【5 Health Benefits of Cold Brew Green Tea】 Why You Should Drink It This Summer !

【5 Health Benefits of Cold Brew Green Tea】 Why You Should Drink It This Summer !

A gift of green tea from a tea master

Let me share with you a little bit about green tea before my latest obsession: Cold-brew green tea.

I learned about this refreshing beverage from a good friend of mine, a tea whisk master.

Their front yard with Bamboo object

Tanimura Tango

These experts know every secret to making exquisite matcha, so when someone with such a refined palate enjoys a tea, you know it’s something special.

It all started when he gifted me some of this green tea.

Gyokuro Karigane (玉露かりがね)

When I tried One sip of hot green tea, and I was completely hooked by its incredible flavor.

In fact, it was so good that I immediately asked him where to order and got some for myself.

And I’m not alone in my enthusiasm – everyone who tries it can’t stop talking about how delicious it is!

Green tea is traditionally enjoyed as a hot drink and is produced in various regions, each offering unique flavors.

Prices can range from as low as ¥500 for 200g (7oz) to around ¥10,000 for premium varieties. However, a higher price doesn’t always guarantee better taste or a match for your preferences.

This particular green tea costs ¥2,000, and it’s the best I’ve ever tasted! I don’t drink any other green tea anymore

My first Cold-brew green tea

On a particularly sweltering summer day, I visited Tanimura’s studio.

He served me Cold-brew green tea, and I was utterly amazed! The flavor was wonderfully mellow without a hint of bitterness, brimming with the natural sweetness and umami that only truly great tea possesses.

Curious about his method, I asked how he prepared it.

His answer surprised me – he simply cold-brewed the same tea leaves.

I was astonished! Could cold brewing alone really transform tea so dramatically?

Now, you might be wondering:

“Isn’t this just like chilling hot-brewed tea over ice?”

Let me assure you, the difference is remarkable!

Cold-brewing extracts the tea’s flavors in a unique way, resulting in a smoother, more nuanced taste profile.

It’s a simple technique that yields extraordinary results, proving that sometimes the most delightful culinary discoveries are also the most unexpected.

How does Cold-brew Green Tea taste like?

Cold brew green tea has a unique taste profile compared to hot-brewed green tea. Here’s what you can expect from its flavor:

Smooth and Mild: Cold brewing extracts the flavors more gently, resulting in a smoother, less astringent taste. This process often reduces the bitterness and astringency that can be present in hot-brewed green tea.

Subtle Sweetness: Many people find cold brew green tea to have a subtle, natural sweetness that is more pronounced than in hot brews. This is due to the lower extraction of catechins, which are responsible for bitterness.

Fresh and Refreshing: The cold brewing method brings out fresh, crisp notes in the tea, making it a refreshing drink, especially on hot days.

Delicate Vegetal Flavors: The tea retains its characteristic green tea flavor but with a lighter, more delicate vegetal and grassy undertone. This can make it more appealing to those who find hot-brewed green tea too intense.

Lower Bitterness: Cold brew green tea has less bitterness and is less likely to develop a strong, overpowering taste, even if steeped for longer periods.

Not only is it delicious, cold-brewed green tea also has some amazing health benefits.

This refreshing beverage perfectly embodies a key aspect of Japanese food culture: the harmonious blend of flavor and nutrition.

5 Health benefits of Cold-brew green tea

Cold-brewed green tea offering a drink that’s both satisfying to the palate and beneficial to the body.

Boosts Immunity

  • Cold brew green tea extracts more catechins, which are powerful antioxidants, compared to hot brewing. These catechins help strengthen the immune system, protecting against various illnesses.

Promotes Better Sleep

  • With lower caffeine levels, cold brew green tea is less likely to interfere with sleep. Additionally, theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, has relaxing properties that can enhance the quality of sleep.

Supports Cognitive Health

  • Theanine is also known to support cognitive health and may help in preventing dementia. It works by promoting calmness and mental clarity, which are beneficial for overall brain function.

Antibacterial Properties

  • Cold brew green tea can boost the secretion of antibacterial substances in saliva, which may help protect against infections like COVID-19 and flu by enhancing the body’s natural defense mechanisms.

Enhances Skin Health

  • Rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants, cold brew green tea promotes healthy skin by reducing oxidative stress and supporting collagen production, leading to a more radiant complexion.

How to make Cold-brew green tea

Making Cold-brew green tea is incredibly simple and refreshing!

To start, combine 1 tablespoon of green tea leaves with 1 cup of cold water. Let it steep in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, or ideally overnight for about 8 hours. This allows the flavors to fully develop.

When serving, gently pour out the tea without squeezing the leaves, as squeezing can release unwanted bitterness. Enjoy the tea within 2-3 days for the best flavor.

You can adjust the strength by adding more green tea leaves, but it’s not recommended to use less, as it may result in a weak flavor.

The leftover tea leaves can be reused for a milder, second brew. While the flavor will be lighter, it’s a great way to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Give cold brew green tea a try—it’s a perfect, refreshing drink for any time of the day!

If you’re looking for a refreshing new way to enjoy green tea, especially during the warm months, I highly recommend giving cold-brewing a try. It might just become your new favorite tea experience!

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