The Complete Guide to
Brewing Green Tea
Find your perfect tea, learn the right water temperature and steep time, and brew a better cup — every time.
2-minute quiz · 5 questions · personalized result
Green Tea Brewing Temperature & Time Calculator
Every green tea has an ideal water temperature and steep time. Select yours below — we'll do the math.
Green Tea Brewing Temperature & Time Chart
| Tea | Temperature | Steep Time | Leaf Amount | Infusions | Flavor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🍃 Sencha | 70–80°C / 158–176°F | 1m–2m | 2g / 100ml | 3 | Fresh, grassy, slightly sweet |
| 🍵 Matcha | 70–80°C / 158–176°F | 15s–30s | 2g / 70ml | 1 | Rich, creamy, umami |
| 💎 Gyokuro | 50–60°C / 122–140°F | 2m–3m | 3g / 50ml | 4 | Deep sweet umami, buttery |
| ☕ Hojicha | 85–95°C / 185–203°F | 30s–1m | 3g / 150ml | 2 | Roasted, nutty, caramel |
| 🍚 Genmaicha | 80–90°C / 176–194°F | 1m–1m 30s | 3g / 150ml | 2 | Toasty, nutty, popcorn-like |
| 🌿 Kukicha | 75–85°C / 167–185°F | 1m–2m | 3g / 150ml | 3 | Mild, creamy, slightly sweet |
| 🌸 Jasmine Green | 75–85°C / 167–185°F | 2m–3m | 2g / 150ml | 3 | Floral, fragrant, light |
| 🌾 Bancha | 80–90°C / 176–194°F | 1m–1m 30s | 3g / 150ml | 2 | Earthy, mild, slightly straw-like |
| 🐉 Longjing (Dragon Well) | 75–85°C / 167–185°F | 1m–3m | 3g / 150ml | 3 | Chestnut, smooth, vegetal |
| 🌱 Shincha | 70–80°C / 158–176°F | 1m–1m 30s | 2g / 100ml | 2 | Fresh, sweet, vibrant green |
| 🌤 Kabusecha | 60–70°C / 140–158°F | 1m–2m | 2g / 80ml | 3 | Umami-rich, mellow, sweet |
| 🌀 Biluochun | 70–80°C / 158–176°F | 1m–2m | 3g / 150ml | 3 | Fruity, floral, delicate |
| ⛰️ Huangshan Maofeng | 80–90°C / 176–194°F | 1m–3m | 3g / 150ml | 3 | Orchid-like, sweet, clean |
| 🦊 Taiping Houkui | 80–90°C / 176–194°F | 1m 30s–3m | 3g / 150ml | 3 | Smooth, orchid aroma, mellow |
| 🍂 Oolong | 85–95°C / 185–203°F | 30s–1m | 3g / 100ml | 5 | Floral to roasted, complex |
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Tea
Everything you need to know about brewing temperature, steep time, health benefits, and choosing the right green tea.
Brewing & Temperature
What is the best temperature to brew green tea?
Most green teas brew best between 70–85°C (158–185°F). Delicate teas like gyokuro need cooler water around 50–60°C, while roasted teas like hojicha can handle 85–95°C. Using boiling water (100°C) on green tea is the most common mistake — it scorches the leaves and creates a bitter, astringent cup.
How long should I steep green tea?
Steep times range from 20 seconds to 3 minutes depending on the variety. Matcha needs just 15–20 seconds of whisking. Sencha brews in 60–90 seconds. Gyokuro takes the longest at 2–3 minutes. Over-steeping is the second most common brewing mistake after using water that's too hot.
Why does my green tea taste bitter?
Bitterness almost always comes from water that's too hot or steeping too long. Green tea leaves release tannins faster at higher temperatures, creating that harsh taste. Try lowering your water temperature by 10°C and cutting your steep time by 30 seconds. The difference is dramatic.
Can I reuse green tea leaves?
Yes — most high-quality loose-leaf green teas can be steeped 2–4 times. Japanese teas like sencha and gyokuro are specifically designed for multiple infusions. Each steep reveals different flavor notes. The second steep is often considered the best for sencha.
Should I use filtered water for green tea?
Yes. Chlorinated tap water can significantly alter the taste of green tea. Use filtered or spring water with a neutral pH. Hard water with high mineral content can also make tea taste flat. The water quality matters almost as much as the temperature.
Types & Health Benefits
What are the health benefits of green tea?
Green tea is rich in catechins (especially EGCG), powerful antioxidants linked to improved cardiovascular health, enhanced brain function, and healthy metabolism support. It also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes calm focus without the jitters associated with coffee.
What is the difference between matcha and regular green tea?
Matcha is a powdered green tea where you consume the entire leaf, providing up to 137× more antioxidants than standard brewed green tea. Regular green tea is steeped and the leaves are discarded. Matcha is shade-grown for 3–4 weeks before harvest, boosting its chlorophyll and L-theanine content.
Which green tea has the least caffeine?
Hojicha and kukicha have the lowest caffeine among green teas. Hojicha's roasting process reduces caffeine significantly, and kukicha is made from stems and twigs which naturally contain less. Both are excellent evening teas. By contrast, matcha and gyokuro have the highest caffeine.
What is the best green tea for beginners?
Genmaicha or hojicha are great starting points. Genmaicha blends green tea with toasted rice, creating a nutty, approachable flavor. Hojicha's roasted character tastes more like coffee than traditional green tea. Both are forgiving with water temperature and steep time.
How much green tea should I drink per day?
Most studies suggest 3–5 cups per day is optimal for health benefits, providing 240–320mg of polyphenols. If you're caffeine-sensitive, switch to hojicha or kukicha in the afternoon and evening.