Why Water Matters
Tea is 99% water. Using bad water guarantees bad tea, no matter how premium your leaves. The ancient Chinese tea sage Lu Yu wrote extensively about water quality over a thousand years ago—and his advice still holds.
What Makes Good Tea Water
Ideally, water should be fresh, clean, and have some mineral content (but not too much). Soft water extracts flavor well but can make tea taste flat. Hard water can interfere with extraction and leave mineral deposits. Spring water is often ideal. Distilled water is too 'empty.' Most filtered tap water works well.
Chlorine and Off-Flavors
Chlorinated tap water will ruin delicate teas. Either filter it (a simple Brita works) or leave a jug out overnight for chlorine to dissipate. Never use water that smells of chlorine, sulfur, or anything else.
Temperature Guide
Different teas need different temperatures. Using boiling water on delicate green tea will scorch it; using lukewarm water on black tea won't extract enough flavor.
White Tea: 160-185°F (70-85°C)
Low temperature preserves delicacy. Some high-quality white teas can handle near-boiling, but start lower and experiment.
Green Tea: 160-180°F (70-82°C)
Japanese greens often prefer the lower end (160-170°F). Chinese greens can handle slightly higher (170-180°F). Too hot = bitter.
Yellow Tea: 170-180°F (77-82°C)
Similar to green tea. The mellowness comes from processing, not brewing temperature.
Oolong Tea: 185-205°F (85-96°C)
Light oolongs prefer lower temps. Dark, roasted oolongs can take near-boiling. Adjust based on oxidation level.
Black Tea: 200-212°F (93-100°C)
Most black teas want near-boiling water to extract fully. Delicate Darjeelings might prefer slightly cooler.
Pu-erh Tea: 200-212°F (93-100°C)
Boiling or near-boiling is traditional. Pu-erh can handle high heat. Some recommend a quick rinse before the first steep.
Practical Tips
You don't need a thermometer. Boil your kettle, then let it sit: 30 seconds off boil is about 200°F; 2-3 minutes is around 175°F; 5 minutes is about 160°F. Or use a variable temperature kettle for precision.