Different teas want different water temperatures. Too hot scorches delicate leaves and turns the cup bitter. This chart lists the targets.
| Tea | Water temp | Steep time |
|---|---|---|
| White | 160 to 185F | 2 to 3 min |
| Green | 160 to 180F | 1 to 3 min |
| Oolong | 185 to 205F | 3 to 5 min |
| Black | 200 to 212F | 3 to 5 min |
| Pu-erh | 200 to 212F | 3 to 5 min |
| Herbal | 208 to 212F | 5 to 7 min |
Cool water for green. Green and white teas turn bitter in boiling water. Let a kettle cool a minute off the boil, or stop it early.
See the Tea Steeping Time Chart and the Tea Brewing Guide.