Brewing tea may seem simple, but water temperature is crucial to achieving a truly excellent cup of tea. Different teas require different brewing temperatures due to differences in processing methods, leaf tenderness, and aromatic compounds. Too high a temperature can lead to bitterness, while too low a temperature can lead to a lack of flavor.

So, what temperature is suitable for different teas? Let's take a look.

1. Green tea (around 80°C)

Green tea is unfermented, its leaves are tender, rich in nutrients but delicate. Water that is too hot will "scald" the tea leaves, destroying their amino acids and vitamins, and causing bitterness.

Recommended water temperature : 75°C - 85°C

Suitable teas : West Lake Longjing, Biluochun, Huangshan Maofeng

Effect : The tea soup is fresh and sweet, with elegant aroma and soft taste.

2. White tea (around 85°C)

White tea is lightly fermented and has a mild character. Overheated water will mask its sweetness, while overcooled water will slow down the flavor.

Recommended water temperature : 80°C - 90°C

Suitable tea types : Baihao Yinzhen, Shoumei, Gongmei

Effect : It tastes sweet with a floral or honey aroma, and the soup is light yellow.

3. Yellow tea (85°C - 90°C)

Yellow tea is between green tea and oolong tea, and its unique craftsmanship is achieved through moderately high temperatures, which can stimulate its unique "muffled yellow fragrance".

Recommended water temperature : 85°C - 90°C

Suitable tea types : Junshan Yinzhen, Huoshan Huangya

Effect : The soup is apricot yellow and translucent, and tastes fresh and sweet.

4. Oolong tea (90°C - 95°C)

Oolong tea leaves are thicker and semi-fermented, so they are suitable for high-temperature brewing to "awaken" the inner quality and release the rich floral and fruity aroma.

Recommended water temperature : 90°C - 95°C

Suitable tea types : Tieguanyin, Dahongpao, Dongding Oolong

Effect : The tea soup is mellow, with a strong aroma and a long-lasting aftertaste.

5. Black tea (around 90°C)

Black tea is fully fermented and has many aromatic substances, so hot water can quickly dissolve the sweetness. However, if the temperature is too high, the tea will be too dark and have a strong taste.

Recommended water temperature : 85°C - 92°C

Suitable tea types : Keemun black tea, Dianhong tea, Assam black tea

Effect : Sweet and mellow taste, bright red soup, with fruity or honey aroma.

6. Dark tea (95°C - 100°C)

Dark tea undergoes post-fermentation, and its leaves are coarse and old, requiring high temperatures to fully release its aroma and flavor. Compressed tea, in particular, requires boiling water to "awaken."

Recommended water temperature : 95°C - 100°C

Suitable tea types : Pu'er tea, Anhua dark tea, Liubao tea

Effect : The tea soup is thick and smooth, has strong resistance to brewing, and has a long-lasting aroma.

Summarize

Low-temperature brewing : suitable for tender leaves (green tea, white tea), retaining freshness and sweetness.

Medium temperature brewing : suitable for yellow tea and black tea, taking into account both aroma and taste.

High temperature brewing : suitable for oolong tea and black tea, releasing richness and thickness.

A good cup of tea is not just the tea leaves themselves, the right water temperature can also make it show its unique flavor.

👉 Tip: If you don’t have a thermometer, you can use boiling water to cool down to roughly judge:

Boil water for 2-3 minutes ≈ 90°C

4-5 minutes ≈ 80°C