It's scorching hot, and you've been thinking about enjoying a good cup of coffee for hours, but its temperature deters you. At first, you'd order iced coffee because you're suddenly unaware of the wonderful alternative known as cold brew, which doesn't involve letting the coffee cool or pouring it over ice. No, this process involves making cold brew coffee from start to finish. It's a slow process, but it offers several advantages that make it worth the wait.
According to baristas, cold brew is here to stay and is poised to become a favorite among coffee lovers, both at home and on the go. Cold brew is the complete opposite of espresso, because while espresso takes 25 seconds to be extracted by heat, cold brew coffee takes between 12 and 24 hours to fully extract its essence. This means that the flavor, aroma, and taste are achieved through steeping time, not heat.
This cold-brewed coffee is 60% less acidic and bitter than hot-brewed coffees. Since the coffee grounds are not heated to high temperatures, they do not extract the deeper oils from the bean, making its flavor more intense and less bitter, so the use of sugar is unnecessary.
What is cold brew?
It involves steeping ground coffee in water at room temperature for a period of 24 hours without any temperature adjustment, as it is a cold infusion. As a beverage, it is usually served with milk or over ice. Cold brew coffee is distinguished by its sweeter, less acidic flavors, and more delicate and smooth tones, although it is higher in caffeine.
It's well known that caffeine tends to be more concentrated in cold brews, as their content is seven times higher than in hot brews. This is why it's consumed by those who need energy drinks for physical activity or who require high concentration. This means that the caffeine content in cold brew is higher because the longer it's in contact with water, the more caffeine the bean releases. In short, cold brew really wakes you up.
How to make cold brew?
Cold brewing is very easy. You'll need a grinder, a container, and a cloth strainer or paper filter. After adding the water and coffee, about 100 grams per liter of water, you should let it soak for at least 12 hours, although 24 is recommended, as the longer it steeps, the more flavor is transferred to the water. Then, filter or remove the grounds to obtain the infusion, and that's it: your cold brew coffee. There are a few elements you should keep in mind when preparing your cold brew:
- Grinding coarseness: A medium to coarse grind is recommended, with more surface area in contact with the water.
- Extraction time: The finer the grind, the shorter the extraction time. This can range from 12, 18, and even 24 hours of extraction.
- Extraction method: two are known: by immersion and by drip.
- Water: It should preferably be filtered and be less than 20ºC.
Advantages of cold brew
There are several advantages or differences between cold brew and hot coffee. Let's take a look:
- It is best preserved since you can keep it in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks.
- You can drink it cold or hot.
- It concentrates its antioxidant properties that are usually diminished by heat.
- It's a better-tasting, refreshing drink that can be stored and transported anywhere.
- It is the purest way to enjoy coffee, both for its flavor and aroma, as well as for the effect it produces when consumed.
- It gives you a higher concentration of caffeine, ideal for exercising.
- Cold brew is easier on the digestion of those with sensitive gastrointestinal systems. It's a less acidic and more digestible beverage.
- Cold brew has a fruitier and sweeter flavor and is typically consumed in larger quantities than hot coffee.
Well, now you know that cold brew is a current trend for enjoying a delicious cup of cold-brewed coffee . And since you already know how to prepare it, you should also know that you can get it bottled so you can enjoy it anywhere, anytime. Cold brew is prepared and packaged in factories where it's ready for distribution with a freshness guarantee of up to 180 days. Enjoy it then!
