The Cold Water Brewing Method
Tea leaves contain tannins - polyphenols that are high in antioxidants, and caffeine - a stimulant that energizes the mind and body, both of which can translate as bitterness and astringency. Tea leaves also contain L-theanine - an amino acid that provides an overall umami (savory taste), sweet complexity and calming effects on the mind and body. When paired with caffeine, L-theanine can improve cognitive function and increase overall alertness.
If tea is brewed at a high temperature, tannins and caffeine will dissolve into the water and can make the tea taste slightly bitter. However, if tea is prepared and steeped slowly at a low temperature, the tannins and caffeine will hardly dissolve into the water, and L-theanine, the amino acid, can be more present.
With the cold water brewing method, the cold water draws out, or pulls the flavor from the leaf as opposed to hot water, used in traditional brewing which pushes the flavor from the leaf. This is why tea prepared with cold water is rarely bitter or astringent, and instead has a mild, naturally sweet, yet rich flavor, portraying the inherent nature of tea leaves.
How to prepare a Cold Water Brew with your steeping vessel of choice ::
You will need
- Clean jar or pitcher
- Loose tea leaves (1.5 x the amount you would normally use)
- Cold water and a lid
Directions
- Place tea leaves into vessel or tea filter
- Fill the vessel with room temperature or cold water
- Place the lid on your vessel and place in fridge for 4-10 hours
Let steep in the fridge for 4-10 hours, depending on the type of tea or tisane ::
- less steeping time for white teas, green teas and wiry/flat oolongs
- more steeping time for rolled oolongs
- the most steeping time for pu-erhs, herbal infusions and black teas
A great tip for preparing large amounts of iced tea is to make ice cubes from the tea. This allows for keeping the tea chilled without diluting the flavour.
A word of caution - brewed tea has a shelf life!
For best results, tea stored at room temperature is best enjoyed within 2 days and tea stored in the refrigerator is best enjoyed within 3-4 days.
Happy Steeping!
