Water quality is very important to a good
cup of tea.
Tap water should be filtered with
a Brita or Everpure filter to avoid chemical
or other bad flavors. Hard water makes bad
tea, so if you are out camping, you might
want to bring your own water. Soft water or
pH 7 water is best for green teas, and pH
7.9 for most teas.
Temperature
A rolling boil is usually needed to bring out
the full flavor of teas, but lower temps are
recommended for green teas to avoid
bitterness. Sometimes you can allow boiling
water to sit for a minute to cool down, or
you can splash a little cold water into the
kettle. Try using a thermometer to get a
better understanding. After awhile, you'll
develop an innate feeling for when the
water is ready.
Temperature Scale
(Based on Tang Dynasty tea scholar
Lu Yu)
Fish Eyes: 160-180° F.
Tiny bubbles begin to float to the surface.
Ideal for delicate green teas.
String of Pearls: 180-190° F.
Strings of bubbles connect bottom of
kettle with surface. Good for most
green teas.
Turbulent Waters: 190-210° F.
A rolling boil. Best for black and
oolong teas.
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