Temperature Matters: The Secret to Sweetness

Have you ever brewed a cup of green tea that tasted so bitter it made your mouth pucker? You might have blamed the tea leaves, but the real culprit was likely your water temperature.

Boiling water (100°C / 212°F) is the enemy of delicate teas. Here is why temperature is the most critical variable for unlocking sweetness.

The Science of Heat

Tea leaves contain various chemical compounds that dissolve at different temperatures:

• Amino Acids (Sweetness/Umami): Dissolve easily at lower temperatures (60°C+).
• Catechins (Bitterness/Astringency): Require higher temperatures (80°C+) to dissolve rapidly.
• Caffeine (Bitterness): Dissolves faster as temperature rises.

When you pour boiling water on green tea, you extract the bitter catechins and caffeine instantly, overwhelming the delicate, sweet amino acids. The result? A bitter, unbalanced brew.

Optimal Temperatures by Type

Green Tea (60°C - 80°C / 140°F - 175°F)

• Gyokuro: 50°C-60°C (122°F-140°F) - Extremely low temp for maximum umami.
• Sencha: 70°C-80°C (158°F-175°F) - Balances sweetness with a refreshing astringency.

Oolong Tea (85°C - 95°C / 185°F - 205°F)

• Lighter Oolongs: 85°C-90°C - Preserves floral aromatics.
• Darker Oolongs: 90°C-95°C - Extracts deep, roasted notes.

Black Tea & Pu-erh (95°C - 100°C / 205°F - 212°F)

• These fully oxidized teas are hardy. They need near-boiling water to break down their cellular structures and release their bold, robust flavors.

How Steep Helps

Memorizing temperatures for every tea variety is a hassle. Steep has a built-in temperature guide for every timer. We tell you exactly how hot your water should be to get the best flavor from your specific leaves.

Cooling Tip: Don't have a variable temperature kettle? Pour boiling water into your cup first, then into your teapot. This transfer cools the water by about 10°C (18°F).

Conclusion

Stop burning your tea! Lowering your water temperature is the easiest way to instantly upgrade your brewing game. Give your green tea a break, cool it down, and taste the sweetness you've been missing.

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