Introduction
Tea lovers, you might be unknowingly ruining your tea experience every day! Many people assume that simply adding hot water to tea leaves is enough, but one common mistake can make your tea taste bitter, weak, or completely off.
What’s the Biggest Mistake? Using the Wrong Water Temperature!
Why Water Temperature is Crucial for Tea
Tea leaves contain delicate compounds that affect flavor, aroma, and health benefits. If the water is too hot, it burns the leaves, making the tea overly bitter. If it’s too cold, it won’t fully extract the flavors, leaving you with a dull, weak brew.
The Right Temperature for Different Types of Tea
Each type of tea has an ideal brewing temperature:
| Tea Type | Best Water Temperature | Flavor Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Green Tea | 70-85°C (160-185°F) | Too hot = Bitter, Too cool = Weak |
| Black Tea | 90-100°C (195-212°F) | Needs boiling water for full flavor |
| Oolong Tea | 85-95°C (185-203°F) | Balanced & aromatic |
| White Tea | 75-85°C (167-185°F) | Delicate & floral |
| Herbal Tea | 90-100°C (195-212°F) | Requires hot water for full infusion |
The Right Temperature for our Collections of Tea
| Tea Type | Best Water Temperature | Flavor Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Gyokuro | 50-60°C (122-140°F) | Sweet, umami-rich, delicate |
| Kabuse Sencha | 60-75°C (140-167°F) | Smooth, mellow, lightly steamed |
| Matcha Sencha Harmony | 70-80°C (158-176°F) | Balanced, grassy, refreshing |
| Karigane (Kukicha - Twig Tea) | 70-80°C (158-176°F) | Mild, nutty, slightly sweet |
| Matcha Yuzu Green Tea | 70-80°C (158-176°F) | Citrusy, fresh, slightly sweet |
| Ceremonial Grade Matcha | 70-80°C (158-176°F) | Smooth, creamy, umami-rich |
| Culinary Grade Matcha | 75-85°C (167-185°F) | Bold, slightly bitter, great for recipes |
| Genmaicha | 80-90°C (176-194°F) | Toasty, nutty, slightly vegetal |
| Houjicha | 90-100°C (195-212°F) | Roasty, caramel-like, low bitterness |
| Sakura Black Tea | 90-100°C (195-212°F) | Floral, rich, robust |
Bonus: Avoid Over-Steeping!
Even with the right temperature, leaving tea in water too long can cause bitterness. Follow these steeping times:
- Gyokuro: 2 minutes
- Kabuse Sencha: 1-2 minutes
- Matcha Sencha Harmony: 1-2 minutes
- Karigane: 1-2 minutes
- Matcha Yuzu Green Tea: 1-2 minutes
- Ceremonial Grade Matcha: Whisk directly, no steeping needed
- Culinary Grade Matcha: Whisk directly, no steeping needed
- Genmaicha: 1-2 minutes
- Houjicha: 1-2 minutes
-
Sakura Black Tea: 2-3 minutes
Final Thoughts: Make Every Cup Count!
Perfecting your tea ritual is simple: get the water temperature right and steep properly for the best taste.
