Water quality, temperature and time are all key elements to creating an exceptional cup of tea. Below is a chart that outlines the recommended times and temperatures to steep your tea at.
| TYPE OF TEA | Water Temperature | Steeping Time | Multiple Infusions |
|
Japanese Green Teas Gyokuro Sencha Hojicha & Genmaicha |
60ºC (140ºF) 65-70ºC (149-158ºF) 80ºC (176ºF) |
1-2 minutes 1-2 minutes 1-2 minutes |
YES YES YES |
| Chinese Green Tea | 76-80ºC (170-175ºF) | 2 minutes | YES |
| White Tea | 76-82ºC (170-180ºF) | 2-3 minutes | YES |
| Oolong Tea | 80ºC (180ºF) | 3-5 minutes | YES |
| Black Tea | 98ºC (208ºF) | 3-4 minutes | NO |
| Rooibos | Boiling water | 3-4 minutes | NO |
| Herbal Tea/Tisanes | Boiling water | 3-4 minutes | NO |
Tea naturally contains many different chemical compounds including caffeine. Although the caffeine in tea is identical to that of the caffeine found in coffee, it is because of the presence of polyphenols in tea that make the caffeine interact differently in our bodies. When caffeine is released into the tea it combines with polyphenols (sometimes referred to as tannins) and the outcome is a stabilizing effect. This allows for the caffeine to release over a longer period of time. The caffeine in tea results in being more of a stimulant then an excitant as it is in coffee. Therefore the effects of tea are different then that of coffee. Tea sharpens the mind, eliminates fatigue, relaxes the body, and increases concentration.
