What temperature should you use when brewing tea?

Temperature is one of the most important factors when brewing tea. The correct water temperature determines which flavor compounds are released from the tea leaves, in what order they develop, and how the finished cup will taste. Therefore, the same tea can provide completely different flavor experiences depending on how hot the water is.

If a green tea tastes bitter or astringent, the water is often too hot. Water that is too hot extracts bitter compounds too quickly and masks the tea's natural sweetness and freshness. If the water is too cool, however, the leaves do not open fully, which prevents the aromas and flavors from developing properly.

Caffeine is also affected by temperature. Cold-brewed tea normally contains less caffeine than hot-brewed tea and also has a smoother, sweeter, and less bitter flavor profile.

When you find the right temperature, the tea leaves open at their own pace. The flavors develop layer by layer instead of being released all at once, resulting in a more balanced and nuanced cup. Temperature is therefore an important part of the recipe when you want to brew truly great tea.

RECOMMENDED TEMPERATURE