- Why is my tea bitter?
- You likely poured 100°C water on it or steeped it longer than 3 minutes. Green tea is delicate; watch time and temperature!
- When should I add lemon?
- When the tea is at drinking temperature. Lemon flavour can change in water that is too hot, and Vitamin C breaks down.
Refreshing green tea with lemon
Green tea (Camellia sinensis) leaves are unfermented, preserving their fresh, grassy character and high antioxidant content. The most critical point in preparation is temperature: water that is too hot 'shocks' the leaves and releases bitter tannins. Lemon acidity not only harmonises in flavour but chemically helps stabilize antioxidants, making them more bioavailable.
Ingredients
5
g
Loose green tea (or 2 quality bags)
500
ml
Water (preferably soft water)
20
ml
Fresh lemon juice
10
g
Honey (optional)
2
slices
Lemon slice (for garnish)
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Equipment Needed
- Kettle
- Teapot or heatproof jug
- Sieve (if using loose tea)
Instructions
1
✓
Boil the water, then open the kettle lid and wait approx. 5-8 minutes until water temperature cools to 80°C.
Tip: 80°C is the ideal point where aromas are released but bitter tannins remain in the leaf.
2
✓
Place tea leaves in the pot and pour water over them. Steep for exactly 2-3 minutes.
Tip: Watch the leaves unfurl and dance in the water – this is the 'agony of the leaves' as they release flavour.
3
✓
Strain the tea (or remove bag). Do not squeeze the bag as this presses bitter substances into the tea!
Tip: Tea leaves are 'sponges'; squeezing extracts unwanted flavours.
4
✓
Wait until tea cools to approx. 60°C, then add lemon juice and honey.
Tip: Tea colour becomes lighter with lemon acid – a natural pH indicator reaction.
5
✓
Pour into cups and drop in a slice of fresh lemon.
Tip: Essential oils released from lemon peel complete the aroma.
Recipe FAQ
Ingredients
- 5 g Loose green tea (or 2 quality bags)
- 500 ml Water (preferably soft water)
- 20 ml Fresh lemon juice
- 10 g Honey (optional)
- 2 slices Lemon slice (for garnish)