Turkmen Green Tea
Turkmen-style green tea, lightly infused with fresh mint.
Preparation: 5 min · Cooking: 5 min · Total: 15 min · 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 tsp loose green tea
- 1000 ml drinking water
- 5 g fresh mint leaves
- 20 g granulated sugar (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the tea and flavourings
Measure 4 tsp loose green tea. Wash and dry 5 g fresh mint leaves. Keep the tea leaves and mint ready to add to the pot together.
Heat the water
Bring drinking water (1000 ml) to the boil. Remove from the heat as soon as it boils. Let the water cool to about 80°C before it touches the tea.
Steep the tea, then check the taste
Put the tea and mint in a heatproof teapot. Pour in the hot water, cover, and steep for 2 minutes. Taste a small cooled spoonful. Strain within 3 minutes to limit bitterness.
The tea is fragrant; the leaves are removed before it becomes harsh.
Steep the tea, then check the taste: 120 seconds
Strain and sweeten if wanted
Pour through a fine strainer into a second heatproof vessel. Discard the tea and mint leaves. Stir in up to 20 g sugar if wanted, starting with half and tasting before adding the rest.
Pour and serve safely
Divide between four heatproof cups. Let the tea cool to a comfortable drinking temperature.
Tips
- Green tea contains caffeine. Check the brew at 2 minutes and strain by 3 minutes to avoid bitterness; use heatproof cups for the hot drink.
Common mistakes
- Do not pour boiling water directly on the green tea or leave the leaves steeping beyond 3 minutes.
Substitutions
- Use 1 tsp dried mint instead of 5 g fresh mint; add it with the tea and strain after the same short steep.
Storage
Serve freshly made. Keep covered at 4°C or below and use within 24 hours. Discard if left unrefrigerated for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour when the surrounding temperature is above 32°C.
Reheating
Best freshly brewed; do not repeatedly reheat leftover tea.
About this recipe
Green tea is an established part of Turkmen hospitality. The fresh mint in this recipe is an added flavour, not required for plain green tea.
Editorial approval does not establish independent kitchen testing. Check allergens and follow safe food handling.