The Perfect Brew – Water Temperature - Twist Teas (2024)

Water Temperature

The Perfect Brew

The Perfect Brew – Water Temperature - Twist Teas (1)

How does temperature affect taste?

The Perfect Brew – Water Temperature - Twist Teas (2)The optimum temperature of water for brewing tea varies according to each tea type. Black teas taste best if brewed in water just off the boil but if you do the same to green or white tea you risk burning the leaves and creating a bitter brew.

Essentially this comes down to how each tea type is processed. The greater the amount of oxidation the tea has undergone, the hotter the water needs to be. Black teas are 100% oxidised during production and need very hot water to extract their strong malty flavours. Green and white teas, on the other hand, are minimally oxidised and therefore need cooler water to allow their sweet and delicate notes to shine through.

A temperature-controlled kettle is the easiest way to get this right. Failing that, if you have a regular kettle and you are brewing green or white tea it is best to wait a couple of minutes after the water has finished boiling before pouring it.

We have put together a temperature guide below, but don’t panic if you do accidentally pour boiling water on your Refresher Green tea or try to steep your TwentyFourSeven tea in 80°C water. Twist Teas blends are forgiving and are specially created in order to brew a delicious cup every time. When using Twist’s premium teas, it is difficult to make a bad cuppa.

The following temperatures are recommended for hot tea:

Black tea95-98°CThis means to pour the water when it has just finished boiling.
Green tea80°CWait 2-3 minutes after the kettle has boiled before pouring.
White tea80°CWait 2-3 minutes after the kettle has boiled before pouring.
Rooibos tea95-98°CPour the water when it has just finished boiling.
Fruit and herbal tea95-98°CPour the water when it has just finished boiling.
The Perfect Brew – Water Temperature - Twist Teas (2024)

FAQs

The Perfect Brew – Water Temperature - Twist Teas? ›

Steep black, herbal and red teas at full boil (around 208˚ - 212˚F) and green and white teas just off-boil (around 170˚ - 185˚F). Don't forget that altitude affects your boil temp.

What is the ideal temperature to brew tea? ›

Steep black, herbal and red teas at full boil (around 208˚ - 212˚F) and green and white teas just off-boil (around 170˚ - 185˚F). Don't forget that altitude affects your boil temp.

What temperature water makes the best tea? ›

The water temperature for black tea should be 90 to 98oC and for green tea around 80oC. Always read the instructions on pack. In order to draw the best flavour out of the tea the water must contain oxygen, this is reduced if the water is boiled more than once and you waste energy! Only boil the amount you need.

What temperature and time should tea steep? ›

How Long Should I Brew?
Tea TypeBoiling TemperatureSteeping Time
Most black tea100 Degrees3–5 Minutes
Green tea80 Degrees2–3 Minutes
White/yellow tea80 Degrees2–3 Minutes
Fruit & herbal infusions100 Degrees3–5 Minutes

Are most green teas best brewed at water temperatures between 160 and 180? ›

As green tea is one of the least processed types of tea, it is more delicate and requires a lower brewing temperature than other teas. I've found through my experience that the ideal range for brewing green tea is between 160-175°F (70-80°C). Water that is too hot, over 175°F, can lead to a bitter flavor in the cup.

What happens if you brew tea too hot? ›

When you use water that is too hot we often call this “burning” the tea. “Burning the tea” means, the hot water has over extracted the polyphenols (tannins) and the tea becomes astringent. This altered flavor prevents the tea from delivering the delicious potential of the leaves!

What is the ideal temperature for tea production? ›

The ideal temperature for growing tea is between 18 and 30 degrees. The plant growth is adversely affected when the temperature goes above 32 degrees or drops below 13 degrees.

What is the perfect tea drinking temperature? ›

Therefore, it's important to be careful when preparing tea and ideally to let it cool before serving. The authors of one study recommend serving tea at 130–160°F (54–71°C) to maintain palatability, but I would suggest keeping drinking temperatures below 140°F (60°C) ( 42 ).

Does hotter water make stronger tea? ›

The temperature of the water decides how quickly flavour and structure is released. The higher the temperature, the quicker the release. A cup of tea made with boiling water will look darker, taste stronger and have more structure than a cup of tea made with 80-degree water that has infused for the same amount of time.

Does using two tea bags make the tea stronger? ›

If you need to make a stronger cup of tea in a fraction of the time, using two tea bags is certainly the way to go. This simple trick can drastically reduce your steeping time, allowing you to enjoy a robust and full-bodied cup of tea without having to wait for too long at the counter.

What happens if you steep tea longer than recommended? ›

Tea steeped for too short a time might end up weak and watery, while more delicate teas can become bitter if they're steeped for too long. A delicious cup of tea starts with quality tea leaves or bags, a good kettle and a little knowledge of steeping times for the type of tea you're preparing.

Can you overbrew tea? ›

Steeping Your Tea Too Long Will Make It Bitter

When you place your tea in the hot water, this is called "steeping." As the tea steeps, it releases a bunch of tiny particles called "tannins." It is these tannins that give tea its astringency.

What is the best temperature to brew tea? ›

WHAT IS THE BEST TEMPERATURE TO BREW TEA? The best temperature to brew tea varies depending on the type of tea you're creating. Generally, you should aim for your kettle to heat the water within the range of 167-212°F. With KitchenAid® electric kettles, you can get water up to temperature with ease and precision.

Which temperature of water will make the strongest tea? ›

Brewing black tea is quite straightforward. Heat your water to 95-98°C, and let it steep for 2-4 minutes depending on how strong you like it. This will give you a cup of bold, full-bodied tea that's sure to satisfy even the most ardent tea drinkers.

What temperature should chamomile tea be brewed at? ›

What is the right chamomile tea temperature? You should prepare chamomile tea using water that has reached a full boil (approximately 212 degrees.) This floral herbal tea is caffeine-free and goes great with a dollop of honey.

What temperature should a tea cup be? ›

If you are a real stickler and want to get it exactly right most white teas and green teas are best at 70°C. For black and oolong teas use water around 85°C. For herbal infusions use 100°C water, and 70°C for chamomile. If you're a convert there are some excellent temperature controlled kettles available out there.

How hot is the average cup of tea? ›

Hot beverages such as tea, hot chocolate, and coffee are frequently served at temperatures between 160 degrees F (71.1 degrees C) and 185 degrees F (85 degrees C).

Why does tea steep better in hot water? ›

The temperature of the water decides how quickly flavour and structure is released. The higher the temperature, the quicker the release. A cup of tea made with boiling water will look darker, taste stronger and have more structure than a cup of tea made with 80-degree water that has infused for the same amount of time.

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