TEA TEMPERATURES: A HOW-TO TEA GUIDE

Whether you want to go from coffee to tea or you just want to learn something new, knowing the ideal temperature for tea brewing is essential to making a delicious cup of tea anytime you want one. The sort of tea you’re producing will determine the appropriate brewing temperature because the heat level might impact the flavor and extraction of the tea.

Explore additional commonly asked topics and gain more knowledge about tea temperatures and tea brewing techniques by using this guide.

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.  

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.