What green tea is used for mint tea?
While traditional mint green tea comes from Morocco, where the recipe was invented, the green tea itself is grown elsewhere. These are the leaves of Chinese green tea “Gunpowder”, originating from the Chinese province of Zhejiang, located in the east of the country, south of Shanghai. Its particularity lies in the shape of the dried tea leaves, which are rolled into balls - hence the name "gunpowder". It is in a stainless steel or silver teapot, with a long spout and matching tray, that natural green tea and a bouquet of fresh mint are infused. Mint tea is then served hot (even in summer, in the middle of the desert in Morocco!), and often quite sweet.
HenceWhere does the bitterness of mint green tea come from?
The bitterness of mint green tea is due to the presence of tannins. These small molecules, from the polyphenol family, are used by plants as means of chemical defense against microbes. Tannins are therefore present in many plants, and we therefore find them in drinks such as tea, coffee, wine, beer or cider. Once captured by the receptors on our tongue, tannins produce a sensation of contraction on the mucous membranes (this mechanical sensation is called astringency). Bitterness is the name given to the taste felt at that moment. A bitter, harsh, rough flavor, which can sometimes be unpleasant. As with wine, the intensity will vary depending on the variety, but also the tea infusion time, storage... and of course, not every palate will have the same opinion on the matter!
How to make mint green tea less bitter?
To have a green tea with less pronounced bitterness, you can adjust several parameters. To obtain a lighter tea, you can brew a smaller quantity of tea (or opt for a larger quantity of water, it comes down to the same thing!). You can also let it infuse for a shorter time to have a less strong taste, or reduce the water temperature to 80-85 degrees. Because the hotter it is, the more the tea releases its tannins. Another option: add honey to soften the taste.
Which teas are less bitter than mint green tea?
Black tea is generally less bitter than green tea due to its fermentation. However, it has a more intense taste, richer in aromas, and more malty than green tea. If bitterness really puts you off, we advise you to opt for white tea, which does not become bitter, and which can therefore be infused for longer, or even a second time. Other possible alternatives in terms of hot drinks: rooibos which does not contain tannins. Difficult to generalize for herbal teas and infusions, because it will depend on the plants they contain. Some will be astringent, others not.
How do I prepare my mint tea so that it is not bitter?
1- Heat water to 80°C, do not exceed this temperature as this risks damaging the leaves and the benefits of green tea leaves.
2- Cut the mint leaves and wash them.
3- Pour hot water into a teapot and add green tea (between 1 and 3 teaspoons depending on your taste).
4- Add the mint leaves, mix everything gently.
5- Add fine sugar if you wish.
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