Good black Tea can certainly be brewed with boiling water. Under the stimulation of high temperatures, aromatic substances at various boiling points are fully released. This not only allows us to enjoy a rich and complex aroma but also delivers a fresh, sweet, and full-bodied taste, presenting the true flavor of Black Tea.

Should Black Tea Be Brewed With Boiling Water?

In everyday tea brewing, we have all likely experienced this: the same tea, with the same amount of leaves, produces completely different aromas and flavors when brewed with different water temperatures. This can lead one to mistakenly believe they are tasting two entirely different teas. Clearly, the temperature of the water has a direct and significant impact on how the characteristics of the tea are presented.

The principle behind this is straightforward: water temperature directly influences the extraction of compounds within the tea leaves. Of course, this is also directly related to the tightness or looseness of the tea leaves and their maturity. Higher water temperatures cause more rapid extraction from looser tea leaves, potentially leading to a bitter or sour taste; lower water temperatures result in slower extraction from tighter, coarser leaves, resulting in a thinner and less flavorful infusion that lacks robust aroma and taste.

Suggested Water Temperatures for Brewing Black Tea:

1. High-grade black teas like Golden Eyebrow (Jin Jun Mei), Yunnan Golden Tip (Dian Hong Jin Hao) are best brewed at 85 degrees Celsius.

2. Ordinary grade black teas such as Lapsang souchong, Ying Hong No. 9, and Keemun can be brewed at 90 degrees Celsius. These are small-leaf varieties.

3. Large-leaf varietals like Yunnan Dian Hong, which have thicker and more robust leaves, should be brewed with boiling water (100 degrees Celsius) for a quick pour-off. This method effectively extracts the compounds within the leaves, elevating the aroma while avoiding any negative flavors.

Finally, take tea brewing seriously, and remember that water temperature is key. Other factors, such as the amount of tea used, technique, and steeping time, should also be considered. For example, brewing tea at 85°C for ten minutes will still result in an unsatisfactory cup. Brewing tea is much like cooking—through trial and error, you'll find what suits your taste. What's the harm in steeping it in boiling water for half an hour if you enjoy the result and don't blame the seller for selling fake tea due to your own mistake? If you're lazy, Brew it around 90°C—it may not bring out the full potential of the tea, but it will still yield a stable and enjoyable cup.