The Benefits of Brewing Tea in Cold Water
Although not as popular as hot tea, cold-brewed tea is a great way to get the benefits of tea without the potential drawbacks.
What Makes Cold-Brewed Tea Special?
Cold-brewed tea is made by steeping tea in cold or room-temperature water for an extended period of time – usually at least 8 hours. Unlike hot tea, cold-brewed tea does not give off as many bitter compounds, resulting in a tea that is sweeter and smoother tasting. Additionally, cold water extraction extracts fewer of the caffeine compounds resulting in a tea that is lower in caffeine.
Benefits of Cold-Brewed Tea
There are many benefits of cold-brewing tea:
- Reduced risk of oxidation: Tea contains antioxidants that can be destroyed by heat. Cold-brewing tea preserves more of these valuable nutrients.
- Improved taste: Cold-brewed tea is less bitter and has a smoother, more nuanced flavor.
- Lower caffeine levels: Cold-brewing a tea will extract fewer of the caffeine compounds, resulting in a tea lower in caffeine.
Conclusion
Brewing tea in cold water is not as popular yet as hot tea but it offers a host of benefits that make it worth considering. With its lower risk of oxidation, improved taste, and lower caffeine levels, cold-brewed tea is an ideal choice for those looking to get the most out of their tea.