How Does Matcha Coffee Relate to Tea Brewing Temperatures?
Water temperature decides how a cup of tea tastes. Premium green tea needs roughly 60 to 80 degrees Celsius, while black tea, pu-erh, herbal tea and rooibos call for a full boil near 100 degrees Celsius. White tea, purple tea and oolong sit in between, around 80 to 90 degrees Celsius. Water that is too hot scalds delicate leaves and turns the liquor bitter; water that is too cool leaves the cup weak.
The guide lists temperatures by tea type: black tea 100, green tea 80 to 82, white tea 80 to 82, oolong 90, pu-erh 100, purple tea 80 to 82, herbal tea 100 and rooibos 100 degrees Celsius. A temperature-controlled electric kettle keeps things steady, and a stovetop kettle works if the water is watched near boiling. Water temperature also affects how much caffeine is released, whether the cup is matcha coffee or plain tea.
The choice of water temperature when brewing tea directly determines the flavor expression of the tea liquor. Too high a temperature easily scalds delicate tea leaves and releases excessive bitter substances; too low a temperature fails to fully awaken the tea's aroma, resulting in a weak and insipid brew. Different tea types have very different water temperature requirements, from the roughly 60 degrees Celsius needed for premium green tea to the boiling water required for black tea and herbal tea, with a rich range of temperature levels in between. This article compiles a brewing temperature reference organized by tea type, covering black tea, green tea, white tea, oolong tea, pu-erh tea, purple tea, herbal tea, rooibos tea, yerba mate, and matcha, and also explains how to brew loose-leaf tea as well as the effect of water temperature on caffeine release. Whether you use a temperature-controlled electric kettle or an ordinary stovetop kettle, you can find a brewing method that suits you.
The suitable brewing temperature for tea spans a wide range, from about 60 degrees Celsius (for premium green tea) to 100 degrees Celsius (a full boil, suitable for black tea and herbal tea), with many intermediate levels in between.
Keeping the water temperature within the proper range is the key to bringing out the best flavor in tea leaves. If the water is too hot, delicate tea leaves are easily scalded, and the resulting tea liquor is bitter and hard to swallow; if the water is too cool, you may end up with a cup of weak, flavorless tea. Below is our water temperature reference organized by tea type. (All temperatures in this guide are expressed in degrees Celsius.)
Tea Temperature Reference
Black tea: 100 degrees Celsius
Green tea: 80 to 82 degrees Celsius
White tea: 80 to 82 degrees Celsius
Oolong tea: 90 degrees Celsius
Pu-erh tea: 100 degrees Celsius
Purple tea: 80 to 82 degrees Celsius
Herbal tea: 100 degrees Celsius
Rooibos tea: 100 degrees Celsius
How to Brew Loose-Leaf Tea
The recommended water temperatures for different tea types can vary widely. To keep the water temperature within the ideal range, we recommend using an electric kettle with a temperature sensor. If you don't have an electric kettle on hand, a stovetop kettle will also work, but you need to pay attention to the water as it approaches boiling. If the water has already boiled, simply let it sit for a few minutes to cool down.
When brewing loose tea leaves, it is recommended to use a teapot, infuser, or tea strainer. These vessels give the tea leaves ample space to unfurl during steeping, resulting in a fuller, more layered tea liquor. Steeping time is likewise an important factor affecting the final result—some teas need only one minute, while others can be steeped for five minutes or even longer.
Brewing Temperature Varies by Tea
Black Tea Temperature
Black tea should be brewed with fully boiling water. At areas near sea level, water boils at about 100 degrees Celsius. If you are at a higher altitude (such as where we are in Santa Fe), even boiling water may not reach this temperature.
Green Tea Temperature
We recommend brewing green tea with water heated to 80 to 82 degrees Celsius. At this point the water should be steaming but not yet boiling. Some specialty green teas, such as gyokuro, are suited to a lower water temperature of about 60 degrees Celsius.
White Tea Temperature
White tea is best brewed with water at 80 to 82 degrees Celsius. Similar to green tea, white tea is more delicate than strong tea or herbal tea, so it needs a lower water temperature to avoid damaging the leaves.
Oolong Tea Temperature
Oolong tea is best brewed with water at about 90 degrees Celsius. The water should be near boiling but not fully boiling. Oolong tea sits between green tea and black tea; some oolongs are darker and more oxidized, approaching black tea, while others are lighter and more delicate, similar to green tea.
Pu-erh Tea Temperature
We recommend brewing pu-erh tea with fully boiling water (about 100 degrees Celsius). Pu-erh is an aged, partially fermented tea with a full-bodied liquor and a smooth, earthy character. Its caffeine content is relatively high, making it a good choice for coffee drinkers who want to try tea.
Purple Tea Temperature
Purple tea should be brewed with water at 80 to 82 degrees Celsius. Purple tea originated in the Assam region of India and is currently mainly grown in Kenya. Purple tea is a relatively new tea type, low in caffeine and extremely high in antioxidants.
Herbal Tea Temperature
Herbal tea should be brewed with fully boiling water (about 100 degrees Celsius). This means there is no need to carefully measure the temperature—just wait for the kettle to boil. Herbal tea contains no caffeine and is not prone to becoming bitter even after a long steep.
Rooibos Tea Temperature
Like herbal tea, rooibos tea should be brewed with boiling water at about 100 degrees Celsius. Native to South Africa, it is a mellow herbal tea with a natural sweetness, often chosen by tea drinkers as a caffeine-free alternative.
Yerba Mate Temperature
We recommend brewing yerba mate with water at about 65 to 70 degrees Celsius. Yerba mate is native to South America and is widely popular in Argentina, Chile, and other countries. It is a stimulating tea drink that, although not related to true tea plant beverages, does contain caffeine.
Matcha Temperature
Matcha is best prepared with water at about 80 degrees Celsius. Matcha comes from Japan and is made from green tea leaves grown in the shade, ground into powder with a stone mill. Ceremonial-grade matcha can be enjoyed on its own, while culinary-grade matcha is suitable for making smoothies and tea lattes.
Why Brewing Water Temperature Matters So Much
Brewing tea at the proper temperature is crucial. If the water is too hot, it can scald the tea leaves; if the water is too cool, the tea liquor will taste thin and flavorless. Water temperature also affects how much caffeine is released from the tea leaves. Steeping tea with water at the right temperature is an effective way to ensure a good cup of tea.
That said, you don't need fancy equipment like a temperature-controlled electric kettle. Although these tools are convenient, people brewed tea without them for centuries. You can also simply observe the changes in the water temperature in the kettle; depending on the tea type, it might be when steam first begins to rise, when steam is rising rapidly, or when it is fully boiling.
The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
