What is Cold Brew Tea?
Cold brew tea is an infusion prepared by steeping tea leaves in cold or room temperature water for a long period of time. This process of infusing utilizes time instead of temperature which captures the distinctive flavor.
Cold brewing method is widely practiced in Japan where it is accepted that this fermenting method softly extracts the flavor from tea leaves. While hot brewing can burn the tea resulting in a bitter taste of infusion.
The concentration ratio for cold tea is 40% tea in 60% of water or depends on the required strength. In this brewing method, a large quantity of tea is required to ensure the sufficient extraction of flavor in the water. The cold brewed tea is allowed to steep overnight at room temperature or for 16-24 hour in the refrigerator.
Cold brewed tea is picking up steam as
- This is low in caffeine and reduced risk of jitteriness and stomach upset
- High in polyphenols or antioxidants
- Give it a delicate, less bitter flavor making it a refreshing cleaner tasting tea.
Instead of hot brewing tea which is prepared by steeping leaves in hot water and sugar is added to make it taste better, cold brew tea is steeped in room temperature water for a longer time and does not contain any added sugar. This refreshing and rejuvenating drink can be enjoyed throughout the day.
Teas Best For Cold Brewing
Not all teas are best for cold brew like some varieties of black tea do not give the best flavor while brewed cold. Any tea can be cold brewed but there are some teas which are ideal for cold brewing giving a refreshing taste and flavor. These teas include green tea, white tea, oolong tea, herbal teas and fruit teas.
Green Tea
Green tea, the most enjoyed beverage, is ideal tea for cold brew and does not result in bitter taste like hot brew. It shines in its antioxidants which prevent oxidative damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
White Tea
White tea is also prepared from the leaves of a tea plant called Camellia sinensis. To make the tea add 2-3 g of tea leaves in 4-6 cups of fresh water and let it steep for 4 hours. You can customize the recipe by adding some fruits according to your preferences.
Oolong Tea
Oolong tea, obtained from the same plant of green and black tea and strength lies between green and black tea.
Herbal Teas
Herbal teas or tisanes are prepared by steeping different parts of plants like roots, stem, leaves, and flowers in cold water for a long period of time, probably overnight. Herbal infusion is a great way to enjoy all the unique flavor and characteristics of plants in a single cup.
Fruit Teas
Fruit teas are highly delicious and flavorful liquids to enjoy in the morning or any time of the day. It requires a great time of 16-24 hours to steep which extract the taste and flavor of fruit.
For How Long Cold Brew Is Steeped?
Time for steeping cold brew varies for each type depending on flavor, part and type of tea used. For example, crushed leaves give flavor quicker than unbroken leaves and tightly rolled oolong tea require more time than slightly twisted leaves. For green tea, it is required to steep for 3 hours, white tea minimum 4 hours, oolong tea 5-6 hours, herbal teas 8-12 hours and fruit teas should be steeped for more than 12 hours.
How Long Cold Brew Lasts?
Once you brew your tea in cold water you can store it in the fridge for 3-5 days and enjoy this calorie free flavorful tea.
Why You Cold Brew The Tea?
Cold brewing has various advantages to offer which catch the attention of tea drinkers.
Contain less Caffeine
Cold brewed teas possess less caffeine content even if teas are high caffeinated. Cold fermented tea is an ideal option for those who want to limit their caffeine content but are also keen to enjoy the refreshing cup of tea.
Give A Smoother flavor
Teas when brewed in cold water give a gentle and smooth flavor compared to hot brew which result in bitter taste. This method, though takes a long time, results in a flavorsome liquid.
Require Little Effort
This method of brewing the tea is easy and effortless, all you need is fresh water, tea leaves and a jar.
Possess High Nutrient Profile
Cold brewed tea is rich in antioxidants, polyphenols and other plant compounds compared to hot brew in which some of the beneficial compounds are lost during heating.
How To Cold Brew The Tea?
Cold brew is really easy to make and delicious in taste and provides nourishment and hydration to the body.
What You Need For Cold Brew?
- Filtered water (fresh or room temperature)
- Tea bags or loose leaf tea
- Glass jar or picture
- Flavoring herbs, spices or fruits (optional)
Step 1. Choose Your Favorite Tea
The first and foremost step is to select the tea to be brewed. You can use any tea of your choice and add tea leaves in a glass jar or pitcher. Tea leaves can be added either directly or in a tea infuser which is then placed in the jar. Tea infuser prevents the floating of tea leaves on the water.
Step 2. Add Water In The Jar
Pour 2 cups of fresh water in the jar and cover the jar with a lid. You can adjust the quantity of water and tea leaves as per your requirements. You can add slices of fruits or herbs for more flavor.
Step 3. Allow To Steep
Place the glass jar in the refrigerator or at room temperature to steep for a specific period of time. Steeping time depends on the type of tea and required flavor.
Step 4. Remove Tea Leaves
After a specific time, remove the tea infuser or tea bag. Strain the tea in case of loose tea leaves. Pour in glass and enjoy this refreshing, nourishing and flavorsome tea.
Bottom Line
Cold brew tea is obtained by steeping tea leaves in cold water which give it a smother, delicate flavor. Tea obtained by this method is loaded with polyphenols, antioxidants and phytochemicals necessary for overall health and wellbeing of the human body. It is easy to make and is highly delicious to taste, but requires a long time to extract the flavor.