How to use the online timer
Two minutes is the steep for green tea, and the temperature matters more than the time. Water straight off the boil scorches the leaves and produces something bitter and vegetal within seconds, which is why so many people conclude they do not like green tea when what they actually dislike is what boiling water did to it.
Let the water sit for a couple of minutes after boiling, or pour it into a second vessel to bring it down to around eighty degrees, then start the count when the leaves go in. Take the leaves out at the end rather than leaving them. Keep this tab open while it steeps, since the countdown ends with the page and a forgotten cup is the usual result.
Good green tea will take a second and often a third steep, each one slightly shorter than the last, which is a considerable improvement on discarding the leaves after one cup. If the result is still harsh at two minutes, drop the temperature before shortening the time — that is almost always where the problem is rather than in the timing.
Common questions
Why does my green tea taste bitter?
Almost always the water temperature rather than the time. Water straight off the boil scorches the leaves within seconds, so let it stand for a couple of minutes before pouring.
Can I use the leaves again?
Yes. Good green tea takes a second and often a third steep, each slightly shorter than the last, which is a considerable improvement on discarding the leaves after one cup.
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