1: First and foremost, know that green tea does not stay fresh for long periods of time, and fresh is definitely what you want. For sure, this is not like the bag of Chinese oolong tea that's been sitting in your cupboard for 2 years. In Japan, green tea typically has a shelf life of just six months. One should try to get their hands on green tea that has been packaged for as short a period of time as possible. The shelf life of green tea can be extended by months provided that it is stored under refrigeration (not freezing.) This however only applies to unopened packages.
2: Once a package of green tea has been opened, the clock starts to tick and the shelf life is reduced considerably, usually to about 2 or 3 months. Once opened, one can usually notice differences in color and quality in as little as a few weeks. This is because quality green teas are stored in nitrogen filled packaging, or packaging that was first flushed with nitrogen and then vacuum packed. Once you open the package, it is then exposed to oxygen. It no longer helps to store your green tea in the refrigerator at this time, and in fact it probably hurts things. Buy what you can drink within two months.
3: Buy first harvest green tea. Did you know there are actually 3 or 4 harvests per year? While green teas from later harvests can be delicious, it is has been proven that there are more nutrients in the first harvest green teas. First harvest green tea is stored under special conditions and can be obtained throughout the year. Once again, look at the packaging date.
4: Learn how to brew it correctly. Green tea is fussy when compared with most other teas. While it's not brain surgery, you do need to know what you are doing - there are things to be considered! Steeping leaves for 10 minutes in just boiled water is the surest way to get a lousy cup of green tea. Very generally speaking, steep 1 teaspoon of leaves in about eight ounces of very hot but not scalding water (175F is about right) for just two minutes. Be sure to drain completely between servings. These times and temperatures can and do vary quite a bit depending on the many green teas so be sure to do your homework on how to brew the particular type of green tea you purchase.
5: Don't throw out those wet leaves! I only say that because many people don't know that it's normal practice to re-infuse the leaves 3 or 4 times. That would be within a span of 3 or 4 hours, don't leave wet leaves in your teapot all day however.
2: Once a package of green tea has been opened, the clock starts to tick and the shelf life is reduced considerably, usually to about 2 or 3 months. Once opened, one can usually notice differences in color and quality in as little as a few weeks. This is because quality green teas are stored in nitrogen filled packaging, or packaging that was first flushed with nitrogen and then vacuum packed. Once you open the package, it is then exposed to oxygen. It no longer helps to store your green tea in the refrigerator at this time, and in fact it probably hurts things. Buy what you can drink within two months.
3: Buy first harvest green tea. Did you know there are actually 3 or 4 harvests per year? While green teas from later harvests can be delicious, it is has been proven that there are more nutrients in the first harvest green teas. First harvest green tea is stored under special conditions and can be obtained throughout the year. Once again, look at the packaging date.
4: Learn how to brew it correctly. Green tea is fussy when compared with most other teas. While it's not brain surgery, you do need to know what you are doing - there are things to be considered! Steeping leaves for 10 minutes in just boiled water is the surest way to get a lousy cup of green tea. Very generally speaking, steep 1 teaspoon of leaves in about eight ounces of very hot but not scalding water (175F is about right) for just two minutes. Be sure to drain completely between servings. These times and temperatures can and do vary quite a bit depending on the many green teas so be sure to do your homework on how to brew the particular type of green tea you purchase.
5: Don't throw out those wet leaves! I only say that because many people don't know that it's normal practice to re-infuse the leaves 3 or 4 times. That would be within a span of 3 or 4 hours, don't leave wet leaves in your teapot all day however.
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