Water is crucial when making tea. And I’m not referring to the fact that tea is 99% water, but to the quality of that water and using it at the correct temperature. No matter how fine and good the tea you are using, if you don’t use the right water and at the right temperature, you are going to spoil it. Thus, bad water results in bad tea. So, let’s try to avoid that.

In the image below you can see a fine green tea brewed in water with different mineral levels.

Using the best water

The best quality water is acid water with a pH of less than 7, freshly filtered. A pH above 7 will make the tea bitter. To test the acidity of the water, you can use a pH meter.

Filtering the water is crucial because it will remove harmful chemicals and bacteria, which in turn will also improve the smell and taste of the water. You can use a water filter jug or an under-sink water filter kit.

Alternatively, despite not being environmentally friendly, you can use bottled spring water.

You should avoid distilled water because it will result in a flat-tasting tea given its low content in minerals. On the other hand, mineral water will result in a metallic-tasting tea, which you should also avoid.

Using the right temperature

Haven’t we all heard at least once that green tea is bitter?! But, in reality, brewed at the correct temperature (60-80°C), green tea is not bitter but rather full of flavour. What makes it bitter is pouring water boiled at 100°C and let it over-brew.

The easiest solution is to use a kettle with temperature control – just set the correct temperature and turn it on.

If instead, you don’t have a kettle with temperature control, you can boil the water, open the lid and leave it open for 5 minutes if you brew green, white or yellow teas, 3 minutes for oolong tea, 2 minutes for dark tea or 1 minute for black tea.

Some people warm the tea vessel before pouring the hot water to prevent a decrease in temperature after pouring the hot water. It is up to you if you want to do that or skip it.

Two other important factors essential to consider are the leaf quantity and steeping time. Just follow the brewing instructions of the tea you are using.