TeaChat

I just ordered the sample pack of green tea from adagio and I was wondering what temp the water should be at to make this tea.

Around 180 degrees F. Any more could scald or cook the leaves, and give you a bitter tea. (Also, the temperature and time suggestions are usually on the lable)

What teas did you order? The different teas don't all require the same exact brewing. For example, li zi nutcracker gets bitter with 180F and 3 minutes. You have the option to either lower the temperature, or brewing time. Either use about 160F and 3 minutes, or 180F and 1m-1.5m.

If you feel courageous, try boiling water for green tea. As long as you lower the brew time a lot, and pour it carefully on the walls of the vessel instead of directly on the leaves, it won't create a bitter or stewed cup. I find that 15-45 seconds is all it takes for green tea. 15 seconds being for teas like li zi nutcracker, or sencha. 30 seconds for mid-range teas. And 45 seconds for teas like green pekoe, white monkey, and white tea.

Good info there Andy, I've never done that myself. Usually most are at 180, with some exceptions. I usually just use 175 degree water because my Zojirushi is set at that usually.

I would say that Chinese green teas can be brewed at 175 or 180, but I wouldn't go that high with Japanese green teas. I usually brew at around 160 because I find that Japanese greens can get bitter at temperatures higher than that. Still, to each his own! Whatever tastes best to you is the right temperature.

thanks for the help.