China Green Sencha Tea

This green tea from China is similar in style to a Japanese green Sencha. The slender dark green leaves have a fresh, vegetal aroma and produce a delicate green cup, which is sweet and slightly earthy in taste. Delicious when iced!

Brew tea at 212º – steep for 2 minutes.

Green Tea-Lemon Basil Dressing
Recipe from Culinary Tea by Cynthia Gold & Lise Stern

1 cup steaming water
1 Tbsp loose leaf green tea leaves
1 Tbsp grated lemon zest
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
¬ cup olive oil
1 Tbsp Asian chili sauce
1 cup chopped fresh basil
4 garlic cloves
¬ tsp fine sea salt
¬ tsp freshly ground black pepper
« tsp honey

Pour steaming water over the tea leaves in a small bowl. Steep, covered, for 2 minutes, then strain, discarding the leaves. Let cool to room temperature, about 15 to 20 minutes.

In a blender or food processor, combine the tea with the remaining ingredients; puree until smooth. Store in an airtight container, refrigerated, for up to 1 week. If dressing separates, whisk or blend again briefly.

This dressing works well on a green salad, as a dip for raw vegetables, or as a cold sauce for poached salmon, shrimp or other seafood.