When the topic of green tea taste comes to mind for many newcomers, they usually think "grassy" or "spinach", or other bitter vegetable-like thoughts. This can usually lead people to consume their green tea by other means such as the cold bottled versions which are loaded with sugar and much less antioxidants! This is no way to enjoy green tea!
You were simply mislead! Green tea can taste excellent and provide many years of enjoyment. Think about it...would all the people of China and Japan drink it three to fours times daily if it tasted that horrible?
Now the truth remains that some varieties of green tea can taste a bit vegetal than others, and in the beginning this is how your tongue will perceive it. However please keep in mind that there is no "one" green tea taste.
The good news is, if a person is willing to give that grassy cup a try a couple of more times, that vegetal taste will become more enjoyable; maybe even a slight sweetness will be noticeable as it was in my case.
The factors about taste
There are many factors concerning taste...many!
Different varieties, loose leaf or tea bag, the water you are using, how long you steep it, and water temperature. Let's have a closer look at them.
Varieties:
There are hundreds of varieties of green tea which come from two main green tea types, Chinese and Japanese. Most Chinese varieties are less vegetal than most Japanese varieties, which makes green tea taste more welcoming for newcomers.
I recommend "White Monkey" and "Green Pekoe" from Adagio.com! They are great tasting mild greens for beginners. You can also give white tea a try too before heading over to green.
Loose leaf or bag:
This is a big one! Green tea taste from a tea bag will always be inferior compared to the taste from whole loose leaves. So when you brew your green tea, please make sure it is from whole fresh leaves. And if you never tried it from the whole leaves, give it shot...you'll be surprised.
Water:
Another important factor. If you use normal tap water with your tea, you will most likely damage the delicate flavor. Depending where you reside determines how much chlorine and other impurities will alter the taste. It is always a good idea to use natural spring water when brewing any loose leaf tea.
Water temperature:
Green tea taste can be altered just by pouring direct boiling water over the leaves. Allow the water to cool down for at least 30 seconds before infusing.
Steeping:
Over steeping can lead to a bitter tasting cup! Usually green tea (especially if purchased online) comes with steeping time directions. However if you find yourself without them, don't worry. A good rule of thumb is no longer than 3 minutes.
I hope this page sheds some new light on green tea taste and provides some insight for folks willing to give it a try.
Also remember that green tea is also loaded with many health benefits too!
