“Drinking a cup of green tea, I stopped the war.” — Paul Reps

This simple yet powerful quote by haiku — inspired poet Paul Reps is an epic example of how green tea has taken an important place in day to day lives of people all over the world. Having the green tea is not like just having a beverage, it is an experience, a sheer pleasure one can have once they are in love with this one of the healthiest drinks in the world.

Green tea is a popular drink in all parts of the world and most are just aware of the fact that it is good for health, can help reduce weight, and is refreshing. However, most are unaware of the breadth of health this awesome drink has. Further, most have little knowledge of the best way to prepare Green tea for the best taste and most health benefits. You’ll be surprised to know that there are many ways to prepare Green tea and, best of all, these recipes are completely organic, healthy and taste amazing.

Today, we discuss in detail about this awesome gift of mother nature and understand how can we prepare it with a twist to make you fall in love with it again and again.

What exactly is Green tea?

Originated from China during the reign of Emperor Shennong in 2737 B.C., green tea has an interesting history. According to this legend, the emperor was having boiled water when accidentally few leaves of tea plant fell into his teacup. He just loved its taste and started having it regularly. Later on, green tea became famous when monks started having it for their refreshment and to help them in improving their focus and hence meditating in a better way. These monks used to travel to India and other Asian countries to spread Buddhism and carry green tea with them. Since then, from China to India, Sri Lanka, and other countries, cultivation of green tea got started and green tea became a very popular drink by then.

You must be wondering that what exactly is this green tea which is such a popular drink. Well, in simple terms, green tea is one of the many types of teas which are made from the leaves of Camellia Sinensis plant. One amazing fact about green tea and other teas like Black tea and Oolong tea is that they all are produced from this same plant, only the methods of processing are different. Green tea is made by the leaves that have not processed by the withering and oxidation process like that in black tea and oolong tea. Also, there are many varieties of green tea produced which provide different taste, colour, aroma, and health benefits depending upon the type of tea plant used, geographical conditions of the cultivation area (climate, weather, rain, groundwater, sunlight, humidity, altitude, etc.), horticulture techniques, time of harvesting, and processing methods.

Because of the reason that green tea is made from un-oxidized leaves, it is one of the least processed types of tea and contains the most antioxidants and polyphenols which are beneficial for the health. Let’s see why green tea is considered as one of the healthiest drink and what are its benefits.

Health benefits of Green tea

The plain green tea is 99.9% water. It doesn’t contain any significant nutrients and provides 1 calorie per 100 ml. The main ingredients found in green tea are phytochemicals, such as polyphenols and caffeine. These Polyphenols which are present in green tea include:

• Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
• Epicatechin gallate
• Epicatechinsand
• Flavanols

Other components present in green tea are three kinds of flavonoids:

• Kaempferol
• Quercetin
• Myricetin

These have many health properties like antioxidant, anticarcinogen, anti-inflammatory, and anti-radiation biochemical effects. EGCG prevents from the harmful free oxygen radicals and protects our DNAs from damage, reduces cell proliferation, prevents fat accumulation, prevents microbial infections, reduces fatigue, and improves the immune system. Hence, with so many health benefits, green tea is truly one of the best drink.

Let’s see how we can prepare green tea in a correct way to get the most out of it.

Preparing Green Tea

The basic green tea recipe is very simple but requires some important points to keep in mind while preparing. If you don’t follow these steps, you might ruin the taste as well as the health benefits of your green tea.

You can prepare green tea by using these three types of Green teas:

• Using green tea leaves — generally the highest grade and quality of teas
• Using green tea bags — generally tend to contain a blend of higher and lower grade tea leaves
• Using green tea powder — lowest quality of teas comprised of residue from processed tea leaves, at times referred to as 'dust'

While preparing green tea by either of these methods, you will have to keep in mind few important points because green tea preparation is different from preparing black tea.

Important tips on brewing the perfect cuppa Green tea

• The tea-water ratio to prepare the perfect green tea should be ideally 3:5 i.e. for 3 grams of green tea, take 5 oz. of water. You can change it as per your taste.
• The quality of water you take to prepare your green tea makes a lot of difference. Always use filtered soft water else you’ll get an unexpected taste in the tea.
• The most important point to be remembered while preparing Green tea is the temperature of the water. Tea should not be steeped in water that is above 85-90º Celsius else tea will become bitter and its health benefits will get reduced.
• Steeping time is also a very important factor to consider while preparing Green tea. Only 2-3 minutes of steeping time is sufficient for green tea. If you’ll steep longer than that, the green tea will turn bitter and grassy in taste.

Now, let’s see how to prepare green tea. In its basic form, green tea can be prepared in these easy steps.

How to prepare basic Green tea

• Boil one cup of water in the kettle and then allow it to stand for about 3 minutes
• Put one teabag in the cup and pour the hot water over it
• Allow steeping for 3 minutes
• Remove the tea bag and wait for another 3 minutes
• Now your tea is ready to drink

For some of you, this basic green tea might be too basic. You must be wondering if you can have it with a twist so that it can be more delicious. Well, you are at the right place to know that. Here we are presenting you best green tea recipes which are not only good in taste but also full of health benefits of the green tea. Here we are...

Recipe for Green tea with lemon

Sometimes few people get a feeling of nausea on having green tea because of the caffeine in it. To avoid that, you can add lemon juice to it. It will not only enhance the taste but also will make your tea enriched with vitamin C. It will reduce/eliminate the nausea effect too.

While preparing the basic green tea, just add one teaspoon of lemon juice in it. Make sure that your lemon juice is freshly squeezed to get the best benefits and taste.

Recipe for Cinnamon Green tea

Cinnamon is considered as one of the healthiest spices in the world. Its antioxidant properties help in improving the metabolism of your body. When you add this spice to your green tea, it multiplies its health benefits. It’s very easy to prepare this tea, find our recipe below.

Ingredients:

1. Cinnamon — a fresh cinnamon stick of about 1 inch
2. Green tea — 1 teaspoon
3. Water — 1 cup

Instructions:

• Step 1: Boil the cinnamon stick in the water for about 10 minutes
• Step 2: Let the water cool down for about 3 minutes
• Step 3: Add green tea and let it steep for 3 minutes
• Step 4: Strain the tea and serve

Recipe for Lemongrass Green Tea

Lemongrass is one of the best remedies for relief from stomach disorders, insomnia, respiratory disorders, fever, aches, infections, rheumatism, and oedema. When consumed with green tea, it not only enhances the flavour but also the aroma. It’s soothing and excellent for overall health. Here is the recipe...

Ingredients:

1. Chopped lemongrass — 2 teaspoons
2. Green tea leaves — 1 teaspoon
3. Water — 1 cup
4. Honey — 1 teaspoon (if needed for taste)

Instructions:

• Step 1: Boil the water along with lemongrass for 5 minutes
• Step 2: Let the water cool down for about 3 minutes
• Step 3: Add green tea and let it steep for 3 minutes
• Step 4: Strain the tea into a cup and add honey if needed for the taste

Recipe for Ginger Green tea

When you are suffering from a sore throat and cold, there cannot be a better treatment than having a cup of hot ginger green tea which is a 100% organic home remedy to get rid of such viral problems like flu. Have a cup of ginger green tea twice or thrice a day and you’ll be amazed to see that it will cure your problems within a couple of days. Not only for curing such ailments, but Ginger Green tea can also be consumed on a regular basis for many health benefits of ginger and green tea. Ginger is a sure shot traditional medicine which can cure indigestion, reduce nausea and help fight the flu and common cold, to name a few. Let’s see how can we prepare a fresh cup of ginger green tea at home.

Ingredients:

1. Fresh ginger — 2-3 thin slices
2. Green tea leaves — 1 teaspoon
3. Lemon juice — as per the taste
4. Honey — 1 teaspoon (if needed for the taste)

Instructions:

• Step 1: Boil the water along with ginger slices for 5 minutes
• Step 2: Let the water cool down for about 3 minutes
• Step 3: Add green tea and let it steep for 3 minutes
• Step 4: Strain the tea into a cup and add lemon juice and honey if needed for the taste

Recipe for Iced Green tea

In summers, you can even try to have chilled green tea which is quite refreshing and rejuvenating. It boosts your metabolism and is low on calorie. Its recipe is very simple.

Ingredients:

1. Green Tea Bags — 6 to 8
2. Water — 6 cups
3. Ice cubes — 6
4. Artificial sweetener (non-caloric) — ½ cup

Instructions:

• Step 1: Boil the water and let it cool down for 5 minutes
• Step 2: Add green tea bags to it and let it steep for about 5 minutes
• Step 3: Remove the tea bags
• Step 4: Add artificial sweetener to this and stir until the sweetener dissolves
• Step 5: Keep it refrigerated till the tea gets cold
• Step 6: Add ice cubes and serve chilled

Recipe for Rose Green tea

For those who love the exotic fragrance of rose, this is just a perfect beverage for them. The mixed taste of rose and green tea will definitely refresh you. This tea is good for weight loss and to burn calories. So, beat the heat of summer with this amazing recipe.

Ingredients:

1. Green Tea leaves — 1 teaspoon
2. Rose petals — 1 teaspoon
3. Water — 1 cup
4. Calorie-free sweetener or honey — as per the taste

Instructions:

• Step 1: Boil the water and let it cool down for 5 minutes
• Step 2: Then add green tea leaves and rose petals to it and let it steep for about 5 minutes
• Step 3: Strain the tea and add artificial sweetener or honey as per the taste
• Step 4: Serve hot or refrigerate it and then serve chilled

Recipe for Mint Green tea

Mint is a very popular herb which provides many health benefits like improves digestion and assists in weight loss, provides relief from nausea, depression, fatigue, and headache. With green tea, it makes an amazing combo of combined health benefits. It’s refreshing and delicious and very less in calories. Here is the recipe in its simplest form.

Ingredients:

1. Fresh mint leaves — 5 chopped
2. Green tea leaves — 1 teaspoon
3. Water — 1 glass
4. Honey — 1 teaspoon (if needed)

Instructions:

• Step 1: Boil the water and pour it into a glass containing chopped mint leaves and tea leaves
• Step 2: Refrigerate this glass for 3-4 hours
• Step 3: Strain the tea into a glass and add honey
• Step 4: Add crushed ice cubes and mix well
• Step 5: Serve chilled

Recipe for Basil Green tea

Basil green tea is one of the best health beverage when it comes to its so many health benefits. Basil is a rich source of antioxidants which help in controlling the damage caused by the free radicals. It is also a great source of providing immunity from a cough and cold. Let’s check out its recipe.

Ingredients:

1. Basil Leaves — 8 to 10 chopped
2. Green tea leaves — 1 teaspoon
3. Honey — 1 teaspoon
4. Water — 1 cup

Instructions:

• Step 1: Boil the water and let it cool down for 5 minutes
• Step 2: Add basil leaves and green tea leaves to this and let it steep for 5 minutes
• Step 3: Strain the tea and add honey if needed
• Step 4: Mix well and serve hot

As you can see, all of these recipes are the best green tea recipes which are completely healthy and easy to prepare. They have almost the same process to prepare except the ingredients used. All these recipes are low in calorie and rich in antioxidants. They boost your body’s metabolism and help in weight loss.

But to prepare these recipes, it’s very important to use green tea which is not only of good quality but also from a reliable source. At teakruthi, we provide only premium grade tea leaves of 100% Pure Ceylon green tea. Apart from green tea, we have other types of teas available such as our black, oolong, and white teas.

So, when you prepare your green tea today, do share your experience with us. We would be glad to know it.

About the author

Gaurav Saraswat

Contributing author

Gaurav loves to weave some magical stories around anything and everything. Passionate about photography and traveling, his day starts with a hot cup of refreshing green tea that keeps him good to go for the entire day. The Mythical Green tea from teakruthi is his all-time favourite for rejuvenating his mind, body, and soul.

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