Should you drink your tea hot or cold?

Let’s explore the difference between brewing tea with hot water and cold water.

Keep in mind, cold tea can refer to either cold brew tea or chilled hot tea (different thing!). Both brewing methods bring out distinct flavors, compounds, and caffeine levels, offering unique benefits and tastes. If you're a fan of green tea or experimenting with different styles, knowing the difference between brewing tea hot vs cold can enhance your tea experience.

What is Cold Brew Tea?

Cold brew tea involves steeping tea leaves in cold or room-temperature water for several hours, typically 4-8 hours in the refrigerator. Unlike traditional hot brew tea, where high temperature water quickly extracts flavours, cold brew tea gently draws out flavours over time. This slower process gives cold brew tea a smoother, less bitter taste and enhances its natural sweetness.

Cold Brew Tea vs Hot Brew Tea: The Science

The differences in taste between cold brewed tea and hot brewed tea come from the varying extraction rates of chemical compounds in tea leaves. According to research published by the Tea and Beverage Research Station, Ministry of Agriculture, cold brewed green tea over 4 hours releases specific catechins like EGC and EC at 148.15% and 134.13% of their levels in a 5-minute hot brew. On the other hand, ester-type tea catechins like EGCG only reach 53.39% in cold brew compared to hot tea.

Cold Brew Green Tea releases:

• Less caffeine (32.09% of hot brew levels)

• More free amino acids (180.5% of hot brew levels)

• Less bitter compounds, resulting in a smoother, milder taste

Hot Tea extracts:

• Higher levels of caffeine quickly

• Stronger, more aromatic flavours

• More bitter compounds like tannins and catechins

Cold Brew Tea: A Perfect Summer Drink

Cold brew tea is especially popular in the summer (especially in Malaysia! where its summer 24/7) due to its refreshing taste and low bitterness. With less caffeine and more amino acids, cold brewed green tea offers a lighter, umami-rich flavor profile that pairs perfectly with hot weather. Green teas like Sencha (steamed green tea), Longjing, and Biluochun are ideal for cold brewing due to their high amino acid content.

Why Cold Brew Tea is Healthier for Some

For those who are sensitive to caffeine or dislike the bitterness of hot tea, cold brewed tea can be a better option. Since cold brewing releases significantly less caffeine and fewer tannins, it's easier on the stomach and has a more delicate flavor.

Cold brew tea also contains higher levels of certain antioxidants, like amino acids, that may offer more health benefits compared to hot tea. This makes cold brew tea a great option for those looking to enjoy the nutritional benefits of tea without the strong, sometimes bitter taste of hot brews.

How to Cold Brew Tea: Simple Steps

1. Choose Your Tea: Green teas, white teas, and lightly oxidized oolong teas work best for cold brewing.
2. Choice of Container: Opt for airtight or sealed containers when cold brewing tea to prevent bacteria growth during refrigeration.
3. Water: Use pure or filtered water. Simply steep your tea in room temperature water, then chill it in the fridge.
4. Brew Ratio: Use 3g of tea (or 1 teabag) per 1 litre of water.
5. Steep Time: Allow the tea to steep in the refrigerator for 4-8 hours.
6. Serve: Strain and enjoy! You can also add fruit (doubles as a natural sweetener) , herbs, or flowers to enhance the flavour.

The SUPER LAZY Way:

Just grab a bottle of water (any kind will do!), take a sip to create some space, add your tea, and pop it in the fridge. That’s it!

Cold Brew Tea Tips

• Tea Type Matters:

• While any tea can be cold-brewed, some teas are more suited than others. Different teas offer distinct flavours when cold brewed. Feel free to experiment around with your fav!

• Tea Leaf Shape Matters:

• The shape of tea leaves impacts the extraction time. Tightly rolled leaves take longer to release their flavors, while powdered teas, with more surface area exposed, extract more quickly.

• Water Temperature:

• Cold brew is not the same as cooling down hot-brewed tea. Using room temperature or cold water from the start is key to achieving the smooth flavor of cold brew tea.

• Cost-Effective Choice:

• Cold brew tea provides a high-quality alternative to store-bought beverages, often at a similar or lower price point. By brewing your own, you not only save money but also enjoy the benefits of fresh, natural ingredients free from artificial additives. Plus, you can customise flavours and strength to suit your personal taste, making it a healthier and more satisfying option for tea lovers.

• Storage:

• Cold brew tea can last up to a week if kept away from temperature changes and saliva.

• Stay Chill & Cool 😎🧊:

• Once your cold brew tea is steeped, freeze it for a refreshing, portable drink. Ideal for hikes, beach, or outdoor activities, it stays cold longer and melts gradually, giving you a continuous supply of chilled tea. Perfect for staying cool and hydrated on the go!

Conclusion: Cold Brew Tea vs Hot Tea – Which is Better?

Both cold brew tea and hot brew tea have their own unique benefits!

Cold brew tea offers a smoother, less bitter flavour with lower caffeine content, making it perfect for those who prefer a more delicate taste. On the other hand, hot brew tea provides a quicker, richer, and more intense flavour profile, ideal for those seeking a stronger tea experience.

Whether you enjoy the freshness of cold brew or the boldness of hot tea, knowing how each brewing method affects taste, caffeine and health benefits will help you choose the right option for any occasion.

Reference:

Dai, J., Qiu, Q., Chen, G., & Yang, M. (2015). Optimal Cold Brew Conditions for Different Tea Types. 茶情雙月刊, Issue 79. Tea and Beverage Research Station, Ministry of Agriculture. Retrieved from https://www.tbrs.gov.tw/upload/tres/files/web_structure/2046/1040624-5.pdf