If you’re a fan of tea, you know that there’s more to the process than just pouring hot water over a teabag. Depending on the type of tea, how long it steeps for, and the temperature of the water can all make a big difference in how your cup of tea tastes. That’s why so many Brits take such pride in their brew - because they know exactly what they need to do to make the perfect cup of tea! But when it comes to green and black teas, is one better served with hotter or cooler water than the other? Read on to learn more!
Brewing with Hot Water
When most people are making their favourite cuppa, they usually start with boiling hot water. This is true for both green and black teas, but not necessarily ideal. Boiling hot water can easily burn delicate green teas, while black teas may become too bitter if brewed with extremely hot water. It’s best to let your boiled kettle cool for 1-3 minutes before pouring it over your tea leaves (or bag). This will allow for a gentler brew that won’t scald or burn your leaves.
Brewing with Cooler Water
Brewing green teas at lower temperatures is actually preferred by many British tea connoisseurs. When brewing these delicate leaves, it's best to use cooler water - anywhere from 75°C (167°F) down to as low as 50°C (122°F). Lower temperatures mean that more of the flavour compounds stay intact in the finished beverage, resulting in a sweeter brew without any bitterness or astringency. On the other hand, black teas should be brewed at higher temperatures - around 80-90°C (176-194°F) - so all those robust flavours can be fully extracted into your cup.
In summary, different types of tea should be brewed at different temperatures in order to bring out their best flavours! For green and white teas, use cooler water - around 75-50°C (167-122°F) - while black teas should be brewed at slightly higher temperatures - around 80-90°C (176-194°F). Keeping this in mind will help ensure that you always achieve an optimal cup of tea every time! Cheers!