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Tea needs to be brewed at a certain temperature to ensure the best flavor and quality, as each type of tea (green tea, black tea, oolong tea, white tea, etc.) has its own distinct properties and reacts differently when exposed to hot water.
Here’s why brewing tea at the correct temperature is important:
1. Preserve flavor:
Each type of tea has its own flavor and will react differently when exposed to water at high or low temperatures. If the temperature is too high, the tea may become burnt or more bitter, while if the temperature is too low, the tea will not be able to extract all the compounds and flavors from the tea leaves.
- Green tea is prone to losing its fresh flavor and can become bitter if brewed at too high a temperature, so it is usually brewed at a low temperature of around 70-80°C.
- Black tea can withstand higher temperatures (90-100°C), because the fermentation process has given the tea leaves a stronger flavor, requiring hot water to extract all the compounds in the leaves.
- Oolong tea should be brewed at a medium temperature (80-90°C) to ensure that the flavor has a blend of green and black tea without being too strong or too weak.
2. Optimize nutrients and beneficial compounds:
- Antioxidants (like catechins in green tea) and caffeine in tea can be destroyed by high temperatures. Brewing tea at the right temperature helps retain these nutrients and health benefits.
- White and green teas are rich in catechins and antioxidants, and if brewed at too high a temperature, these can be lost or changed into less beneficial compounds.
3. Avoid making the tea bitter or astringent:
- Tea contains tannins, a compound that can produce a bitter taste if brewed at too high a temperature. Brewing tea at the correct temperature helps control the release of tannins, resulting in a more harmonious and pleasant flavor.
- Especially with green and white teas, keeping the temperature low will help prevent the release of too many tannins and create astringency, keeping the tea fresh and light.
4. Ensure the purity of tea:
When tea is brewed at the wrong temperature, extraction can be uneven, resulting in over- or under-extracting some compounds. This not only affects the flavor, but can also reduce the effectiveness of the health benefits of the tea.
5. Customize to personal preference:
Brewing tea at different temperatures also allows you to adjust the flavor to your personal preference. Some people prefer stronger teas (like black tea brewed at a high temperature) while others prefer lighter, more refreshing teas (like green tea brewed at a low temperature).
Brewing tea at the right temperature helps to optimize the flavor, preserve nutrients, and provide the best tea-drinking experience. Each type of tea has its own temperature requirements, and understanding these factors will help you brew a delicious, flavorful, and healthy cup of tea.