Every tea aficionado knows that there are a myriad of ways to enjoy a good cup of tea. But, do you know the difference between cold-brewed teas and hot-brewed teas? Let’s take a look at how these two beloved brews are created, and what makes them so different from each other.
The Brewing Process
When it comes to hot-brewed teas, the process is quite straightforward. You simply steep your favourite tea in a cup of boiling water for several minutes before straining it and serving it. This is the traditional way that most people make their teas, but there is another way as well—cold brewing! Cold brewing is, as its name implies, a process which involves using cold or room temperature water to steep your tea leaves over an extended period of time - usually several hours or overnight. The result is a much milder flavour than you would get with hot-brewing, as the cooler temperatures don't extract as many tannins from the leaves.
Taste Test
Most tea connoisseurs can detect subtle differences in taste between cold-brewed and hot-brewed teas. Hot-brewing typically yields more full-bodied flavours since heat helps to bring out more of the tannins in the tea leaves. Alternatively, cold brewed teas tend to have more subtle flavours due to less tannin extraction. Additionally, cold brewed teas have less caffeine than their hot counterparts since they are steeped at lower temperatures for longer periods of time. This makes them great for those who like to enjoy their cuppa without all of the caffeine kick!
So now that you know what makes cold-brewed and hot-brewed teas so different from each other, why not try both? With their unique flavour profiles and health benefits, there’s no reason not to give both methods a go! Whether you prefer your cup of tea steaming hot or chilled over ice cubes on a sunny day – happy brewing!
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