How to Cold-Brew Loose Leaf Tea June 18 2014

Summer is here, and tea enthusiasts worldwide are looking for a way to escape the heat while maintaining their passion for drinking quality loose-leaf tea.  Cold-brewing tea adds a completely new dimension to the tea drinking experience, and is both easier and more delicious than one might expect.

 

The first beautiful thing about cold-brewing is that the tea will be completely void of any bitterness or astringency.  As opposed to steeping tea leaves in hot water, cold-brewing will extract less tannins – the chemical compounds known to cause bitterness in tea – and will also give the tea a different flavor profile.

 

Did we mention that cold-brewing loose teas is one of the easiest things to do in the world?  You can create a large quantity of a delicious high-quality beverage while you dream about it during the night.  Just follow these simple steps:

1. Add loose tea - about 7.5 grams per 500 ml - to a clean pitcher or jar
2. Add cold filtered water and cover with lid
3. Place in refrigerator for 4 - 8 hours (before you go to sleep)
4. Strain tea leaves and enjoy

 

All of our teas can be cold-brewed, however we particularly recommend our Bi Luo Chun Green Tea as many argue that it tastes even better drunk cold than hot.  Our Li Shan High Mountain Oolong and Eastern Beauty Oolong are two other teas that are a must try for cold-brewing.

 

Steeping tea is a very customizable and personal experience.   As always, experiment with the amount of tea leaves, brewing time, or additives (sugar, honey, etc.) to make the perfect cold tea for you.  Cold-brewing your tea this summer is a sure way to add a delicious new dynamic to your tea drinking experience.