Okay, so I’ve been messing around with white tea lately, and let me tell you, getting the water temperature right makes a huge difference. I remember the first time I tried brewing it, I just used boiling water like I do with my regular black tea. Big mistake! It tasted so bitter and nasty, I almost gave up on white tea altogether.

Then I did a little digging, and I found out that white tea is way more delicate than other types. You gotta treat it gentle, you know? I started paying more attention to the instructions from the tea shop where I got my leaves. They had some tips on the package, and that was my starting point.

So, here’s what I did: First, I started using a lower temperature, around 175°F (80°C). I don’t have a fancy thermometer, so I just let the water boil and then wait for a little while. Usually, after turning off the heat, I’ll wait for about five minutes.

My Brewing Experiments

• Experiment 1: I used the lower temperature water and steeped the tea for about 3 minutes, like the package said. The tea was definitely better than my first try, with a lighter color and a smoother taste. Still, it wasn’t quite there.

  

• Experiment 2: I kept the water temperature the same, but I played around with the steeping time. I tried a shorter steep, about 2 minutes. This made the flavor a bit too weak for my liking.

• Experiment 3: Then, I tried a longer steep, around 4-5 minutes. This one was pretty good! The flavor was stronger but still smooth, and the tea had a nice, sweet aftertaste. Also, I tried adding more tea leaves.

• Experiment 4: Finally, I messed with the water temperature a bit more. I tried 165°F (74°C) just for kicks. The tea was milder, but some of the subtle flavors really popped. When I get some really good quality white tea, I think I am going to use this temperature more!

After all these experiments, I’ve realized that there’s no one “perfect” temperature for white tea. It really depends on the specific tea leaves you have, and your own personal preference. I learned that it’s all about finding that sweet spot where the tea tastes just right to you. Don’t be afraid to try some stuff out!

So, if you’re new to white tea, my advice is to start with a lower temperature and a shorter steeping time. Then, just tweak it until you find what you like. Trust me, it’s worth the effort. White tea can be really amazing when you brew it right.