Uzbek Green Tea

Fragrant green tea served in small cups with a slice of lemon.

Preparation: 5 min · Cooking: 5 min · Total: 15 min · 4 servings

Ingredients

• 4 tsp loose green tea
• 1000 ml drinking water
• 4 pc thin lemon slices, seeds removed

Instructions

1. Measure the tea and prepare the lemon

   Measure 4 tsp loose green tea. Wash the lemon, cut four thin slices and remove the seeds. Set out a heatproof teapot, fine strainer and four heatproof cups.

2. Heat the water

   Bring 1,000 ml drinking water to a boil in a kettle. Turn off the heat, then allow the water to cool to about 80°C before it touches the tea; check with a thermometer if available.

3. Steep the green tea for two minutes

   Put the 4 tsp of tea in the heatproof teapot. Pour in the 80°C water, cover, and steep for 2 minutes. Taste a cooled spoonful; strain no later than 3 minutes after pouring to avoid bitterness.

   The tea smells fresh and tastes gently vegetal, without harsh bitterness.

   Steep green tea for 2 minutes: 120 seconds

4. Strain the tea

   Pour the brewed tea through a fine strainer into a second heatproof vessel. Discard the leaves; no spices or sugar are used in this recipe.

5. Pour and serve safely

   Pour the tea into four heatproof cups. Add one prepared lemon slice to each cup. Let the tea cool until comfortable to sip before serving.

Tips

• Green tea contains caffeine. If you prefer a milder cup, strain at 2 minutes rather than leaving the leaves in the pot.

Common mistakes

• Pouring boiling water directly over green tea or leaving the leaves in too long can make the drink bitter.

Substitutions

• Use 4 tsp decaffeinated loose green tea in place of regular green tea if avoiding caffeine; the flavour may differ.

Storage

Serve freshly brewed. Cool any leftover tea promptly, refrigerate covered at 4°C or below within 2 hours, and drink within 24 hours.

Reheating

Warm refrigerated tea once until hot, without boiling, and serve immediately. Do not repeatedly heat and cool it.

About this recipe

Green tea is widely served to guests in Uzbekistan, often in small bowls. This four-cup version adds lemon; service and flavourings vary by household.

Editorial approval does not establish independent kitchen testing. Check allergens and follow safe food handling.