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The temperature of the water is crucial. Water temperature that is to hot will scald the delicate green and white teas and spoil the flavor. Water temperature that is to cool will not release the flavor from most oolong and black teas, therefore wasting the leaves on a poor brew. The correct temperature of the water will be determined by the type of tea you choose.
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Type of Tea
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Water Temperature (Fahrenheit)
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| Black & Pu-Erh |
Boiling |
| Oolong |
185º — Boiling |
| Light Oolong |
180º — 195º |
| Green Tea |
175º — 185º |
| Superior Grade Green & Yellow Teas |
140º — 175º |
| White Tea |
160º — 180º |
| Tisbane (Herbal Tea) |
Boiling |
| Yerba Maté |
Wet with cool water then add boiling water |
These temperatures are not written in stone. As you become more familiar with tea, continue experimenting with brewing methods to determine the proper temperature for your individual taste.
Things to remember about water:
- Water boils at 212° F.
- A kettle will begin to make a hissing noise and tiny bubbles will begin to appear at about 175° F. At 185° F to 195° F, the tiny bubbles will form a string, much like a string of pearls, as they float up from the bottom of the pot.
- Water is better boiled on a stove than in a microwave (Never microwave your tea!), and a gas range is preferable to electric. Heating water over a bed of hot charcoal is best of all, but clearly not as convenient as the aforementioned methods.
- Water loses oxygen if over-boiled or re-boiled making tea taste flat. NEVER re-boil water.
One way to cool the water is to pour the hot water into a pitcher and allow it to cool naturally. Check the temperature with a thermometer and when it cools to the correct temperature, pour it over the tea. If you cannot wait for the water to cool you can add splashes of cold water to obtain the proper temperature.
It is also beneficial to warm the brewing and drinking vessels prior to use in order to maintain the correct water temperature for the brewing and serving of the tea.
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