Tea is a beloved beverage enjoyed by people all over the world. While many are familiar with traditional hot tea, there are two popular variations that have gained popularity in recent years: cold brew tea and iced tea. Although they may seem synonymous, they're anything but and there are distinct differences between the two.
In this blog post, we will explore the what makes cold brew tea and iced different.Ā
What is Cold Brew Tea?
Cold brew tea is a method of infusing tea leaves in cold or room temperature water for an extended period of time, typically 6 to 12 hours. This slow extraction process allows the flavors and aromas of the tea leaves to infuse gently into the water, resulting in a smooth, sweet and mellow brew that is still thick, rich and umami. Unlike traditional hot tea, cold brew tea is never exposed to heat, which prevents the release of tannins and bitter compounds. We suggest the Hario Cold Bottle to keep some refreshing cold brew on hand at all times!Ā
What is Iced Tea?
Iced tea, on the other hand, is made by brewing tea leaves in hot water and then cooling it down with ice. The hot water extracts all the flavanoids and compounds from the tea leaves (including the tannic/bitter ones) and more quickly so compared to cold brew tea. Once the tea is brewed, it is poured over ice to chill it. Iced tea can be served sweetened or unsweetened and is often enjoyed with a slice of lemon or a sprig of herbs. To make quick, strong batches of iced tea to pour on ice, we recommend using the very handy and multipurpose Hario Teapot with removable infuser.Ā
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