aim for a temperature between 70
°C and 80°C (158°F to 176°F) .
Ho
w to get the right temperature without a fancy kettle:
Br
ing water to a full boil.
Let it sit for 2-3 minutes b
efore pouring over your leaves.
Alternatively, po
ur boiling water into your empty teapot first t
o warm it, then discard the water and add your leaves. The pot will cool the water slightly as you pour.
Step 4: Steep for the Right Amount of Time
Now it's time to brew. Pour your heated water over the leaves and start your timer.
General steeping times for green tea:
1 to 3 minutes
is the sweet spot
Start checking at 1 minute for delicate teas
Most benefit from 2-3 minutes
If you like a stronger cup,
add more leaves rather than steeping longer. Extra steeping time extracts bitterness, not flavour.
If you accidentally over-steep,
don't throw it away! It may be too bitter to drink plain, but you can:
Use it as a base for iced tea
Add a splash of honey and lemon
Save it for cooking (green tea can be used in marinades or rice)
S
tep 5: Enjoy Multiple Infusions
H
ere's a secret that delights newcomers: h
igh-quality green tea can be steeped multiple times.
T
he first infusion opens the leaves. The second (and sometimes third) reveals deeper, more complex flavours.
H
ow to resteep:
A
fter finishing your first cup, simply add more water at the correct temperature
Increase steeping time slightly with each subsequent infusion (e.g., 30 seconds longer)
Most good green teas will give you 2-3 satisfying infusions
T
his practice, common in Chinese and Japanese tea ceremonies, makes each session feel like a gift that keeps giving.
Creating Your Green Tea Ritual at Home
At Furn-store, we believe that how you do one thing is how you do everything. Brewing tea with care is not just about the beverage—it's about creating a moment of peace in your day.
Find Your Tea Corner
esignate a small area in your home for your tea ritual. It could be a tray on your kitchen counter, a side table in your living room, or a dedicated spot on a bookshelf. Keep your tea canister, your favourite pot, and your cherished mug there, ready for when you need a pause.
C
hoose the Right Setting
T
he best tea is enjoyed in comfort. Settle into your favourite armchair, wrap yourself in a soft throw, and place your cup on a sturdy side table within easy reach. Let the warmth of the tea and the comfort of your surroundings work together to calm your mind.
Ma
ke It Mindful
A
s
your tea steeps, resist the urge to scroll through your phone. Instead, watch the leaves unfurl. Inhale the rising steam. Listen to the quiet. This simple act of attention transforms a daily habit into a sacred ritual.
Fre
q
uently Asked Questions
Can
I brew green tea in a mug with a tea bag?
Abso
lutely. Follow the same temperature and timing guidelines. Just ensure the bag has room to move—don't overcrowd it.
Is g
reen tea caffeine-free?
No,
green tea contains caffeine, but less than coffee or black tea. A cup typically has 20-45 mg, compared to 95 mg in coffee.
Can
I drink green tea cold?
Yes!
Brewed green tea makes excellent iced tea. Brew double-strength, pour over ice, and enjoy. For the best flavour, avoid adding ice while hot—cool it first to prevent dilution.
How
should I store my green tea?
Keep
it in an airtight container, away from light, heat, and moisture. Never store it in the refrigerator—condensation will ruin the leaves.
Why
does my green tea taste fishy?
This
sometimes happens with low-quality matcha or improperly stored tea. It can also occur if water is too hot. Use high-quality tea and the correct temperature.
The
P
erfect Cup Awaits
Learn
ing how to brew green tea properly is a small skill with a big reward. With practice, it becomes second nature—a gentle, grounding ritual that enriches your daily life.
At Furn-store, we design furniture for these moments. For the mornings you sip sencha in peaceful silence. For the afternoons you share jasmine tea with a friend across the coffee table. For the evenings you curl up with genmaicha and a good book, wrapped in the comfort of a home that truly feels like yours.
We'd
love to hear from you: Do you have a favourite green tea? What's your brewing ritual? Share your tips and stories with our community in the comments below.