Does Green Tea Have to Be Brewed at Low Temperature?
You’ve probably heard this advice many times:“Green tea should be brewed at around 80°C.”So does that mean green tea must always be brewed at low temperature?Let’s analyze this carefully.1. Why Low Temperature Is RecommendedGreen tea is unfermented and rich in:CatechinsCaffeineAmino acidsHigh temperatures accelerate extraction of catechins and caffeine, leading to bitterness and astringency.Lower temperatures allow amino acids to dominate, producing sweetness and freshness.This is why 70–85°C is often recommended.2. But Is It a Strict Rule?Not necessarily.Different green teas behave differently.Tender Bud Teas (Longjing, Biluochun)Delicate leavesHigher sensitivityRecommended: 75–85°CSlightly Mature Leaf TeasThicker leavesMore tolerantCan handle 85–90°C.3. Temperature Is Only One VariableOther key factors include:Leaf-to-water ratioBrewing timeHigh temperature + short steep Low temperature + longer steep Both can work if balanced properly.4. Why Some Experts Use Near-Boiling WaterExperienced drinkers sometimes use very hot water but pour quickly.Control is more important than temperature alone.Final ThoughtsSo, does green tea have to be brewed at low temperature?Low temperature is a safe guideline, not an absolute rule.Understand extraction principles. Adjust based on tea type and your taste preference.Temperature is a tool. Flavor is the goal.