Tea is one of the most widespread drinks in the world. The beginnings of tea drinking go back a long way in China.
The word tea comes from their CHA letters. The culture of drinking is not just refreshment, it is a real ritual that, right from the preparation itself, symbolizes the passage of an individual through life. He was supposed to get closer with ritual drinking unity of nature and liberation.
The ceremony of drinking tea is known all over the world, and this drink is becoming more and more popular in our country as well. A wide selection of fruit, herbal and real teas with which we spoil our taste buds, despite their simple preparation, are suitable drink for different occasions. Because of its aroma, the tea is drunk warm, but it can also be prepared with cold water, as it acquires a less bitter taste due to the tannin.
However, not every type of tea is suitable for the "cold brew" method. We will reveal to you why this is so and which types of tea can be enjoyed cold without any problems.
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Why not every tea is suitable for cold preparation
Herbal, rooibos and fruit teas are poured with hot water and left to stand for a while to develop their aroma. Since their leaves and flowers are only dried and unprocessed, there is a danger that various microbes will develop in them over time. Therefore, it is necessary to cook such teas in hot water to kill possible microbes.
Which types of tea are suitable for cold brewing?
The following varieties are suitable for cold preparation of tea: green tea, black tea, oolong or white tea. When making cold tea, just pour its contents over cold or mineral water and let it stand for a few hours. This is how the tea develops its own full flavor, without losing its intense aroma. The bitter substances contained in the teas are activated more slowly due to the cold temperature.
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The difference between cold and iced tea is that you first brew iced tea in warm water and then cool it. Prepare cold tea (Cold Brew) with cold water, to which you can also add ice and additives. You only need to prepare cold tea tea, cold water and time.
How to make basic iced tea
Place the selected tea bags or tea leaves at the bottom of a large container or glass jug. Pour over cold water, you can also use mineral water. Cover the container and refrigerate for at least 15 hours. Then remove the bags.
You can also add different combinations of additives to cold tea:
- halved strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, a sprig of fresh mint
- orange slices, lemon slice, lime slice, blueberry slice, 1-2 fresh basil leaves
- orange slices, halved strawberries, blueberries, a sprig of fresh thyme
- peach slices, raspberries, 1-2 mint leaves
- pieces of watermelon, sliced cucumber, basil leaves
How to sweeten cold iced tea
Regular sugar simply does not dissolve in cold liquids. For sweetening, it is better to use other types of sweeteners, such as various syrups (maple syrup or agave syrup) or liquid honey, which you first melt in hot water.
