Why should you boil cold water for tea?

* Boiling cold water takes longer. It takes more energy to heat cold water to boiling than it does to heat water that's already at room temperature.

* It doesn't impact flavor. The temperature of the water is more important than whether it was initially cold or warm.

* It can waste energy. Using a kettle with already warm water is more energy-efficient.

What matters for tea:

* Water temperature: Different teas require different water temperatures.

* Freshness of water: The fresher the water, the better it will taste.

Here's a breakdown:

* Black tea: Boil water to 212°F (100°C)

* Green tea: Heat water to 170-180°F (77-82°C)

* White tea: Heat water to 160-170°F (71-77°C)

* Herbal tea: Boiling or a lower temperature, depending on the herb.

In summary: Start with warm water to save energy and time, and then heat it to the appropriate temperature for your chosen tea.