Why does it Matter? Tea Brewing Temperature
Here is an article I wrote giving some basic guidelines to using the correct water temperature for your steeping! Water temperature does make a huge difference. For example, you can literally “cook” your green teas if you’re using boiling water to steep them!
Here’s a handy chart:
http://epiteablog.com/why-does-it-matter-tea-brewing-temperature/
Umm… As a tea drinker that always microwaves their water, why is it bad? The water I use is reverse osmosis and heat it up in a pyrex.
You can burn or cook your leaves, which leaves your tea tasting bitter etc. Teas like White & Green are easier to burn.
I know that, I mean why is it bad to microwave heat your water verses kettle heating it?
Microwaving water doesn’t equally heat your water. As the mug heats up, the water that makes contact with the mug might be boiling, but the water in the middle is cooler.
Here is a site I found that offers an answer: http://askville.amazon.com/difference-microwaved-water-stove-boiled/AnswerViewer.do?requestId=7186927
Interesting science… It does make sense though. The main reason I have been using the microwave is because with our stove top it always has burn marks left on it when we use it.
Ahhh I understand. Using the stove is of course not absolutely necessary. Although that being said, tea is one of those things that is sensitive to the small details. A little difference goes a long way to add to the quality of your brew.
I wonder what would happen if you stirred the water after using the microwave. You would probably have to check your temperature after the stir. Of course microwaving can also cause problems with super heating. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_OXM4mr_i0 It is well worth the watch.
I think it also the amount of water you heat up matters. I usually heat up about 28oz every time. My guess is that in a pinch a microwave will do, but when you want to sit down and brew a special tea, use a kettle.
Interesting and very good to know. Thank you.
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