Green Tea should not be brewed with boiling water at 100°C. Green tea is an unfermented tea that retains the natural components and green hue of the fresh leaves. Using boiling water can cause an overly rich release of nutrients from the green tea, potentially destroying some of these nutrients, and diminish its value for drinking.
What is the Suitable Water Temperature for brewing Green Tea?
The water temperature for brewing green tea should be controlled between 80 to 85°C. Green tea is an unfermented tea made by picking tender buds and leaves, then undergoing processes such as fixation, shaping, and drying. This preserves the natural substances and green hue of the fresh leaves, which are delicate in nature.
If the water temperature is too high during the brewing process, it can destroy the nutrients in the green tea, causing the flavor to become excessively bitter and Astringent. Additionally, this may result in a too concentrated tea Infusion, which could be burdensome for the body after consumption.
Green tea can be brewed both hot and cold. When cold-brewing green tea, the water temperature should be around 4°C (ambient temperature), and the tea should be refrigerated for 6 to 8 hours to allow the nutrients to fully release.
Tea Brewing Temperatures:
1. The water temperature for brewing tea varies according to the type of tea. For high-quality green teas, especially those with fine and tender buds and leaves, water at about 80 to 85 degrees Celsius is generally used. Higher temperatures can easily destroy Vitamin C in the tea and cause caffeine to leach out, resulting in a yellowish tea infusion with a bitter taste.
2. If you are selling tea and want to showcase its aroma, flavor, and appearance to customers immediately, you would use boiling water at 100 degrees Celsius for the best demonstration.
3. If you are enjoying tea with friends, a water temperature of 80 to 85 degrees Celsius is ideal, allowing the tea to exhibit its unique strong aroma, fresh and mellow flavor, and light green color. This creates a serene environment to savor the true essence of the tea.
4. For personal consumption in an office setting, you can choose a water temperature around 90 degrees Celsius. This allows you to appreciate the beauty of the tea leaves dancing in the cup, the fragrant aroma when water is added, and the fresh, sweet aftertaste, all while enjoying the clarity and bright green color of the tender leaves.
While 100 degrees Celsius is possible, under normal circumstances, choosing a water temperature between 80 to 85 degrees Celsius for brewing is generally better.