Good Tea is relative, and everyone has their own subjective criteria for judging whether something is “good tea.” However, objectively speaking, good tea is determined by both high-quality raw materials and excellent processing techniques.

Firstly, the raw material base of the tea must be good. Tea made from quality raw materials will have rich intrinsic qualities, a balanced ratio of effective components, and will withstand multiple infusions and high temperatures.

Secondly, processing techniques give tea its second life. Quality raw materials, when processed appropriately, will not turn out too poorly regardless of how they are brewed. However, tea processed with substandard techniques can hide its flaws with lower temperature brewing, but boiling water will reveal its true nature.

Can all good teas be brewed with boiling water?

In principle, all teas can be brewed with boiling water. As long as the quality is top-notch, there won't be significant issues even when brewed with boiling water; however, teas of slightly inferior quality will quickly expose their shortcomings.

Oolong Tea must be brewed with boiling water

There is no doubt that oolong tea is made from mature leaves that undergo significant rolling. Boiling water is necessary to bring out its high-aromatic fragrance and deep flavor.

Aged tea is suitable for brewing with boiling water

Brewing aged tea with boiling water can help eliminate any storage-related odors. Moreover, the rich flavors of aged tea require boiling water to be fully activated, and many aged teas taste even better when boiled.

Green tea can also be brewed with boiling water

The typical brewing temperature for green tea is 80-90°C, mainly because the tender raw materials of green tea can be damaged by high temperatures, affecting its fresh and brisk flavor. However, green tea can also be brewed with boiling water under certain conditions: use a Gaiwan or a porcelain pot, pour the water along the edge rather than directly onto the leaves, and do not let the infusion time exceed 10 seconds.

Black Tea requires skill when brewing with boiling water

The commonly recommended brewing temperature for black tea is below 90°C, as many black teas can become sour when brewed with boiling water. If you want to Brew black tea with boiling water, use slightly less tea, and immediately pour out the water after adding it.

White tea with good raw materials withstands brewing

Because white tea has a simple processing technique, the raw materials must meet high standards, such as being grown in a good environment and at an appropriate altitude. Even tender white teas can be sweet when brewed with boiling water. However, some lower quality white teas may only be suitable for brewing at slightly lower temperatures to avoid bitterness.

Good tea stands up to scrutiny and will not produce off-flavors, unrelenting bitterness, or a dry sensation in the throat even when brewed with boiling water. However, brewing with boiling water isn't necessarily the best method.

For teas with solid quality, boiling water can be used when proper techniques like pouring and timing are applied, but there's no need to be overly fixated on this method. The optimal brewing temperature should still be considered for each type of tea.