How to Process Tea Leaves into Green Tea

How to Process Tea Leaves into Green Tea

Authors: Jessica Weaver and Carol Miles 
Affiliation: Washington State University Northwestern Washington Research and Extension Center

_{September 2026} 

Introduction 

Green tea can be processed using this simple method. Our temperature and time suggestions work best for 50 g of fresh tea leaves.

Supplies 

• fresh tea leaves
• paper bag
• large metal pot
• metal colander
• kettle

Steps

1. Handpick the top 3–5 leaves.

2. Set oven to warm and hold or low (approx. 175 °F).

3. Fill a large metal pot with 4–5 inches of water.

4. place fresh tea leaves into colander and place the colander into the pot above the water level.

5. Steam tea leaves for 5 minutes.
6. Remove colander with tea leaves from pot.

7. Place steamed leaves in paper bag.

8. Place paper bag into preheated oven.
9. Dry the leaves in the oven for 5–6 hours, occasionally shaking or tossing the leaves to prevent clumping and promote even drying.
10. Once all leaves are dried, no longer wet and floppy, remove from oven.

11. Brew into tea by steeping dried leaves in 160–180 °F water for between 3–5 minutes depending on desired taste and bitterness. For a more intense flavor, crush the leaves before steeping.