The ideal brewing water temperature for Green Tea is around 80°C. The brewing time can vary depending on the type of Tea and the purpose of brewing. For brewing where the tea leaves are separated from the water, we recommend steeping for 15 seconds for the first infusion, 20 seconds for the second, 30 seconds for the third, and 40 seconds for the fourth. This method results in a better-tasting tea without compromising the nutritional value of the leaves.
What is the Suitable Brewing Temperature for Green Tea?
1. The water temperature for brewing varies with the type of tea. For high-quality green teas, especially those with fine and tender buds, use boiling water that has cooled to around 80-85°C. Higher temperatures can destroy vitamin C in the tea and cause Caffeine to leach out, making the tea yellow and more bitter.
2. If you are selling tea and want to showcase its aroma, flavor, and appearance to customers immediately, you should use boiling water at 100°C.
3. When enjoying tea with friends, use water at 80-85°C to bring out the unique strong aroma and fresh, smooth taste, along with a light green color. Take your time to appreciate the true essence of the tea.
4. When brewing tea for personal consumption in an office setting, choose water around 90°C. This allows you to observe the beauty of the tea leaves as they unfurl in the cup, enjoy the fragrant aroma when water is poured over them, and savor the fresh, sweet aftertaste. The tea will have delicate, tender green leaves that are clear and bright.
While 100°C is also acceptable, under normal circumstances, it's generally better to brew with water between 80-85°C.
How Long Should Green Tea Be Brewed?
The typical brewing time for green tea is two to three minutes.
If the brewing time is too short, the water won't dissolve the water-soluble effective components contained in the tea, which means the tea's benefits won't be fully realized. Additionally, if the tea is left to steep for too long, caffeine is produced, which can stimulate the body and be harmful rather than beneficial. Furthermore, this can result in a bitter taste, affecting the overall flavor of the tea. The water temperature for brewing should be around 80°C, as the chlorophyll in high-quality green tea can easily be destroyed and turn yellow at higher temperatures. At high temperatures, polyphenols in the tea also oxidize, causing the tea to turn yellow. Many aromatic compounds also dissipate at high temperatures, robbing the tea of its flavor.
Techniques for Brewing Green Tea
Tea Quantity: According to the “Tea Classic,” use 7 grams of tea, adjusting based on personal taste and the size of the teapot.
Choose Soft Water: Water with low hardness makes it easier to extract the tea's aroma, resulting in a better taste.
Avoid High Temperatures: After boiling, let the water sit for a moment until it cools to 80°C before brewing.
Avoid Steeping Too Long: Drink within 4 minutes after brewing to avoid oversteeping.
Use Glass Cups: Transparent tall glass cups allow you to better appreciate the color of the tea and the unfolding of the leaves.
Use Shallow Cups: Opt for small, shallow bowls or glasses to avoid overcrowding the leaves.