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Green tea guide

Green Tea: Steeping Times and Varieties

Green tea needs cooler water and a shorter steep than black tea. Start at 170°F for two minutes, then adjust the next cup to taste.

Water temperature170°F
Steep time2:00
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Know your green tea

Matcha

Stone-ground leaves become a fine powder that you whisk into water and drink. The cup tastes bright and grassy.

Sencha

Japan's everyday green tea is steamed and rolled. It makes a grassy, savory cup and works well as a daily brew.

Dragonwell

A flat, pan-fired green from China with a smooth, chestnut-like flavor. Lower heat protects its roasted character.

Brewing green tea

Green tea leaves receive less oxidation than black tea, which gives many green teas a fresh, light character. The variety and processing method still shape the final cup.

Cooler water and a shorter steep can reduce bitterness. Start with the preset above, taste the result, and change the time or temperature for your next cup.

Five cups to try

  1. 1. A daily sencha

    A bright cup for weekday mornings. Use one scoop of leaves, water at 170°F, and a two-minute steep.

  2. 2. A ceremonial matcha

    Whisk the fine powder with warm water and drink the tea with the suspended leaf.

  3. 3. A shade-grown gyokuro

    A shade-grown tea with a deeper color and a soft, sweet finish.

  4. 4. A roasted hojicha

    Roasted green tea with a warm, toasty flavor and a mild finish.

  5. 5. A cold-steeped green

    Steep leaves in cool water overnight for a mellow cup with less bitterness.

Sources: Art of Tea steeping guide. Recommendations are starting points; check your tea package for variety-specific guidance.