How to Boil Water During a Rolling Apocalypse

Heating water for different types of tea without a thermometer or electric kettle

Teacups by Anna Vaughn Photo: Shambhavi Sarasvati

The Story

Different types of tea are best brewed at different temperatures. Imagine the grid has collapsed, and you no longer have electricity to power your Japanese multi-temperature water boiler. Of course, your cooking thermometer has been lost in the apocalyptic kerfluffle.

Or, alternatively, you’ve rented an Airbnb that lacks a suitable electric kettle because settler colonialist culture is collapsing. Never fear.

These instructions for visually recognizing the State of Water hail from my friend Liu Ming, a Daoist teacher and dedicated tea ceremonialist. Whether you are heating water for your tea on a stovetop or an open-air fire, you can produce the perfect cuppa every time.

Ming was both an enjoyer of consummate luxury and (theoretically) prepared to rough it with grace.

Once he returned from a trip and complained angrily to me about the “tepid” water in a hotel shower. I said, “We complain about hotel amenities, but if we were in Mongolia camping out on the steppe, we’d think nothing of pouring cold water over our heads from a bucket.

“So true,” Ming answered. We both laughed and then looked at each other wryly in recognition that we might be happier never having to test this theory.

Showers aside, Ming’s ritual and deeply affectional relationship to tea was undoubtable. He loved to remind people that his first drink was tea mixed with mother’s milk. I have utter confidence that he was exquisitely prepared to boil water and make tea in any and all conditions!

The Method

Liu Ming pouring tea

“You can absolutely rely on these five stages of bringing water to a boil.” ~ Liu Ming

Small pinhead bubbles

When you first start seeing small, pinhead-sized bubbles in the water, the temperature is around 155–165°F. This is perfect for green teas.

Large pinhead bubbles

When slightly larger bubbles form, and small wisps of steam start to rise from the hot water, the temperature is roughly 165–175°F. This is perfect for yellow teas. Yellow teas are rather rare, though.

Small pearls

At this stage, the water bubbles will be the size of small pearls. The rising steam will be stronger. This water is roughly 175–185°F, perfect for white teas. 

Streaming pearls

Now bubbles should be streaming to the surface of the water, and it should almost be boiling. This water is around 185–200°F, perfect for oolong tea.

Raging torrent

The water is bubbling violently, swirling and roiling like a raging river. The temperature is 200–212°F, perfect for Assam, pu-erh, any robust black tea, and also most herbal teas. Note: I never witnessed Liu Ming drinking herbal tea.

Now you are thoroughly prepared, come what may. You’re welcome.

with infinite love,
Shambhavi

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