The process involves steeping tea leaves in cold or room temperature water for an extended period, typically several hours or overnight. This method extracts the tea’s flavor compounds more gently compared to using hot water. For example, green tea leaves steeped in cold water for 12 hours produce a smoother, less bitter beverage than conventionally brewed green tea.
Cold brewing yields a tea with reduced astringency and bitterness due to the slower extraction of tannins and catechins at lower temperatures. This results in a naturally sweeter, smoother flavor profile. This method can unlock subtle nuances often masked by the harsher notes present in hot-brewed tea. Furthermore, it can be a simpler and more convenient process, requiring no heating elements or specialized equipment.