Yes, green tea can be boiled, but it is generally recommended to steep it in water that has been heated to around 175°F (79°C) to avoid bitterness.
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Green tea is a beloved beverage enjoyed by millions of people worldwide and is known for its many health benefits. One question often posed by tea enthusiasts is whether green tea should be boiled, and the short answer is yes, it can be boiled. However, for optimal taste, it is generally recommended to steep green tea in water that has been heated to around 175°F (79°C) to avoid bitterness.
According to The Spruce Eats, boiling water can destroy some of the delicate flavors and nutrients in green tea, which is why it’s best to keep the water temperature around 175°F (79°C) to 185°F (85°C). This allows the tea to steep without bitterness and unlocks the tea’s full flavor profile.
Furthermore, it is important to note that different types of green tea may have slightly different optimal steeping temperatures and times. For example, Japanese green teas like Sencha and Gyokuro typically call for slightly cooler water temperatures than Chinese green teas like Dragonwell (Lung Ching) or Huangshan Maofeng.
In addition to brewing temperatures, there are a few other interesting facts to keep in mind when it comes to brewing green tea:
Steeping time can also affect the taste of green tea; most green teas will reach optimal flavor within 1-3 minutes of steeping, with some exceptions.
Using water with a high mineral content (like hard tap water) can also affect the taste of green tea, so it’s recommended to use filtered water if possible.
Many green teas can be steeped multiple times, with each successive steeping yielding slightly different flavors.
Some green teas can be brewed in a gaiwan, a traditional Chinese tea brewing vessel that includes a lid, bowl, and saucer.
As Chuang Tzu once said, “Tea is the froth and scum of the water left over after making wine. It is the surplus of the wine manufacture.” While this statement may seem dismissive of tea, it does speak to the longstanding history and cultural significance of tea in China and beyond. Whether boiled or steeped gently, there is no denying the allure of a freshly brewed cup of green tea.
Here is a table summarizing the optimal brewing conditions for various types of green tea:
Type of Green Tea
Steeping Temperature
Steeping Time
Chinese Dragonwell (Lung Ching)
175°F – 185°F (79°C – 85°C)
2-4 minutes
Chinese Huangshan Maofeng
175°F – 185°F (79°C – 85°C)
2-4 minutes
Japanese Sencha
160°F – 170°F (71°C – 77°C)
1-2 minutes
Japanese Gyokuro
122°F – 140°F (50°C – 60°C)
1-2 minutes
Response via video
The host of the video demonstrates the correct way to make green tea using either tea bags or loose tea leaves with a tea infuser. Boiling one cup of water and letting it cool off for two minutes is important, followed by waiting another two minutes after adding the water to the tea cup and before removing the tea bag. The host recommends rolling the thread on top of the tea bag to remove excess water. This method can be used three to four times and will result in well-brewed green tea that is not bitter.
Other options for answering your question
Because green tea leaves are not oxidised like black leaves, you should never use boiling water as it will scorch the leaves and you’ll miss out on the tea’s full flavour profile.
You will most likely be intrigued
How long should you boil green tea?
Do not let your water boil for an extended period of time, as this draws out the oxygen, which is necessary for the flavor extraction.
About Water Temperature.
WHITE TEA ~ 1-3 Minutes.
GREEN TEA ~ 2-3 Minutes.
OOLONG TEA ~ 2-3 Minutes.
BLACK TEA ~ 3-5 Minutes.
ROOIBOS/HERBAL ~ 4-5 Minutes.
Do you boil or heat water for green tea?
Answer will be: The water temperature for black tea should be 90 to 98oC and for green tea around 80oC. Always read the instructions on pack. In order to draw the best flavour out of the tea the water must contain oxygen, this is reduced if the water is boiled more than once and you waste energy!
Does boiling water affect green tea?
Response: Green tea, White Tea, and Oolong Tea For green, white, and oolong teas, boiling water can burn the tea leaves and make the tea very bitter.
What is the proper way to drink green tea?
As an answer to this: -Steep green tea in the water only for 2-3 minutes. Underdoing it may prevent the tea leaves from releasing their flavour while overdoing it may make your tea bitter. -Add 2 grams of tea leaves to 177 ml of water. This is the right ratio of tea leaves and water to make a healthy and tasty cup of tea.
Can You boil green tea?
As an answer to this: “To avoid bitter notes, don’t use scalding hot or boiling water to brew your green tea," says Firebelly Tea Co-founder and tea expert David Segal. This is because, according to Segal, boiled water can burn the delicate tea leaves—and green tea is actually best when you steep the leaves in 170°F to 180°F water, not 212°F boiling H2O.
Is boiling water good for tea?
Answer will be: The right temperature will give you a clear, aromatic and satisfying tea infusion. Boiling water is recommended for a rich and robust breakfast tea with milk. Water Temperature for Tea – When is boiling water good? Boiling water is good for black teas when you want to make them quickly and drink them hot and strong.
How do you make green tea taste better?
Response to this: Adding a splash of cold water to your leaves before topping up with boiling water will ensure a cooler temerature for green and white tea. What temperature of water will get you the best flavour tea? A rule of thumb is the lighter or fresher the flavour you’re looking for, the lower the temperature of the water.
How do you boil a tea ball?
Drop the tea ball into a cup or mug of freshly boiled hot water. The boiled water should be "first boil" (see the boiling instructions under "Brewing loose green tea in a teapot" for more details). The water should be allowed to sit for a moment as the ideal temperature for water for green tea is 180 °F (82 °C), 80C.
Can You boil green tea?
The response is: “To avoid bitter notes, don’t use scalding hot or boiling water to brew your green tea," says Firebelly Tea Co-founder and tea expert David Segal. This is because, according to Segal, boiled water can burn the delicate tea leaves—and green tea is actually best when you steep the leaves in 170°F to 180°F water, not 212°F boiling H2O.
How do you make green tea taste better?
The reply will be: Adding a splash of cold water to your leaves before topping up with boiling water will ensure a cooler temerature for green and white tea. What temperature of water will get you the best flavour tea? A rule of thumb is the lighter or fresher the flavour you’re looking for, the lower the temperature of the water.
Should you boil water before brewing white tea?
Boiling water and then letting it cool removes oxygen from the water and decreases the flavor of the tea. It’s better to bring water up to (rather than down to) the appropriate temperature. Most people agree that white tea should be brewed with water that is well below boiling and that higher temperatures will scald the tea.
How do you preheat green tea?
As an answer to this: Swirl some hot water in your teaware to preheat it before adding your leaves. This will help to release the aroma of the tea. Explore the depth of your green tea with cooler water and a more concentrated infusion using our Tea Master. Water Temperature for Tea – When is boiling water not good? It’s not good for green,white or yellow tea.
