First, do you know what cold brewed tea is?
By cold brewed tea, we mean steeping tea leaves in cold water, a method that upends traditional ways of brewing tea. It's perfect for office workers, students, drivers, hikers, and anyone else on the go. As long as you can get your hands on a bottle of mineral water, you can enjoy a delicious and healthful cup of cold brewed tea anytime. The aroma and taste of cold brewed tea differ from those achieved by pouring hot water over tea leaves in a teapot. Generally, people find the flavor of cold brewed tea more natural than that of canned tea drinks.
Unfermented green tea, lightly fermented wulong tea, lightly fermented white pekoe, and white peony are all suitable for cold brewing. The less the tea has been fermented, the sweeter and fresher its taste will be when cold brewed. However, remember not to leave the tea too long; after eight hours, it's best not to drink it. If you're sensitive to caffeine, you can opt for cold brewed tea in the evening. If you're drinking tea to stay alert, however, we recommend brewing it with hot water.
Not all types of tea are suitable for cold brewing
Heavily fermented teas like dark tea, Pu-erh, Tieguanyin, and black tea don't work well with the cold brew method. Cold brewing these teas results in a bitter, bland taste without any aroma. Therefore, they're not suitable for cold brewing. So, feel free to use boiling water to brew them—except for black tea, which you can brew however you prefer!
Cold brewed tea retains more nutrients
Cold-brewed tea is not only drinkable but also healthier. Cold brewing preserves the tea's taste while maximizing the retention of its nutritional components, including catechins, polyphenols, pigments, polysaccharides, and more. These substances are released most abundantly after two hours. They contribute significantly to antioxidant activity and help lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels, just like hot-brewed tea does.
Cold brewed tea doesn't harm the stomach and can reduce irritation
Many people believe that using cold water to brew tea increases its inherent chilliness, leading to discomfort in the stomach. This is not the case. When steeped at room temperature or lower, the release of compounds from the tea is slower. Sweet-tasting amino acids dissolve first, while caffeine, tannins (the source of bitterness), and other compounds that contribute to bitterness and astringency are less likely to be released in cold water. This reduces the bitterness and astringency, making it less likely to cause insomnia. Additionally, cold brewed tea promotes bowel movements and helps eliminate old waste, aiding in weight loss and cancer prevention. It also lightens the burden on the stomach lining, making it suitable for those with sensitive constitutions or weak stomachs.
Editor's Recommendation
While choosing the right way to enjoy tea, you might occasionally want to try something new. After all, whether you drink it hot or cold, you're still enjoying the “slow life.” “Cold water makes the tea slowly stronger,” and the waiting process itself is a time to relax and slow down.