Tea, this ancient and elegant beverage, has traditionally been enjoyed by steeping it in hot water to release its fragrance and flavor. In the rising steam, we savor the richness and sweetness of the tea leaves, experiencing the charm of traditional culture. However, with the evolution of times and the acceleration of life's pace, a novel way of brewing tea—the “cold-brew method”—has emerged, bringing a unique touch of coolness to scorching summers.

I. Definition and Characteristics of the Cold-Brew Method

The cold-brew method, as the name suggests, is a unique approach to steeping tea using cold water, completely overturning the conventional concept of brewing tea with hot water. The cold water used here isn't ice-cold but rather cooled boiled water or room-temperature mineral water. Compared to traditional hot-brewing methods, cold-brewing tea has distinct characteristics.

Due to the lower water temperature, the flavor components of the tea leaves seep out more slowly, requiring a longer steeping time—usually several hours before you can taste its deliciousness. However, it is precisely this slow-release process that endows cold-brewed tea with a unique mouthfeel and flavor. The tea liquor is clear and bright, with a fresh and sweet taste, lacking the bitterness often associated with hot-brewed tea, adding an element of natural purity.

II. Detailed Steps for the Cold-Brew Method

To help you better master the cold-brew method, we'll use West Lake Longjing tea as an example to detail the process of cold brewing.

Preparation:

First, prepare the necessary tools: mineral water, tea vessel, tea measure, tea spoon, Teapot, and tea cloth, etc.

Cold-Brew Steps:

1. Place the Tea: Gently place an appropriate amount of tea leaves into the tea vessel using the tea spoon. Note the amount of tea leaves; generally, the ratio of tea to water is 1:50, which can be adjusted according to personal taste.

2. Moisten the Leaves: Pour a small amount of cooled boiled water into the tea vessel to slightly moisten the tea leaves. This step helps the tea leaves release their flavors more effectively during subsequent steeping.

3. Brew the Tea: Pour the prepared mineral water into the tea vessel, ensuring the tea leaves are fully submerged in the water.

4. Observe: While waiting for the tea to steep, you can admire the tea leaves as they unfurl in the water, savoring the tranquility and beauty of the moment.

The entire brewing process requires your patience. Since the internal substances of the tea leaves are released more slowly when cold-brewed, it is recommended to steep for about 10 minutes. However, remember that steeping time is not absolute and can be adjusted according to personal taste and the type of tea.

III. Numerous Benefits of the Cold-Brew Method

1. Preserves Beneficial Substances

Tea contains over 700 different substances and is highly nutritious. However, the traditional method of boiling water can destroy many of these nutritional components. In recent years, tea experts have been working to find methods that preserve both the original flavor of tea and its nutritional content, and the cold-brew method is one successful attempt.

Studies show that the content of various chemical components in cold-brewed tea gradually increases with steeping time, with the most significant changes occurring within the first two hours. After a certain period, the changes in solubility become more gradual. Surprisingly, after eight hours of steeping, the content of most components in the cold-brewed tea is higher than in hot-brewed tea, except for caffeine.

2. Reduces “Four Highs” and Has Anti-Cancer Effects

For people with diabetes, brewing tea with hot water may not be the best choice. Hot water severely damages polysaccharides in tea that help reduce blood sugar levels and also quickly releases caffeine and theophylline, which are not conducive to lowering blood sugar. Cold-brewing tea with cooled water, however, allows the full release of polysaccharides due to prolonged steeping, providing a beneficial effect on diabetic patients.

In addition, cold-brewed tea performs well in preventing “four highs” (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar, and high Uric acid) and has anti-cancer effects.

3. Does Not Affect Sleep

Many people experience insomnia after drinking tea at night, mainly due to the stimulating effects of caffeine in tea. The cold-brew method effectively addresses this issue. By steeping green tea in cold water for 4 to 8 hours, beneficial catechins are fully extracted while the release of caffeine is less than half of what is achieved with hot brewing. This brewing method allows you to enjoy the benefits of tea without compromising sleep quality.

IV. Types of Tea Suitable for Cold Brewing

Not all types of tea are suitable for the cold-brew method. Choosing the right tea is essential for brewing delicious cold-brewed tea.

New teas are often the preferred choice for cold brewing, as their fresh taste and rich aroma can be fully expressed, allowing you to taste the true essence of the tea leaves.

In terms of fermentation degree, lightly fermented teas are more suitable for cold brewing. For example, green tea is refreshing and has a characteristic of being unfermented, allowing it to release a more fragrant and sweet taste in cold water. Lightly fermented Oolong teas, such as the Qingxiang Tieguanyin, combine floral and tea aromas, offering a distinctive flavor when cold-brewed. White teas like Baihao Yinzhen and Pai Mu Tan have tender buds and leaves with a pronounced downy aroma, making them particularly sweet and refreshing when cold-brewed.

V. Experimentation and Innovation

While pursuing tradition and classics, we should also bravely experiment with new ways of brewing tea. The cold-brew method is not only an innovation but also a pursuit of a higher quality of life. On hot summer days, brewing yourself a cup of sweet and refreshing cold-brewed tea allows your body and mind to relax and nourish in coolness and tranquility.

Whether during busy work breaks or leisurely weekend moments, a cup of cold-brewed tea can be your perfect companion. It not only quenches thirst and cools you down but also offers a unique sensory enjoyment.

Dear tea lovers, let us embark on this wonderful journey of cold-brewed tea together. This summer, write your own story of coolness with a cup of cold-brewed tea.