The Buzz About Cold Brew Green Tea
Nothing quite hits the spot like a glass of iced tea when it comes to enjoying a cool, refreshing drink. Most iced tea is made with black tea. To mix things up, try cold-brew green tea. It's not just a tasty beverage; the options are endless on the taste buds! So what makes cold brew green tea so special, how it's made, and why is it perfect for anyone, anywhere?
Alternative to Cold Brewed Coffee
Cold brewed coffee consumption is growing at a double-digit clip so the idea of not having to brew with hot water is becoming more mainstream. Cold brewed tea is lower in caffeine and acidity than coffee and cold brewed green tea is even lower than cold brewed black tea.
How Does Cold Brew Tea Work?
Cold brewing takes a more gradual approach unlike hot brewing, where flavors are rapidly extracted through high temperatures. Tea leaves are left to steep in cold water over several hours, allowing their flavors to infuse slowly and gently. This leisurely extraction process reduces the caffeine content in cold brew green tea compared to its hot-brewed counterpart. Cold brewing also has a knack for reducing the extraction of compounds with inherent bitter taste, resulting in a smoother and more palatable brew. It's all about finding the right balance between patience and precision, ultimately enhancing the tea-drinking experience for any tea enthusiast.
Cold Brew Tea Benefits
Cold brewing is very simple and you don’t have to be concerned as much with water temperature and brewing time. Cold Brew Tea is considered to be more sustainable because of not having to boil hot water which consumes less energy.
Renowned for being rich in antioxidants and plant based nutrients, green tea is famous for enhancing overall well-being and has been proven to do wonders for health. Cold brewing stands out as a method that not only preserves these valuable properties but also provides a refreshing and delightful drinking experience. Green tea is rich in antioxidants such as polyphenols and flavonoids, which contribute to its health-promoting qualities.
A study in The International Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemical Research found that cold brewing green tea helps keep those important compounds at higher levels compared to brewing it hot. Interestingly, this wasn't the case for black tea. Both cold and hot brewed teas have similar antioxidant activity, so cold brewing is a smart choice for making sure you get the most out of your tea, especially when you don't have hot water on hand.
Cold Brewed Tea Taste
Cold brewed tea offers a tea with lighter body and is smoother drinking compared to hot brewed tea. Cold brewed tea is also less bitter because of the reduced caffeine. Cold brewing is more forgiving on taste because the extraction method is less aggressive compared to brewing with hot water.
Is Drinking Cold Brew Tea Good for You?
Yes, if you want tea with less acid and caffeine. Cold brewed tea contains less acidity and less caffeine. The good news is science shows cold brewed tea can contain the same amount of antioxidants as hot brewed tea.
Cold Brewing Green Tea Guide
Leaf size, ambient temperature and water softness will affect brew time. Sun tea brewed at room temperature or warmer can take 4-5 hours. Therefore, tea brewed in the colder climes or the refrigerator (approx. 36-42 degrees F) takes longer than in direct sunlight.
Whole leaf tea leaves take longer to brew versus tea bag cut leaves.
Cold brewing with hard water (mineral-rich) will take longer than with softer water.
When considering cold brew green tea, you should start by selecting premium tea leaves or quality tea bags, as they play a crucial role in enhancing the overall flavor and aroma of your brew. Opt for top-notch green tea for better taste and satisfaction.
Recommended Green Teas for Cold Brewing
- Tea Bags: Organic Green Tea, Pineapple Strawberry, Passion Fruit Orange, Olena
- Loose Tea: Japanese Sencha Green Tea, Sakura Sencha, Jasmine Yin Hao, Jasmine Mamaki
- Matcha
Additionally, investing in convenient brewing containers specifically designed for cold brewing can simplify the process and make it hassle-free. A couple of brewing vessels we recommend are the Hario Cold Brew Bottle and the Takeya Iced Tea Pitcher. These containers streamline preparation because they come with strainers, clean up is easy because they both have wide mouths and they both can fit easily in the refrigerator.
Refreshing Cold Brew Flavor Profiles
When you make green tea by letting it steep in cold water instead of hot, it ends up tasting milder and silkier. It's got this gentle, revitalizing taste to it. Cold brewing keeps all those delicate flavors intact so when you sip it, you get this really sophisticated flavor experience. We’ve put together a green tea flavor profile list:
- Organic Green Tea: Cold brewing mellows its grassy notes, enhancing sweetness and reducing astringency.
- Pineapple Strawberry: Cold infusion elevates fruity flavors, preserving tropical sweetness and delicate nuances.
- Passion Fruit Orange: Tangy citrus flavors flourish in cold brews, with tropical undertones shining through.
- Japanese Sencha Green Tea: Cold brewing retains freshness and sweetness while eliminating bitterness.
- Sakura Sencha: Delicate cherry blossom aroma meets grassy sencha, creating a balanced, refreshing cold brew.
- Jasmine Yin Hao: Cold brewing intertwines floral jasmine with mellow sweetness for a fragrant, refreshing iced experience.
- Jasmine Mamaki: Floral elegance and herbal vitality, and when cold brewed, can offer a uniquely refreshing twist.
- Matcha: You’re drinking the whole leaf so great, round taste profile of sweet grassy, pistachio and the deep green color is beautiful.
How to Make Cold Brew Green Tea
- Choose Your Tea - Opt for a quality green tea for the best flavor, ensuring that you fully enjoy the benefits of cold brew green tea. Look for varieties that suit your taste preferences, whether you prefer grassy, floral, or mildly sweet notes.
- Cold Brew Tea Ratio - Combine the tea leaves or tea bags with cold water in a pitcher or jar. Use a ratio of 2-3 grams of tea leaves per 8 ounces of water. Tea bags vary from 1.5 to 2 grams of leaves per bag. Cold brew the green tea overnight for a stronger infusion.
- Chill and Steep - Pop your container in the fridge and let the tea steep for 8 to 12 hours, depending on how strong you like it. The longer it steeps, the more intense the flavor will be, ensuring that you get the full benefits of cold brew green tea.
- Serve and Enjoy- Once steeped, strain out the tea leaves and pour your cold brew green tea over ice. Add a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint for an extra burst of freshness. Sit back, relax, and savor the satisfying taste of your homemade cold brew green tea.
Conclusion
Cold brew green tea is a great grab-and-go beverage. Prepare a batch in advance and keep it in the fridge for whenever you need a thirst quenching pick-me-up. So, whether you're lounging by the pool, powering through a workday, or simply craving a refreshing iced sip, cold brew green tea has got you covered. It's a simple, satisfying beverage that's as easy to love as it is to make!
Written by Cheri Mula & Byron Goo
Reference
The International Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemical Research retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319352099_Evaluation_of_Antioxidant_Status_in_Cold_Brewed_Tea_with_Respect_to_Hot_Decoction_Comparative_Study_Between_Green_and_Black_Varieties
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