How to Make Green Tea Taste Good

1. Choose Loose Leaf tea

Loose leaf teas are higher quality and tend to be less bitter than green tea bags. Loose leaf teas contain the entire green leaf, packing in the health benefits and flavour. These types of green tea need to have room to expand so they can release flavour. Simply add the tea leaves to a cup or kettle of hot water and strain before serving. A tea infuser like a tea ball or strainer can also be used to make removal of the leaves easier. .

Powdered green tea is exceptionally popular in Japan better known as matcha green tea. It's commonly brewed as a latte, it is made by grinding green tea leaves into a fine powder. This type of green tea is has the most health benefits because you consume the whole tea leaf rather than removing them and drinking only the infused water. The flavour of matcha is more earthy than other green tea types and turns bitter less easily when made correctly.

2. Don't Use Boiling Water

Water temperature is a key aspect of brewing a good cup of tea. Green teas that steep too long or in water that is too hot can turn bitter almost immediately. Water that is too cold results in a weak tea with little flavour. Aim to brew green tea between 75 to 85 degrees. The best way to do this is to use a tea kettle with a built-in temperature control. If you don't have one, that's OK. Simply boil water, remove from heat, and let it sit for 2 minutes before brewing the tea.

3. The Power of Lemons

You can make green tea taste better mainly by controlling the water temperature and quality of your tea. If you still feel that green tea is a little bitter, you can add flavourings to make it suitable for your palate. One of the most common flavourings is lemon juice or slices. The citrus helps to increase the fragrance of the tea while counteracting bitter notes. Other fruits can also be infused to add sweetness. Common alternatives include oranges, peaches, and green apples. Make these fruit teas by muddling the fruits before blending with the green tea.

4. Add Sweetener

It's a no brainer that adding some type of sugar will help lessen the bitter undertones of green tea. However, there are some sugars that are better than others for flavouring. Honey is a great choice as it dissolves easily in hot water and offers an all-natural choice for health conscious consumers. Granulated sugar doesn't work well and should be avoided. This type of sugar doesn't dissolve well in lower temperatures and can remain stuck to the bottom of the tea cup.

5. Add Other Leaves

Mint infused green teas are common in many countries including Morocco. Mint tea offers a smooth flavour and a refreshing finish. The crisp taste of mint helps to drown out any bitter notes in the green tea leaves. 

6. Make Flavoured Floral Tea

The flavour profile of green tea alone may be overwhelming to some taste buds and that's OK. That doesn't mean you can't enjoy the health benefits of green tea. Opt for a blend of green tea leaves and herbal teas. The most popular green tea blend is jasmine green tea You can also make your own by infusing chamomile or rose petals, or pick up a packet of either tea and mix. 

7. Spice It Up

Spices can help add new flavours and soften any harsh notes in green tea blends. The best spices for green tea are fresh ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom. Ginger packs in digestive health benefits and offers a subtle piquant flavour to green teas. A cinnamon stick adds a little sweetness with a spicy kick. Cardamom is a staple in Swedish sweet breads and adds a sweet, citrusy flavour to green tea.

8. Drink It Cold

Brew a tall glass of iced tea instead of hot green tea. Iced green tea is refreshing and more watered down than hot brews. Brew the green tea just like you would for a hot cup. Let the mixture cool to room temperature before storing in the refrigerator for a few hours. Serve with ice cubes and garnish.