In Japanese green tea culture, a tea whisk is traditionally used to whisk tea powder until it is completely dissolved, showcasing a meticulous art form. However, modern technology now offers alternatives such as milk frothers and blenders.
A common question arises: can a microwave effectively dissolve tea powder? There are concerns that the high heat from a microwave might degrade the tea’s nutrients or fail to completely dissolve the powder. Let’s explore this question.
You may have heard warnings against microwaving plain water, as it can lead to superheating and cause explosive boiling. For this reason, using a kettle or stovetop pot is often recommended. Surprisingly, research from an Australian university indicates that microwaving green tea can extract more beneficial nutrients and caffeine compared to traditional heating methods.
Drinking tea at excessively high temperatures can destroy vital beneficial compounds such as catechins, leaving only flavor and aroma. However, a more concentrated tea can still provide health benefits, as a higher concentration of tea leaves increases catechin content. The Director of the International Institute of Anti-Aging Medicine notes that antioxidants in tea can diminish by about 20% if exposed to heat for prolonged periods. To preserve antioxidants while brewing, a tip is to add lemon juice during the process.
A study showed that brewing green tea in a microwave for one minute at 400 watts effectively separated catechins from the leaves. In comparison, brewing with a conventional kettle at 80 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes yielded lower levels of catechins. The microwave method extracted higher amounts of catechins and polyphenols, enhancing the tea’s sweetness and richness, achieving approximately 80% extraction of catechins and 92% of caffeine.
To brew green tea in a microwave, place the green tea leaves in a microwave-safe cup, add water, and heat at 400W to 500W for about one minute. After heating, remove the tea leaves, and your tea is ready to enjoy.
Ultimately, both loose leaf tea and green tea powder can be brewed in various ways, depending on personal preferences and the intended purpose of consumption. Some may prefer the aesthetic experience of using a kettle or a cha-sen whisk, while others may opt for the convenience of a microwave, especially when time is of the essence.
Source:
https://www.japanesegreenteain.com/blogs/green-tea-and-health/is-using-the-microwave-good-for-green-tea