Mastering Gongfu Cha: Water Temperature, Vessels, and The Perfect Brew

You have the leaves, and you have the water. But the bridge between them is your vessel. Many beginners burn their tea (and their fingers) because they ignore the relationship between thermal mass and water temperature. While temperature matters, your vessel is key. A thick clay pot might "cook" your delicate green tea, while our Elemental Porcelain Gaiwan preserves its fresh, grassy notes by allowing heat to escape.

The Golden Rules of Temperature

Stop boiling everything. Different compounds in tea release at different temperatures. Amino acids (sweetness) release early; Tannins (bitterness) release with high heat.

The Glazara Tea Temperature & Brewing Chart

Tea Type	Water Temp (°C/°F)	Ideal Vessel	Brew Time (Flash)
Green	80°-85°C (176°-185°F)	Thin Porcelain Gaiwan	Flash brew. 10 seconds maximum
White	70°C (158°F)	Porcelain Gaiwan	20–30 seconds for the first brew
Yellow	70°C (158°F)	Thin Porcelain Gaiwan	Flash brew. 10 seconds maximum
Oolong (Rolled)	95°-100°C (203°F-212°F, Boiling)	Porcelain Gaiwan	15–20 sec
Red	90°C-95°C (194°F-203°F)	Porcelain Gaiwan	10–15 sec
Pu-erh (Raw)	100°C (212°F, Rolling Boil)	Thick Porcelain or Clay	Flash brew
Pu-erh (Ripe)	100°C (212°F, Rolling Boil)	Thick Porcelain or Clay	10 sec

Why Vessel Material Changes Temperature

If you pour 100°C water into a cold, thick clay pot, the water temp immediately drops to 90°C. If you pour it into Glazara High-Fired Porcelain, the glaze reflects the heat, maintaining a stable temperature for extraction. This is why our 100ml Elemental Gaiwan is the standard for "truthful" brewing.

👉 Explore the Essential Brewing Tool: 100ml Elemental Gaiwan