Cold Brewed Coffee
Cold brew coffee is gaining traction in the world of specialty coffee and is quickly becoming a staple in many coffee shops. What is cold brew coffee, is there a difference between cold brew and iced coffee? And what sets it apart from other methods of coffee brewing?.. Cold brew coffee is a specific type of coffee that is brewed with cold water over a longer period of time than other methods, resulting in a distinct flavor profile and a smooth, robust cup of coffee. On this website, we’ll explore what cold brew coffee is, how to make cold brew coffee, the brewing method behind it and why it’s becoming increasingly popular. Whether you’re new to specialty coffee or a self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur, we’ll explain why cold brew coffee is worth exploring.
Difference between Cold Brew and Iced Coffee?
1. What is Cold Brew Coffee?
What is cold brew coffee? Cold brew coffee is a method of making coffee that involves steeping coffee grounds in cold or room-temperature water for an extended period of time, typically 8-24 hours. This method of making coffee produces a smooth, rich, and full-bodied cup that is less acidic than coffee made with hot brewing methods. The finished product is usually served over ice or mixed with other ingredients like cream, milk, and sugar. Cold brew coffee is becoming increasingly popular due to its convenience, versatility, and its smooth, mellow flavor.
2. The "Cold Brew" Brewing process
Cold brew coffee is a type of coffee that is brewed in cold water for an extended period of time. This process results in a smooth, sweet, and full-bodied cup. As opposed to hot brewing, cold brewing does not use the traditional coffee-making methods such as an espresso machine or a French press. Instead, the cold-brewing process involves steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold or room temperature water for 12 to 24 hours. This method extracts the flavors of the coffee without bringing out the bitter and acidic notes, resulting in a smooth, sweet, and full-bodied cup.
3. Taste and flavor profile
Cold brew coffee has a unique taste and flavor profile. It has a smooth, mellow flavor, without the bitterness that regular coffee can have. The flavor of a cold brew will depend on the beans used, their roast, and the grind size, but it generally has a more subtle and delicate taste than regular coffee. Additionally, cold brew tends to have a higher caffeine content than regular coffee, so it can give you a significant energy boost!
4. Cold Brew growing popularity in recent years
Cold brew coffee has grown in popularity in recent years due to its smooth taste and the convenience of being able to make it at home. This is because cold brew coffee is made using cold or room-temperature water, which is much slower and gentler than the hot water used to make traditional coffee. This results in a less bitter, more flavorful cup of coffee. Cold brew coffee is also less acidic than hot brew and higher in caffeine, making it a great choice for those looking for a pick-me-up. Additionally, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, which makes it a great option for busy households.
5. Health benefits of cold brew coffee
Cold brew coffee is becoming increasingly popular for its smooth and flavorful taste. But beyond its deliciousness, it also boasts some impressive health benefits. Cold brew coffee contains more antioxidants and less caffeine than other forms of coffee, making it a healthier option for coffee drinkers. It also contains compounds that reduce inflammation, increase energy levels, and improve overall brain function. In addition, it is less acidic than regular coffee, which helps to reduce the risk of heartburn and other stomach issues. Finally, because cold brew coffee is brewed with cold water, it also reduces the risk of burnt coffee grounds, which can lead to carcinogens entering into the drink.
To conclude, cold brew coffee is a convenient and refreshing way to enjoy your favorite coffee flavor. Cold brew coffee is typically stronger than regular coffee and can be made with different types of beans and flavors. It is an ideal beverage for those hot summer days and can be enjoyed iced or hot depending on your preference. With its rich flavor and smooth texture, cold brew coffee is sure to become a beloved addition to any coffee lover's routine.
Pros of Cold Brew:
Smoother & more mellow taste
Less acidity
No bitterness
Stronger coffee (good for folks who like espresso or energy drinks)
Quick prep (only a few minutes to put together & then it's all hands-off)
Cons of Cold Brew:
Longer to make start to finish (most is inactive infusing time - worth it in my opinion)
Best with dark or medium blend roasts (I think that's actually a pro, but light roast lovers will think it's a con)
Stella Blue Cold Brew
Stella Blue Cold Brew Coffee is a type of cold brew coffee made from 100% Arabica beans. The coffee beans are roasted in small batches and then brewed slowly using cold water for more than 12 hours. This special process creates a coffee that is smooth and packed with flavor, while also being less acidic compared to regular hot-brewed coffee.You can find Stella Blue Cold Brew Coffee in different flavors such as Original, Vanilla Nut, and French Toast. It is available for purchase online or at specific stores.
What I liked about Stella Blue Cold Brew Coffee:
The coffee is smooth and flavorful.
It is less acidic than traditional hot-brewed coffee.
There are a variety of flavors to choose from.
The coffee is easy to make.
The Cold Brew Store
Cold Brew Coffee Items
How to make Cold Brew Coffee
When you brew coffee slowly in cold water, it is less acidic than if you brew it hot. You can use this concentrate straight over ice, or microwave half a mug of coffee and then add a half cup of boiling water for quick hot coffee. Develop your own ratio of coffee to water to suit your taste.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes (plus 12 hour resting time)
Servings: 5 cups coffee
Ingredients:
½ pound coarsely ground coffee beans
4 ½ cups cold water
cheesecloth
coffee filters
Directions:
Step one:
Put coffee grounds in a large container. Slowly pour water over the grounds.
Step two:
Cover bowl with plastic wrap and steep at room temperature for 18 to 24 hours.
The steeping time for cold brew coffee is flexible. Depending on your schedule, you can let it steep overnight or for 12 hours. I've read that some people steep it for 18 hours or even 24 hours. Starbucks steeps their cold brew coffee for 20 hours. If you accidentally steep yours longer, it's no big deal. Your concentrate may taste a little bit stronger, but it's still perfectly fine to drink.
Step three:
Place a strainer lined with cheesecloth over a pitcher and pour coffee through it to strain out the grounds. Discard the grounds. To get a clearer brew, strain the coffee again through coffee filters. Store in the refrigerator.
We suggest using cheese cloth, but cheese cloth can be difficult to work so I experimented with other options and found two that work well: thin paper coffee filters and vintage handkerchiefs. To strain, place the filter or cloth over a liquid measuring cup or pitcher. Pour the concentrate through it, allowing the concentrate to drip into your container.
Cold Brewing Tips:
Tip #1: Use quality water
Do not forget that water makes up over 98% of your coffee. If your water tastes bad, so will your coffee. Use clean filtered water to make good coffee.
Tip #2: Grind your own beans
It is best to grind your own coffee beans to get the freshest cup of coffee each time. Pre-ground coffee beans begin to lose their aroma as soon as they are ground. The best tasting coffee is ground immediately before the brewing process.
Tip #3: Use a coarse grind
Beans should be coarsely ground; if too fine, over-extraction of flavors will occur. Steeping cold brew coffee for 12-24 hours results in more bitter and cloudy coffee if grounds are too fine.
Tip #4: Use medium-dark roast
If you are looking for the traditional cold brew taste, you should use medium to dark roast beans. However, if you want a milder, almost tea-like, cold brew flavor, you can try lightly roasted coffee.
Tip #5: Brew slow...
As a general rule, cold brew coffee should be refrigerated for 12 to 24 hours. However, over-brewing could lead to really bitter coffee. If you are brewing the coffee at room temperature as opposed to refrigerated, or if you are using a different extraction method, you may need to reduce the brewing time.
Tip #6: How long does Cold Brew coffee stay good in the refrigerator?
I love cold brew coffee, but sometimes I wonder if it's okay to leave it in the refrigerator for a couple weeks. The answer is yes! You can actually keep your cold brew for about two weeks and still enjoy its flavor.You've probably noticed that cold brew tastes different from hot coffee. Cold brew has a much less acidic taste and is gentler on your stomach and makes it really the perfect way to get your caffeine fix for the day. It may seem like cold brew coffee is a bit finicky, but you can actually keep it in your refrigerator for about two weeks (or longer!).
Here's why: because brewing at room temperature doesn't extract all of the flavors from the beans when made into hot coffee, cold brew doesn't have any of the bitter tannins that make up part of what gives hot coffee such a bitter taste after it sits on your tongue long enough. Once brewed, there are fewer acids left over than there would be in regular hot-brewed coffee. (which means less acidity).
Over time you may notice:
Cold Brew Coffee may lose caffeine levels with time. A study published in the Journal of Food Science found that cold brew coffee loses its caffeine content over time, even if it's chilled or frozen. The study tested a variety of different cold-brew methods, including French press, drip filter and immersion methods. After three days in the refrigerator, all types of cold brew retained about 50% of their original caffeine content. After 10 days, however, only 40% remained and after 30 days there was only 25%. You may also notice the color of your cold brew changing, this is probably caused by oxidation. Oxidation can also cause staling or bitterness in certain types of foods such as cheese or bread—the same thing happens with coffee! To prevent this from happening to your precious stash of homemade cold brews, store them in an airtight container away from any source of light (i.e., sunlight) for up to a couple weeks after making them.
There you have it. Cold brew coffee is easy to make, but you’ll want to keep it in the refrigerator. The good news is that it lasts a long time and doesn't require much effort on your part.
more coming soon...
Easy Pour Stainless Steel Spigot Tap, Removable Fine Mesh Filter, Extra Thick Glass Cold Brew Pitcher Brewing System Iced Coffee Maker. Refrigerator Safe.
The Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker is a durable pitcher with an airtight lid and non-slip silicone handle. It produces 4 servings of smooth cold brew with any type of coffee grounds. One Quart, Black
Yzurbu 200pcs Cold Brew Coffee Filter Bags, No Mess Disposable Filter Bag with Drawstring for Coffee Grounds & Ice Tea
Cheesecloth, Grade 90, 36 Sq Feet, Reusable, 100% Unbleached Cotton Fabric, Ultra Fine Cheese Cloth for Cooking
