Summer is here and most people are asking themselves – which one should I drink, hot or cold coffee? Coffee enthusiasts are aware of its importance. Before you start debating, here are some important things that you need to know:
Hot or Cold Coffee?
For most people, drinking cold coffee is more about health reasons. If your friends are drinking cold coffee during those cold winters, then perhaps they have made the right choice.
What Is It About Cold Coffee?
One of the hottest trends in coffee nowadays is cold brew coffee. Aside from being sweet and refreshing, it is also more convenient. For instance, you can simply pop a pod in a machine.
There are different ways of making cold coffee. However, the most common one is making hot coffee, letting it cool, then adding some ice. Another way does not require cold brewing. In other words, the coffee will not be boiled. Just allow it to cool down with the water for a while.
Why is Cold-Brew A Good Option?
When you heat coffee beans, the acidic oil will come out. Cold-brew coffee has about one-third the acidic level of hot coffee. That is why it is safe to say that cold brew is better for health. It is important to know that there is more alkaline content in cold coffee, which is good for the body. Additionally, it can bring benefits to our digestive systems.
On the other hand, your stomach would prefer if you drank cold-brewed coffee rather than hot coffee. Besides keeping you awake, coffee provides a lot of other benefits. However, when you heat your coffee, many of these benefits will be lost.
Which One Tastes Better?
As mentioned above, hot coffee contains acids which are bad for your stomach. Additionally, it can also have a negative impact on your oral health. However, how does your tongue react to all of this? Keep in mind that most people do not like the bitter taste of hot coffee; however, this is complemented by the presence of acids and oils in it. With cold coffee, you won’t be able to taste its bitterness since there are fewer acids present. In fact, scientifically, cold coffee is sweeter.
Which Is Simpler to Make?
Obviously, all of us are busy people. In fact, we barely have any time to make our own cup of Joe. You might find it surprising, but cold brewing is easier to make.
While you are sleeping, be sure to plan your morning food and drink in advance since most likely, your brain won’t function well in the morning. All you need to do is place your coffee mixture in a bowl and leave it overnight. When you wake up in the morning, simply put some ice on it and you’re done. Congratulations, you are now a cold-brewing coffee expert.
After all, at the end of the day, it all depends on your own preference. But if you want something that is good for your health, then go for a cold brew.
How To Make Cold Brew?
Basically, cold brew coffee is made by steeping coffee in cold or room temperature water for several hours. This low-temperature brew makes the coffee taste different from hot brewed coffee. It has low acidity and a mild chocolate flavor. Cold brewing uses time rather than temperature for extraction. Most likely, the cold brewing will take at least 8 hours up to 24 hours, depending on the taste that you desire.
Oftentimes, cold brew coffee is in concentrated form, then it will be diluted, depending on your preferred taste. The brewing ratio of drip coffee and pour-over coffee is usually 1:16, with 1 part of coffee and 16 parts of water. For instance, if you brew 20 grams of ground coffee, you will need 320 mL of water. Cold brewing provides you with endless possibilities, especially with regard to its taste.
Iced Coffee or Cold Brew?
As the name says, iced coffee is simply a regular espresso or a brewed drip coffee with the addition of ice. In other words, a barista would simply get previously brewed coffee, then put some ice in it, and voila, it is now an iced coffee.
The more recent popular versions of iced coffee are flash brew or flash chill. Some steps are required to further enhance the taste of iced coffee. The amount of water added to the coffee is reduced to make up for the ice that dilutes the coffee. The hot-brewed coffee can be cooled down quickly by brewing it into an ice-filled container.
Cold brew takes a longer period since it involves slow steeping. It is completely different from iced coffee, which uses hot brewing to extract flavors and other coffee elements that may not be extracted in cold brew.
Is Cold Brew Coffee Stronger?
You can choose to have a stronger cold brew if you want to. On the other hand, you can also have a weaker one if you desire. One of the greatest misconceptions about cold brew is that it has a high amount of caffeine and is always strong. But this is not exactly the truth. Since a higher ratio is used for coffee to water, the concentrate may contain more caffeine compared to the same amount of hot brewed coffee.
But you should consider that nobody would want to drink cold brew concentrate. Usually, it is mixed with milk, ice, or water. Therefore, the amounts of caffeine in hot brew and cold brew are just the same, unless you want a stronger cold brew concentrate. But how about the cold brew that you bought at the store or from a cafe? Ultimately, the level of strength of cold brew coffee differs from one product to another or from one place to another.
Why Choose Cold Brew?
Cold brewing is ideal for older coffee beans. Additionally, you can prepare large amounts ahead of time, especially for those busy mornings. With cold brew, you can have a convenient, refreshing, and caffeinated beverage early in the morning. Another great feature of cold brew coffee is that it is mild and has low acidity.
Cold brew has less acid than hot brew. Aside from having a mellow and smooth taste, it is also gentle on the stomach. You might be wondering why. Well, according to science, heat has a great impact on extraction. In cold brewing, some acids are left behind; as a result, you can have a mellow, smooth, and flavorful coffee. Additionally, it can last for days and still taste the same.
How Long Does Cold Brew Coffee Last?
Cold brew concentrate should be refrigerated so it can be used for up to 1 and 1/2 weeks. If you are making your own cold brew, then it is recommended that you store it in the refrigerator right after it’s been brewed. Place it in an airtight container and avoid opening it frequently to obtain the best results.
Coffee Man Beverage Services can deliver specialty coffee right to your office. We offer coffee and tea equipment, supplies, and many more. For more information, you can contact us at 714-336-8636 or send us an email at coffeemanbeverages@yahoo.com.
