Optimal Temperatures for Various Tea Types
Many people have the habit of drinking tea, thirst, tea to quench thirst, fatigue, tea refreshing, free time, tea and leisure, boredom, tea, tea and clear the mind, tea after meals, you can get tired. Tea focus on a “product” word. Come to the guests, tea, tea etiquette is essential. Spring drinking flower tea, summer drinking green tea, autumn drinking green tea, winter drinking black tea.
Tea can be said to be elegant and popular, young and old alike. Tea is different, the degree of fermentation and tenderness of tea is not the same, the way of brewing is not the same, naturally, accordingly, the temperature of the tea water will also change, so how much water temperature is suitable for tea? The temperature of the water for tea brewing should be changed according to the different tea leaves. Different types of tea require specific temperatures to extract their unique flavors and beneficial compounds, and the temperature of the water plays a crucial role in determining the flavor and health benefits of the tea. Lower temperatures retain the delicate flavors of green teas, while higher temperatures enhance the full-bodied flavors of black teas. In addition, studies have shown that water temperature affects the release of antioxidants and other beneficial compounds in tea. For example, studies have found that higher temperatures increase the release of theaflavin, an antioxidant with potential anti-inflammatory properties. Share a few tea types with water temperatures that produce a flavorful and delicious brew.
Green Tea Brewing Water Temperature: 175-185°F (80-85°C)
Green tea (e.g. Yunwu tea, Huangshan Maofeng, Taiping Houkui, Emei Maofeng, Xihu Longjing, Dongting Biluochun, Xinyang Maojian, etc.) Green tea is unfermented tea, which is the closest to the original tea, and it is relatively fresh and tender, so the temperature of water used to brew green tea should not be too high, and the temperature of water should be controlled to be 80-85°C. This temperature is suitable for green tea, because the more tender and green the leaves are, the better the flavor of the tea. The more tender the tea leaves, the more green, the brewing water temperature should be low, the tea soup is tender green and bright, fresh flavor. Tea vitamin C is also less destructive. If the temperature is too high, the buds and leaves are easy to be scalded, and at high temperatures, the caffeine in the tea is easy to leach out, the taste is bitter, the vitamin C is destroyed in large quantities, and the tea broth is easy to turn yellow.
Black Tea Brewing Water Temperature: 195-205°F (90-96°C)
Black tea (Zhengshan Xiaojiao, Smoke Xiaojiao, Chuanhong, Qihong, Dianhong, Jinjunmei, etc.) is a fully fermented tea, which is suitable for brewing at higher temperatures to bring out the aroma of the tea, and the secret of brewing is that the water is boiled and then used directly to brew the tea, and the water in the teapot is at a high temperature of about 90-96°C, which is the most suitable temperature for black tea.
Oolong Tea Brewing Temperature: 185-195°F (85-90°C)
Oolong tea (Tieguanyin, Dahongpao, Cinnamon, Narcissus, Wuyi Rock Tea, Phoenix Single Fir, Frozen Top Oolong, etc.), oolong tea with 85-90 ° C water brewing is appropriate, the tea broth is clear and clear, taste mellow and refreshing back to sweetness, long-lasting flavor.
Black tea brewing water temperature: 195-205°F (90-96°C)
Black tea (Zheng Shan Xiao Seed, Smoke Xiao Seed, Sichuan Hong, Qi Hong, Dian Hong, Jin Jun Mei, etc.), is a fully fermented tea, suitable for higher temperature brewing tea flavor, brewing secret is that the water is boiled and then used directly to brew the tea, the water into the teapot when the time is about 90-96 ° C, which is the most suitable for the temperature of black tea.
The temperature of the water, depending on the quality of the tea, to master the “old tea should be steeped, young tea should be steeped” principle. The so-called “steep”, that is, with boiling water directly rinse tea; “bubble”, that is, the boiling water for a while, when the water temperature is lowered soak.
Brewing Techniques for Hot Water Teas
Measure the tea: Use 1-2 teaspoons of loose tea or 1 tea bag per 8 ounces of water.
Heat the water: Bring the water to the desired temperature using a kettle or stovetop.
Steep the tea: Pour the hot water over the tea leaves and steep for the recommended time:
- Green teas: 2-5 minutes
- Black teas: 3-5 minutes
- Oolong teas: 5-7 minutes
Strain and enjoy: Strain the tea into a cup and savor the aromatic flavors.
The Mystery of Cold Steeping Tea
Why Cold Steeping? Benefits and Advantages
Cold steeping, an unconventional yet intriguing method, offers a unique twist to tea brewing. Unlike traditional methods that involve boiling or steeping in hot water, cold steeping involves submerging tea leaves in cold water for an extended period. This technique has gained popularity due to its distinct advantages:
- Preserved Flavors: Cold water extraction preserves the delicate flavors and aromas of tea leaves, resulting in a more nuanced and complex taste profile.
- Reduced Bitterness: Cold steeping minimizes the release of tannins, which are responsible for bitterness. This produces a smoother, less astringent tea.
- Increased Health Benefits: Studies suggest that cold steeping may enhance the extraction of antioxidants and other beneficial compounds from tea leaves.
- Convenience: Cold steeping is incredibly convenient. Simply combine tea leaves and cold water in a container and refrigerate overnight or for several hours.
Stepwise Instructions for Cold Steeping Tea
- Choose Your Tea: Select high-quality tea leaves that are suitable for cold steeping. Green, white, and herbal teas are excellent options.
- Measure and Combine: Use approximately 1 teaspoon of tea leaves per 8 ounces of cold water. Place the tea leaves in a tea infuser or a jar.
- Refrigerate: Pour the cold water over the tea leaves and refrigerate for 8-12 hours, or even overnight.
- Strain and Enjoy: Once steeped, strain the tea into a cup or teapot. Add sweeteners or milk if desired.
Duration and Optimal Cold-Brew Times for Popular Tea Varieties
The optimal cold-brew time varies depending on the type of tea. Here are some guidelines:
- Green Tea: 6-8 hours
- White Tea: 4-6 hours
- Herbal Tea: 8-12 hours
- Black Tea: 12-16 hours
Experiment with different cold-brew times to find the perfect balance of flavor and strength that suits your taste.