TEA TEMPERATURES: A GUIDE TO BREWING TEA
Whether you’re looking to transition from coffee to tea or are simply eager to master a new skill, understanding tea brewing temperatures is the key to crafting a delightful cup of tea whenever you crave it. Brewing temperatures can vary depending on the type of tea you’re making, as the level of heat can affect the tea’s extraction and flavor.
Use this guide to learn more about tea temperatures and how to brew different types of tea, and explore other frequently asked questions.
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. Temperature control features on select models allow you to choose the optimal temperature for each type of tea, helping you brew a stimulating cup of green tea or a soothing pot of oolong.
TEA BREWING TEMPERATURES
Explore the different types of tea below and learn their optimal brewing temperature, so you can make a delicious and comforting cup of tea every time you brew.
1. BLACK TEA
The black tea category is home to some of the more common types of tea brewed around the world, like Earl Grey, masala chai and English breakfast. These dark and flavorful tea leaves are best brewed with water at about 212°F.
2. GREEN TEA
Green teas like matcha, sencha and bancha varieties have a delicate, earthy flavor and vibrant color. Because these teas are often milder in taste compared to black tea, their recommended brewing temperature is typically a little cooler. Green teas should be brewed with water between 175–180°F.
3. WHITE TEA
Similar to green tea, white teas like silver needle and white peony have a delicate flavor and require a cooler brewing temperature. Use your tea kettle to heat water between 175–180°F for proper flavor extraction.
4. OOLONG TEA
Oolong tea is dark like black tea, but offers sweet flavors like honey, fruit and floral notes rather than the subtle spiced flavor of many black varieties. This soothing tea is often steeped at higher temperatures than green and white teas, with a recommended 195°F brewing temperature.
5. HERBAL TEA
Though herbal teas like peppermint, rooibos and chamomile don’t come from the tea plant Camellia sinensis, they are brewed and steeped in a similar manner to traditional teas. It is typically recommended that you brew your favorite herbal tea at 212°F.
6. YELLOW TEA
A bit more rare than other types of tea, yellow tea falls somewhere between green and black tea in flavor. Like green varieties, this tea is more delicate and requires lower brewing temperatures of 167–176°F for proper flavor extraction.
7. PU-ERH TEA
This fermented tea popular in China has a flavor profile that varies depending on how long it has been aged. Ripe pu-erh is slightly nutty, while aged pu-erh has subtle notes of stone fruits such as plums. Ripe or aged, pu-erh tea should be brewed at the high temperature of 212°F.
8. PURPLE TEA
Low in caffeine and high in antioxidants, purple tea has a pleasant, woody flavor and vibrant violet color. This type of tea is similar to green and white tea and can be steeped at temperatures between 175–180°F.
TEA TEMPERATURE CHART
If you’re getting ready to brew a cup or pot of tea, use this quick reference chart for the brewing temperatures of common types of tea.
Note: Steeping times can vary by the amount of tea you’re brewing and the strength of flavor you prefer.
TYPE OF TEA |
BREWING TEMP |
STEEPING TIME |
BLACK TEA |
212°F |
3–5 minutes |
GREEN TEA |
175–180°F |
2 minutes |
WHITE TEA |
175–180°F |
1–2 minutes |
OOLONG TEA |
195°F |
2–3 minutes |
HERBAL TEA |
212°F |
3–4 minutes |
YELLOW TEA |
167–176°F |
2 minutes |
PU-ERH TEA |
212°F |
2–3 minutes |
PURPLE TEA |
175–180°F |
2–4 minutes |
WHAT TEMPERATURE IS TEA SERVED?
Though tea is often brewed near or at boiling temperatures, you certainly don’t want to serve tea that hot. Tea is typically drinkable when the brew has cooled to temperatures ranging between 140–150°F.
HOW LONG CAN TEA SIT AT ROOM TEMPERATURE?
Whether you’re serving tea with brunch or hosting a tea party, you may wonder how long you can let tea sit on your kitchen table. Tea can be left at room temperature for up to four hours, however, the flavor may quickly diminish if it has cooled too long.
EXPLORE KITCHENAID® TEA KETTLES
With a KitchenAid® electric kettle, you can brew a soothing pot of tea or craft a steaming cup of pour-over coffee. Browse digital kettle options with simple, streamlined settings that allow you to customize the way you brew so you can find the kettle to match your morning routine.
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