So, I’ve been messing around with oolong tea lately, and let me tell you, getting the water temperature right makes a huge difference. I mean, I used to just boil water and throw it on any kind of tea, but that’s a big no-no for oolong. It’s way more complicated than that, so I started to experiment.

Experiment begins

First off, I got myself a bunch of different oolong teas. Some were light, some were dark, you know, the whole shebang. Then, I grabbed my trusty thermometer, a bunch of different cups, and started testing. I got my hands on some spring water too, I heard it is better for brewing the tea.

Experiment with light oolong

For the light oolong teas, the ones that are more like green tea, I heated the water to around 180°F to 190°F (that’s about 82°C to 88°C for my friends across the pond). I poured the water over the leaves and let it steep for a few minutes. And wow, the flavors that came out were amazing! It was all floral and delicate, like a spring garden in my cup. If I went over 190°F, it just tasted bitter and sad. Trust me, I tried.

Experiment with dark oolong

Now, for the dark oolongs, the ones that are closer to black tea, I cranked up the heat a bit. I aimed for 195°F to 205°F (that’s 90°C to 96°C). I used my thermometer to measure the temperature. These teas can handle the hotter water, and it really brings out those rich, toasty flavors. It’s like a warm hug on a cold day. I once did 212°F water for one of these dark oolongs, it just became bitter. It was like a burnt toast in my cup, not pleasant.

Spring water

Using pure spring water did make a noticeable difference in taste. The tea brewed with spring water had a cleaner, more vibrant flavor compared to regular tap water. It was subtle, but definitely there. Spring water is not easy to get, but I will definitely use it for my future brewing.

Conclusion

So, here’s the deal: don’t just throw boiling water on your oolong tea!

• Light oolongs: 180°F to 190°F.
• Dark oolongs: 195°F to 205°F.
• Spring water is the best if you can get it.

Take the time to get the temperature right, and you’ll be rewarded with a delicious cup of tea. It might seem like a small thing, but trust me, it makes a world of difference. Happy brewing!