Understanding Bitterness in Green Tea and Tips to Remove It
Your green tea doesn’t have to taste bitter.
Green tea has its own flavor and color and doesn’t have to be unappealing.
Green tea is known for its multiple health benefits, but to many tea enthusiasts, the flavor may be discouraging, as it is totally different from the usual black tea we are habituated to drink.
Again many people love green tea for its mildly bitter taste, as do I too. I can add mint, honey or lemon, but I drink my tea pure and in its authentic flavor.
Coming to the purpose of writing this blog, I want to help you understand the cause of the bitterness in your green tea and how to reduce the flavor. You cannot get black tea flavor in green tea but definitely enjoy your cup in its own taste.
Cause of bitterness in green tea
The bitterness in green tea is caused by the compound catechins, a type of antioxidant that also contributes to the health benefits of green tea. So we can put it like this: green tea’s specific flavor is a side effect of its health benefits.
However, too much bitterness can be caused due to the quality of the water used or over-extraction during brewing. And many times, it is the lesser quality product you are using.
Here are 4 reasons attributed to green tea’s bitter taste.
Steeping temperature and time: Improper steeping is one of the main culprits behind the bitter taste of green tea. High water temperatures and excessive steeping times can extract more tannins and catechins from the tea leaves, leading to a bitter and astringent taste.
High boiling water can also burn the delicate tea leaves, releasing undesirable flavors.
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Tea quality: Low-quality tea leaves, such as those with more stems or older leaves, produce a more bitter and unpalatable taste.
Storage conditions: Improper storage can also cause bitterness in green tea. Exposure to light, heat, or moisture can degrade the tea leaves, causing a decline in flavor and an increase in bitterness.
Varietal and Harvest Time: Different tea plant varieties and harvest times can yield varying levels of bitterness in green tea. Younger leaves harvested early in the season tend to be milder, while older leaves harvested later may have a more intense and bitter taste.
How to remove or reduce bitterness?
Not all green tea is bitter, but it is a common notion as most popular types of green tea come in bags. However if you find your tea bitter, try these below tips.
- To minimize bitterness, control the steeping temperature and time and steep the tea for 1–2 minutes. Experiment with different steeping times to find your preferred balance of flavor.
2. Invest in premium, high-quality green tea. Look for teas made from tender, young leaves, which are less likely to be bitter.
3. Store tea in an airtight container away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. A cool, dark cupboard is an ideal place to preserve the freshness and flavor of green tea.
4. Try different green tea varieties and find one that suits your taste buds. Some types are naturally less bitter than others.
5. Try cold brewing for a milder and less bitter taste. You have to put tea leaves in cold water and refrigerate for several hours before straining and enjoying the chilled tea.
If you want to experience smooth, palatable and brilliant green teas, you must buy premium loose-leaf tea. If you are looking to try some good loose-leaf tea, we can help you.
Also, know that experiencing the drink just as the farmer intended it brings a better bonding between the tea drinker and the garden where tea was produced. You can eat any mild sweet cookie with your green tea.
I wasn’t a green tea person, but after tasting the handmade tea varieties from one of the small tea gardens in Assam, I explored more. And we realized we could be a connecting link between them and tea lovers who are fitness enthusiasts too.
Connect me on Linkedin and DM me to avail one of the finest green tea varieties from Assam, the land of tea gardens. You can DM me with other queries and doubts as well.
